Building advisories, bulletins and variances

These documents offer clarification on the application of the National Building Code – Alberta Edition, Canadian Electrical Code, National Plumbing Code and the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, as well as The City’s Land Use Bylaw. A bulletin is a regulation under a code. An advisory is an interpretation of a code or municipal regulation. A variance is written permission to modify the application of the code, provided that an equivalent or greater level of safety is provided.

All advisories, bulletins and variances posted, regardless of year of development and code cycle under which they were originally published, are valid. Note, these documents are subject to removal at any time.

Advisories have 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.

New Building Code resources

Please follow the links for more information regarding upcoming changes to The National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition, National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 that will come into force on May 1, 2024.

Building advisories - NBC 2023 (AE)

Advisory number	Advisory title	Date approved	File
B-23-011	Ventilation Requirements for Smoking Areas in Buildings	2025/05/20	Download
B23-010	Professional Involvement Based on Complexity	2025/05/20	Download
B23-009	Temporary Bleachers for Public Events	2025/03/18	Download
B23-008	Temporary Outdoor Tents and Canopies	2025/03/18	Download
B23-007	Commercial Partial Building Permit Requirements for New Buildings and Additions	2025/02/12	Download
B23-006	Triplex, Fourplex Buildings with Secondary Suites, and Emergency Access	2025/02/12	Download
B23-005	Building Permit Complete Application	2024/08/01	Download
B23-004	District Energy and NECB Compliance	2024/06/17	Download
B23-003	Existing secondary suite frequently asked questions (FAQs)	2024/02/05	Download
B23-002	Secondary suites – existing prior to March 12, 2018	2023/12/18	Download
B23-001	Building code transition from NBC 2019 (AE) to NBC 2023 (AE)	2023/12/18	Download

Building advisories - ABC 2014 / NBC 2019 (AE)

Advisory type and code	Date	Subject
Building Advisory	June 26, 2023	Advanced weather forecasting systems
Building Advisory A19-004	Aug. 31, 2022	Exterior egress requirements for single family homes
Building Advisory A19-006	June 22, 2022	Alternative classification of small assembly occupancies
Building Advisory A19-005	June 1, 2022	Egress window guidelines
Building Advisory	Oct. 2, 2020	EIFS to NB 2019 - Alberta edition
Building Advisory	Oct. 1, 2020	Building code requirements for 5G cell phone attenae
Building Advisory	Mar. 1, 2020	Application of the building code regulation for multi-building projects in transition from 2014 ABC to NBC 2019 (AE)
Building Advisory	Oct. 31, 2019	Building permit requirements for single vs multiple buildings
Buidling Advisory	Oct. 25, 2019	Administration of requirement for real property report
Buidling Advisory	Oct. 9, 2019	Administration of Apparent Sound Transmission Classification (ASTC) requirements
Buidling Advisory	Oct. 9, 2019	Protection of openings near unenclosed exterior stairs and ramps
Buidling Advisory	July 11, 2019	Micro brewery
Buidling Advisory	July 10, 2019	Permanent hail structures
Buidling Advisory	Dec. 21, 2018	Intermodal containers
Building Advisory	Aug. 1, 2017	Sprinkler protected glazing systems
Building Advisory	Nov. 14, 2016	Backyard suites
Building Advisory	July 30, 2016	Fire alarm pull stations
Building Advisory	Apr. 28, 2016	Construction site fencing
Building Advisory	Apr. 20, 2016	Hoisting and securing of construction material and debris
Building Advisory	Apr. 18, 2016	Public protection site safety plan
Building Advisory	Mar. 30, 2016	Air tight electrical boxes
Building Advisory	Mar. 11, 2016	Existing building maintenance
Building Advisory	Mar. 8, 2016	Paint spray booths
Building Advisory	Mar. 8, 2016	Standard form indemnity agreement for excavations adjacent to streets
Building Advisory	Mar. 7, 2016	Use of exterior insulation finish systems- Part 9 ABC 2014
Building Advisory	Mar. 1, 2016	Application of ABC for structural insulated panels
Building Advisory	Jan. 30, 2016	Quick-release commercial building permits
Building Advisory	Jan. 22, 2016	Commissioning 2014 Alberta Building Code - 2014 Alberta Fire Code
Building Advisory	Nov. 1, 2016	Racking - building permit requirements

Regulation bulletins – ABC 2014

2014 Regulation bulletin	Title
RB14-001	Major and subsidiary occupancies and their fire separation
RB14-003	Distinguishing "localized depressions" for determination of grade
RB14-006	Guidelines for instant lube stations
RB14-010	Release of electro-magnetic locking devices by light sensors
RB14-011	Foundations for detached garages and accessory buildings serving dwelling units within the scope of ABC 2014 9.35 or ABC DIV B9.12.2.2.6
RB14-012	Emergency access to floor areas
RB14-013	Barrier-free washroom requirements in existing buildings
RB14-015	Guidelines for single tenant concept
RB14-017	Storage of material in parking garages
RB14-020	Building Code application to +15 walkways
RB14-021	Classification of vocational and other specialized schools
RB14-022	Landings, floors, etc., supported by OSB/plywood hangers
RB14-024	Coffee shops and restaurants within other occupancies
RB14-025	Application of the building code and the building permit bylaw
RB14-027	Horizontal fire dampers in combustible floor assemblies
RB14-032	Spatial separation to building spaces with no occupancy
RB14-034	Thumb-turn latches in exit doors
RB14-037	Service trenches crossing under wall foundations
RB14-038	Party walls or suite separation walls continuing into crawl spaces
RB14-041	Floors connected by stairs not forming required exits
RB14-042	Firefighting access for part 9 buildings
RB14-043	Application of barrier-free requirements to live-work units

Development advisories

Advisory type and code	Date	Subject
Development Advisory	Sept. 1, 2017	Combined outline plan and land use process changes
Development Advisory	Apr. 30, 2017	New mixed use districts
Development Advisory	Mar. 15, 2016	Driveway slope
Development Advisory	Feb. 14, 2016	Standardized fee for parking stall volumetric encroachments

Electrical advisories

Advisory type and code	Date	Subject
Electrical Advisory	July 24, 2024	Adding additional electrical load to a rowhouse service
Electrical Advisory	Nov. 1, 2018	Electrical CSA listed manufactured ground electrodes
Electrical Advisory	July 5, 2016	Receptacle protection for health care equipment
Electrical Advisory	Apr. 5, 2016	Two hour fire rated cables
Electrical Advisory	Sept. 6, 2016	Dangers of the incorrect incandescent light bulbs in lighting fixtures (over lamping)

Plumbing and gas advisories

Advisory type and code	Date	Subject
Gas Advisory	Mar 22, 2024	Maximum use of propane cylinders at indoor shows, exhibitions, or other similar events.
Plumbing Advisory P20-002	May 22, 2023	Potable water systems and protection against thermal expansion
Plumbing Advisory P20-001	Apr. 26, 2023	Enforcement of the national plumbing code 2020
Gas Advisory G20-001	Jan. 3, 2023	Gas installations utilizing needle-type shut-off valves
Plumbing Advisory P15-002	Oct. 4, 2022	Secondary suites backwater valves and protection from backflow
Plumbing Advisory P15-001	Oct. 4, 2022	Secondary suites, shut off valves, and potable water distribution systems
Building Advisory	Feb. 3, 2021	Prohibited installation or use of non-certified gas fireplaces manufactured by Canadian Fire Hearth Mfg. Inc. and Luxor mfg. Inc.
Gas Advisory	Feb. 1, 2017	Location of gas piping
Gas Advisory	Jan. 15, 2017	Clearance to combustible materials on gas cooking appliances
Gas Advisory	Nov. 9, 2016	Hydronic heating systems
Gas Advisory	Nov. 1, 2016	Temporary gas connections
Building Advisory	June 29, 2016	Grease interceptors and drainage system protection
Building Advisory	June 23, 2016	Hydronic heating permits
Plumbing Advisory	June 5, 2016	Sanitary and storm drain connections
Gas Advisory	Apr. 8, 2016	BTU loads for future appliance gas Line outlets
Gas Advisory	Mar. 8, 2016	Temporary construction heat
Plumbing Advisory	Mar. 5, 2016	Water temperature control

Variances

Variance Policy and Supporting Documents	Date Approved	File
Guide to Applying for an Alternative Solution (Variance)	2023/11/23	Download
Request for Specific Variance	2022/06/16	Download
New Standing Posted Variance Procedure	2017/09/06	Download

Standing Posted Variances
SPV Number	SPV Title	Date Approved	File
SPV-007	Alarmed Normally Open Backwater Valve	2025/06/20	Download
SPV-006	Firewall in a Rowhouse with Secondary Suites	2025/06/19	Download
SPV-005	Viega Mega Press	2021/06/01	Download
SPV-004	Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality	2020/02/25	Download
SPV-003	Construction of Exposed Building Face	2025/02/12	Download
SPV-002	Removed	Removed	Removed
SPV-001	Zero Lot Line Variance	2024/06/17	Download

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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.