Infill Fast Track Program 2.0 FAQs and resources

FAQs

What will the Infill Fast Track Program 2.0 streamlined process not do?

The housing typologies included in the program are considered discretionary in developed areas (R-CG parcels), therefore, the discretionary process will remain in place. This means that notice posting and advertising are still required. The community will have the opportunity to comment and/or appeal if necessary. If significant changes are needed or the application does not meet the Infill Fast Track process criteria once submitted, it may be removed and placed into the Development Application Review Team (DART) process.

What missing middle typologies will be included in the Catalogue?

The IFTP Catalogue will focus on infill Residential Contextual Grade Oriented R-CG zoned sites. The initial publication will feature the following missing middle typologies:

  • Two (2)-unit semi-detached homes (each with two (2) secondary suites) and two (2) backyard suites
  • Four (4)-unit townhouses (with at least two (2) secondary suites)
  • Four (4)-unit corner rowhouses (with at least two (2) secondary suites)
  • Three (3)-unit corner townhouses (with at least three (3) secondary suites)

Based on the program's success, we aim to explore the inclusion of additional missing middle typologies in future editions.

Does the Infill Fast Track mean the designs are automatically approved at application stage?

Choosing one of these designs may expedite the Development Permit approval process, but approval is not guaranteed. Development Permit applications for this type of built form are discretionary, subject to planning policy review, and require notice posting and advertising. They are also subject to appeal.

What if our designs are not selected?

If your design is not selected, there may be future opportunities to submit. This is a pilot program, and if it proves successful, we hope to offer additional chances to add to the catalogue.

What if my designs don’t meet the minimum criteria?

If your application does not meet the minimum criteria, it will not be considered further for the IFTP Design Evaluation process. Depending on the program's success, we hope to provide opportunities for future submissions to the catalogue.

Why is this program important?

With an estimated increase of 110,000 new residents in Calgary between 2023 and 2028 (sourced from Corporate Economics), The City aims to enhance the availability of high-quality housing availability through the Infill Fast Track Program 2.0 by streamlining the approvals process.

Infill Fast Track Program 2.0 allows us to provide:

  • Improved predictability of service levels, timelines, and costs for this type of development and building application
  • Clear submission requirements
  • Simplified intake and review process
  • Predictable housing forms
  • Availability of pre-reviewed designs, providing opportunities for a range of applicants, including homeowners, to redevelop their properties
  • Faster review and approval timelines, leading to more homes on the ground
  • Increased housing diversity and choice
  • An easier and faster internal process through reduced DART involvement in the review of Infill Fast Track applications

What should I consider before submitting a design?

You may be eligible to submit a design for selection if you answer ‘yes’ to all questions below:

  • Do you have one or two designs that meets the minimum criteria?
  • Can you submit a complete application according to the Infill Fast Track Program 1.0 Design Selection Complete Application List
  • Are you submitting a design for an approved typology:
    • Two (2)-unit semi-detached homes (each with two (2) secondary suites) and two (2) backyard suites
    • Four (4)-unit townhouses (with at least two (2) secondary suites)
    • Four (4)-unit corner rowhouses (with at least two (2) secondary suites)
    • Three (3)-unit corner townhouses (with at least three (3) secondary suites) design
  • Does your design has a minimum of 6 dwellings (primary units and secondary suites combined)?
  • The design you have chosen meets the following site requirements:
    • Have R-CG Land Use District Designation.
    • Have at a minimum 50’ by 120’ dimensions.
    • Be able to accommodate slopes not exceeding 6%.
    • Have 6.1m or greater width lane.
    • No unique setbacks apply (ex: Main Streets or public realm).
    • Have direct connection to all three (3) deep utility services adjacent to the lot.
    • Located outside of flood fringe and/or volume control areas; and
    • Be without heritage designation or Heritage Guideline Area overlay
  • Have you considered choosing a design that aligns with the IFTP Design Evaluation Criteria for an added advantage?
  • Do you have copyright or permission to use the designs submitted in your application?
  • Do you understand and agree to the Application Requirements Legal Acknowledgment?

Does this take away my right to provide comment for development permit applications?

No, it does not take away your right to provide comments. The discretionary process for IFTP development permit applications is still subject to a planning policy review, and require notice posting and advertising, which means the community can comment and/or appeal if necessary. Your input remains an important part of the process

What other similar projects is this IFTP 2.0 work connected to?

This project aligns with  “Home is Here - The City of Calgary's Housing Strategy” and is connected to the draft The Calgary Plan. As work on the draft Calgary Plan and the Draft Zoning Bylaw progresses, additional requirements or changes to the Infill Fast Track Program 2.0 may be necessary in the future.

Why are we using City staff to review?

The design submission is not a procurement or a design competition.  The designs selected are determined based on whether the design meets the minimum criteria, and then further evaluated using IFTP Design Evaluation Criteria. The Design Evaluation Criteria was determined using the City of Calgary Urban Design Guidelines and supported by strategic direction in the Calgary Climate Strategy – Pathways to 2050 and the Municipal Development Plan.

 

How did we get the word out?

  • We launched a City-wide social media campaign
  • We sent out MailChimp newsletters to our subscriber list.
  • We shared information through newsletters and platforms of key industry and community groups, including:
    • Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD)
    • Calgary Inner City Builders Association (CICBA)
    • The Federation of Calgary Communities
  • We also used City communication channels such as:
    • The Planning and Development Services newsletter and webpages
    • The #YYCplan Twitter (X) handle

If a design is featured in the IFTP 2.0 catalogue, does it mean it is automatically approved on every R-CG parcel?

Choosing one of the designs featured in the Catalogue may expedite the Development Permit (DP) review processes. However, approval is not guaranteed. Development Permit applications for these designs are discretionary and subject to planning policy review, notice posting, advertising, and appeal.

Why is this program important to our customers and design submission applicants?

Overall, this program is designed to make the development process more efficient and predictable, benefiting our customers by reducing delays and uncertainties.

  1. Faster approval times: The streamlined processes for Development Permits (DP), mean that customers can expect quicker approval times, reducing the overall project timelines,
  2. Predictable costs and timelines: With consistent and predictable timelines and costs, applicants can better plan their projects and manage budgets more effectively. 
  3. Pre-reviewed designs: Utilizing pre-reviewed designs simplifies the process thereby eliminating the need for additional reviews by the Development Approvals Review Team (DART), further speeding up the process and reducing uncertainty.
  4. Increased housing options: The focus on missing middle housing types and infill development supports a variety of housing options, catering to diverse community needs and housing opportunities for future homeowners.

What is considered an allowable “minor” change?

The following items may be considered "minor" changes to an approved development permit, subject to the discretion of the IFTP team. Changes such as:

  • Comply with the Land Use Bylaw 1p2007 and the Alberta Building Code.
  • Comply with the development completion permit (DCP).
  • Minor changes to:
    • Building elevation details (e.g. doors, windows, balconies and exterior materials, colors)
    • Roof plan details
    • Previously approved phasing plan
    • Landscaping
    • Site plan (not including items in the “not allowable section below)
    • Interior layout

What is not considered an allowable “ minor” change?

The following items will not be considered "minor" changes. If design submissions reflect these changes, they will not be considered for the IFTP 2.0 catalogue.

  • Contradictory to the development permit conditions of approval.
  • Proposing change of use (unless exempt in the LUB under Sections 25, 25.1 and 25.2).
  • Contradictory to applicable statutory policy and guidelines (ARP, ASP).
  • Items that were the subject of a Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) or Land & Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT) hearing, where the development permit was subject to a decision by the Board.
  • Items that were the subject of a letter of objection received during the DP review.
  • Items that were negotiated and determined in the approved development permit.
  • Changes to Prior to Release (PTR) items
  • Increases to gross floor area of a building.
  • Encroachment on a utility right-of-way or easement, access easement, and other such instruments.
  • Proposing development phasing.
  • Changes to:
    • Advertised description of a DP
    • Land use
    • Bylaw relaxation 
    • Number of buildings or building footprints
    • Number of dwelling units
    • Number, size, or location of signs

Definition of terms

Missing middle

  • “The Missing Middle Housing types provide diverse housing options, such as duplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts, and multiplexes. 
  • These house-scale buildings fit seamlessly into existing residential neighborhoods and support walkability, locally serving retail, and public transportation options”
  • missingmiddlehousing.com

DART (Development Applications Review Team)

  • A team of Engineering and Planning generalists and specialists that review Development Applications.

R-CG (Residential - Grade-Oriented Infill District, (R-CG)

  • R-CG (Residential - Grade-Oriented Infill District, (R-CG) - is a residential designation that allows for a variety of housing forms such as single-detached, semi-detached, secondary suites, and rowhouses and may include a secondary suite. Land Use Bylaw - R-CG

Townhouse

Rowhouse

Additional resources

Contact us

For more information, please email InfillFastTrack@calgary.ca.

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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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