Preparing for your inspection

Preparing for your inspections

Learn more about what you can do to get ready for your inspections.

Preparing for your building inspections

Why do you need an inspection?

Inspections are part of the approval process and are included in the permit price. Your permit is not complete until your work has passed all required inspections.

Inspectors verify that your completed work meets safety or approval standards, and they can assist if you encounter problems with your project. Having permits approved and completed allows future buyers to verify that The City inspected your work. Remember, any work completed on your home is ultimately the owner’s responsibility. Create a written contract to set clear expectations when working with a contractor. This is a good way to safeguard your investment. For more tips, visit hiring a contractor.

Please note that City inspections are different from third-party home inspections. We ensure that the minimum safety standards of construction and installation are met. For information regarding third-party home inspections, visit buying and selling your home.

Before you book your inspection

Before you can book your building, development, electrical and plumbing inspections, you need to complete the following steps:

Step 1

Step 1

Register for myID account to access city services.

Step 2

Step 2

Apply for your permit via online services application form.

Step 3

Step 3

Wait until you receive a confirmation email that your permit has been issued.

Step 4

Step 4

Book and manage your inspections online using your myID or VISTA account using the online Inspections Booking System. You can find your permit using your Job Access Code (JAC). 

Preparing for your Development Completion Permit inspection

A Development Completion Permit (DCP) is final approval from The City of Calgary that confirms your development has been constructed in full compliance with the associated Development Permit (DP). It is required under the City of Calgary’s Land Use Bylaw 1P2007, Section 47(1) and must be obtained before occupancy or commencement of use. This process verifies that developments are completed as per the approved plans and conditions of approval.  This ensures that key site features such as exterior finishes and elevations, landscaping and parking align with the original development permit.

The approval of a DP application and the release of a development permit does not authorize construction to either commence or continue except in conjunction with all other required permits.   

Why is a DCP required?

The DCP is not just a final checkbox – it serves critical legal, regulatory, and financial purposes:

  • Ensures Compliance: Confirms the final build matches what was approved under the Development Permit.
  • Enables Legal Occupancy: No occupancy may occur until a DCP is issued (unless the DP is exempt).
  • Meet Legal Requirements: To fulfill regulatory requirements under Section 47(1) of the Land Use Bylaw 1P2007.
  • Fairness in Process: Enforces consistent standards and compliance across all developments in the city.

Who needs a DCP

If your development requires a Development Permit, you likely also need a DCP. This includes:

  • Commercial buildings (offices, retail, industrial)
  • Multi-residential developments (apartments, townhomes)
  • Mixed-use buildings (e.g., residential above commercial)
  • Institutional projects (schools, hospitals, religious facilities)
  • Industrial developments
  • Low density residential developments unless DP exempt
  • Change-of-use applications with site changes (e.g., parking, landscaping)
  • Some Sign Applications

How to check:
Review your DP Conditions of Approval. If the DCP is required, it will include a statement like:

“A Development Completion Permit shall be issued before the development is occupied or use is commenced.””

Ready to book your DCP inspection?

Learn what to expect during the DCP process, including requirements, inspections and next steps

  • Prepare for Your Inspection

    Once you’ve booked your inspection, prepare by completing all the inspection requirements for your inspection type.

  • Support

    If you have any questions regarding booking an inspection, please contact the Inspections Call Centre at 403-268-5311. They are available from 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday to Friday.


This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically. ​

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