IFTP FAQs and resources

The housing typologies included in the program are considered discretionary in developed areas (R-CG parcels); the discretionary process will remain in place. This means that notice of posting and advertising is still required, therefore, 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.

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)

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

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, external circulation to our development partners, and require notice of posting and advertising. These applications  may also be subject to appeal.

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

No, it does not take away your right to provide comments on IFTP development permits applications. 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.

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.

As part of IFTP, The City of Calgary has partnered with the designers/copyright owners to develop a catalogue of pre-reviewed housing designs that meet municipal standards. While these designs are available to streamline the development permit process, it is important to note that fees will apply. Customers can expect to incur costs for obtaining the selected plans from the designer/ copyright owner, city fees for application submission and professional services related to preparing and managing the development permit application. 

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.

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

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.
5. - Lower fees: The fees are lower than standard DART Development Permit Fees

The following items will not be considered a "minor" change. If the IFTP pre-reviewed designs reflect any of the following changes, the development permit application will be restreamed through the standard discretionary development permit review process:

• Any changes that cause non-compliance to the Land Use Bylaw regulations. No relaxations will be granted as part of the Infill Fast Track Program 2.0. 
• Changes to building footprint or increase in main floor area of a building.

• Building elevation details (e.g. esthetic changes to doors/windows, color, exterior materials of equal of higher quality)
• Landscaping (e.g. plant species and/or location)
• Interior layout
• Changes to comply with the Alberta Building Code, or to reflect updates to policy or other regulation changes.

• “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

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

• 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: Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 Part 4, Division 2, Section 319

• Rowhouse Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 Part 4, Division 2, Section 287