Development, building and licensing approvals
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 with numbers updated as of Q3 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:
- Commercial/Industrial/Mixed Use (Addition/New)
- Residential (Multi-residential development, townhouses, rowhouses) (New)
- 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 Q3 | 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q3) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Single, semi-detached & duplex dwellings in the developed area |
90 | 74% | 74 |
| Other technical development applications | 60 | 88% | 38 |
| Subdivisions (by instrument) | 21 | 87% | 15 |
|
Multi-Disciplinary Development Permits |
120 | 76% | 107 |
|
Land use amendments |
180 | 79% | 153 |
|
Subdivisions (by tentative plan) |
60 | 87% | 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 Q3 | 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q3) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Single, semi-detached & duplex dwellings |
|||
| Infill (permissions to start construction) | 14 | 87% | 8 |
| Infill (permit issued) | 30 | 81% | 19 |
| Greenfield (permission to start construction) | 1 | 99% | 1 |
| Greenfield (permit issued) | 7 | 89% | 3 |
|
Multi-family |
|
||
| New project - low complexity | 49 | 82% | 25 |
| New project - high complexity | 120 | 85% | 73 |
| Improvements | 28 | 78% | 17 |
|
Residential |
|||
| Improvements - low complexity | 7 | 85% | 5 |
| Improvements - high complexity | 21 | 89% | 9 |
|
Commercial/Non-residential |
|||
| Improvements - low complexity | 30 | 76% | 19 |
| Improvements - high complexity | 35 | 75% | 26 |
| New/Additions - low complexity* | 28 | 78% | 16 |
| New/Additions - medium complexity* | 90 | 88% | 40 |
| New/Additions - high complexity* | 105 | 89% | 46 |
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 Q3 | 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q3) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Home-based - Post-permit approvals |
14 | 78% | 12 |
|
Home-based - Final approval/issuance |
1 | 80% | 2 |
|
Commercial-based - Post-permit approvals |
28 | 65% | 36 |
|
Commercial-based - Final approval/issuance |
7 | 80% | 8 |
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 Q3 | 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q3) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Commercial/Multi-residential – row houses, offices, retail stores, etc. |
2 | 72% | 3 |
|
Residential Improvement Project – decks, basements, garages, suites, etc.
|
2 | 62% | 3 |
|
New Single and Semi-detached building permit – includes building and related trade permits |
2 | 40% | 4 |
Trade Permits
| Permit type | Target (business days) | Average of when target was achieved (12-month rolling average) 2023 Q3 | 12-month rolling average days (2023 Q3) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Electrical |
2 | 21% | 7 |
|
Plumbing & Gas |
2 | 41% | 4 |
|
HVAC/Mechanical |
2 | 65% | 3 |