Subdivision
Before you start
Check the existing land use district for the parcel, to ensure that the proposed use is listed permitted or discretionary use in the Land Use Bylaw. If your proposed development is not a listed use, a land use redesignation may be required prior to subdividing your property, or the application will be rejected. Visit calgary.ca/redesignation for more information.
Similar to the SDAB, the Municipal Government Board (MGB) hears appeals of decisions made by The City of Calgary subdivision and development authorities; however the MGB only hears specific types of appeals that relate to provincial interests. You may file an appeal to the MGB by emailing mgbmail@gov.ab.ca.
To find out which board you should appeal to, you can check the development permit information in the public notices page. If you are unsure which board to submit an appeal to, either board will accept appeals and transfer the appeal to the correct board.
If you wish to consolidate multiple parcels, contact the Alberta Land Titles office. This is not a City of Calgary process.
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What is subdivision?
Subdivision is the process of dividing land into smaller parcels. There are several types of subdivisions.
To determine the appropriate type of subdivision, reference the legal description for the parcel, which is found at the top of the certificate of title. The legal description describes the land contained within the parcel. See Subdivision by instrument and Subdivision by tentative plan below.
Things to consider before applying
Know the land use district for the parcel and the proposed use for development
Check the existing land use district for the parcel, to ensure that the proposed use is a listed permitted or discretionary use in the Land Use Bylaw. If your proposed development is not a listed use, a land use redesignation may be required prior to subdividing your property, or the application will be rejected.
Consider the requirements for parcel development in the applicable land use district
Each of the listed uses has rules that describe the minimum size requirements for parcel width, depth and area.
Pre-application inquiry
If you are not sure if your proposed development is allowable for a parcel of land, you may request a pre-application enquiry. This is a voluntary, non-legislated process where an applicant may request contact with City of Calgarystaff, prior to submitting an application. There may be a fee, if the review cannot be completed over the phone or by email. Please call the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311 to initiate a pre-application inquiry.
Application fees
Subdivision application fees are approved by City Council. Refer to the subdivision fee schedule. Additional fees for services provided by professionals, such as an Alberta Land Surveyor, should also be considered.
Application process
We’re committed to providing you with a timely response on your permit application.
General overview of application process
Subdivision is a two part process. The first part consists of submission, review and subsequent decision. The second part consists of endorsement, registrations and issuance of the new certificates of title.
What documents do I need?
To make a subdivision application, register online at calgary.ca/vista. It normally takes two to three business days to process the registration. An email wil be sent to you with your user ID and temporary password.
Common reasons an application review may be delayed
- Missing documents
- Incomplete plans or forms
- Incorrect subdivision type: this may effect the required application fee and can delay the processing time. Read the definitions for subdivision by instrument and subdivision by plan for clarification.
- The subdivision line goes through a building: If a semi-detached building is to remain on the site, the Real Property Report must state that the proposed property line coincides with the party wall. Note: Real Property Reports are protected by copyright. Any changes must be made by the Alberta Land Surveyor.
Additional information
Corner parcels
Parcels located on a corner may be required to dedicate land for a corner cut, as a condition of subdivision approval. This is a road dedication which is usually 4.5 m by 4.5 m. Parcels located on a corner may need to be wider than the minimum parcel width indicated in the Land Use Bylaw, to provide a wider side building setback. Refer to the Land Use Bylaw for further information.
Existing buildings
Where a proposed property line goes through an existing building, the building must be removed or demolished prior to receiving the final subdivision endorsement. A demolition permit will be required.
If there is an existing semi-detached dwelling on the site and it will remain, the common party wall must coincide with the proposed subdivision line. It must be stated by the Alberta Land Surveyor on the Real Property Report. Additionally, the common party wall must meet requirements of the Alberta Building Code. A building permit may be required to bring the party wall up to appropriate standards.
If an existing building is to remain on the site, in addition to meeting the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw, a building permit may be required to upgrade the side of the building facing the proposed property line. The building must meet the Alberta Building Code requirements.
Existing driveway rehabilitation
Parcels which have an existing driveway may be required to remove the driveway and rehabilitate the sidewalk at the developer's expense. A security deposit may be required prior to the final instrument being signed off.
Additional registrations
There may be further registrations required upon review, such as encroachment agreements, caveats, road dedication agreements or utlity right-of-ways.
Airport Vicinity Protection Area
Properties surrounding the Calgary airport are subject to the Airport Vicinity Protection Area (AVPA) Regulation. This regulation governs land use development and ensures that only compatible land uses are developed that will not impede or negatively affect the operations of the airport, including its runway arrivals and departures. The regulation also specifies heightened sound protection requirements for dwellings and structures built within the AVPA. Visit Airport Vicinity Protection Area for more information.
Contact us
Planning Services Centre
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Live chat: calgary.ca/livechat
Call: 403-268-5311
Web: Planning Services Centre
Development Approvals Review Team
Find Development Approvals Review Team staff to contact about specific applications.