Development, building and licensing approvals

Development, building and licensing approval

Working with you to meet approval timeline targets.

How are timeline commitments set?


Our target is to arrive at a decision regarding the permit or licence application within a set number of calendar or business days, at least 80 per cent of the time.

Our timeline commitments are set through examining historical data, input from industry partners and our service committees.  We strive to meet these timelines while working closely with you and the unique needs of your project.

How long do permit and licensing approvals take?


The timeline starts when a complete application is received. The timeline includes City and partnering agency time to review the application, obtain additional information from the applicant and complete all detailed reviews.

The length of the review can depend on the complexity of the application, and any necessary revisions or additional information required by the applicant during the detailed review.

Performance


How do we report on performance?

Measures for each service line are calculated on a rolling 12-month average (i.e. an entire calendar year) with numbers updated as of Q4 2023. At times, market conditions and other factors may impact our level of service. Our priority is to meet demand in each area with adequate resourcing.

Development approvals


Development permits ensure new developments align with the rules and regulations set out in both the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and the Alberta Building Code.​​​

Some development permits require a multidisciplinary review by planning and engineering specialists. Such applications may include:

  1. Commercial/Industrial/Mixed Use (Addition/New)
  2. Residential (Multi-residential development, townhouses, rowhouses) (New)
  3. Renovations to above, as well as changes to site plan (i.e., landscaping, parking, access), and exterior renovations
Development approvals Target (calendar days) Per cent of decisions within target (12-month rolling average) 2023 Q4 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q4)

Single, semi-detached & duplex dwellings in the developed area

90 75% 72
Other technical development applications 60 87% 39
Subdivisions (by instrument) 21 92% 14

Multi-Disciplinary Development Permits

120 81% 96

Land use amendments

180 81% 154

Subdivisions (by tentative plan)

60 90% 34

Building safety approvals


The City of Calgary has a team of dedicated professionals that play a key role in making sure anything built in Calgary meets the code requirements outlined in the National Building Code – Alberta Edition and The Safety Codes Act.

Our staff review construction plans and permit applications for new buildings and additions, changes to existing buildings, demolitions and special event structures to ensure all relevant building safety standards are followed.

Partial permits are issued for below-grade foundations on single, semi-detached and duplex dwellings in the Developed Area, as defined by the Land Use Bylaw. Development permit approvals are required prior to obtaining a building permit.

Building safety Target (calendar days) Per cent of decisions within target (12-month rolling average) 2023 Q4 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q4)

Single, semi-detached & duplex dwellings

 
Infill (permissions to start construction) 14 85% 11
Infill (permit issued) 30 77% 28
Greenfield (permission to start construction) 1 99% 1
Greenfield (permit issued) 7 88% 4

Multi-family


New project - low complexity 49 74% 47
New project - high complexity 120 72% 109
Improvements 28 78% 26

Residential

 
Improvements - low complexity 7 83% 10
Improvements - high complexity 21 87% 20

Commercial/Non-residential

 
Improvements - low complexity 30 75% 28
Improvements - high complexity 35 73% 33
New/Additions - low complexity 28 62% 42
New/Additions - medium complexity 90 74% 70
New/Additions - high complexity 105 65% 140

Business licensing approvals


All businesses operating in Calgary are required to register their business with The City of Calgary.  Business Licences are required depending on your activity to promote individual and public safety.

Business licensing approvals Target (calendar days) Per cent of decisions within target (12-month rolling average) 2023 Q4 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q4)

Home-based - Post-permit approvals

14 75% 18

Home-based - Final approval/issuance

1 77% 5

Commercial-based - Post-permit approvals

28 67% 32

Commercial-based - Final approval/issuance

7 80% 7

Inspection Bookings


The City of Calgary offers inspection services when permits are obtained under the Alberta Safety Codes Act.

Building and trade inspections from qualified professionals ensures your project is safe and code compliant. Whether you require a building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing & gas inspection, we have the expertise to evaluate your project.

Our target is to have the capacity to allow you to book your inspection within two business days, at least 80 per cent of the time. The timelines below capture the time to book a building or trade permit inspections using data collected from our Inspection Booking Calendar.

Building

Permit type Target (business days) Average of when target was achieved (12-month rolling average) 2023 Q4 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q4)

Commercial/Multi-residential – row houses, offices, retail stores, etc. 

2 69% 3

Residential Improvement Project – decks, basements, garages, suites, etc.

2 59% 3

New Single and Semi-detached building permit – includes building and related trade permits

2 34% 4

Trade Permits

Permit type Target (business days) Average of when target was achieved  (12-month rolling average) 2023 Q4 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q4)

Electrical 

2 30% 6

Plumbing & Gas

2 29% 4

HVAC/Mechanical  

2 48% 4