Exempting rowhouses

Exempting rowhouses

From development permit requirements in developing communities

As of September 15, 2025, you will not need development permits to build rowhouses in developing communities. This change will speed up housing construction.

Information for applicants

Who qualifies for the exemption

You do not need a development permit if a Rowhouse Building in a developing community meets these criteria:

  • The plan follows all parts of the Land Use Bylaw (no relaxations).
  • The site is not in the AVPA or a floodway.
  • The land has zoning with Rowhouse Building listed as a permitted use (R-G, R-Gm or a Direct Control based on these).
  • The site is in the developing area of the Land Use Bylaw.
  • Each parcel has only one dwelling unit and is not a bare land condo (where each unit sits on its own parcel).
  • Vehicle access is from the back lane, if a lane exists.
  • The site has an active development agreement (applicants must get the agreement number from the land developer).
  • Overland drainage follows the bylaw rules. 
  • Easements and swales are included, if required.

How to apply

Apply

Apply

Applications for this exemption must be submitted through the OneDrive intake process (not through the online Building Permit portal).

  1. If you’ve never applied before, review the guide on how to prepare your application.
  2. Use the Development Permit Exempt Rowhouse Building CARL (coming Sept. 15) for the full list of requirements.
  3. Fill out the Overland Drainage Information Form and attach any supporting documents.
  4. Call the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5343 to request a OneDrive submission link.
  5. The Planning Services Centre will screen your application with the eligibility checklist.
    • If all requirements are met, your application will move forward.
    • If not, you may need to revise it or apply for a development permit.
  6. Upload all documents to the OneDrive link provided.
  7. A bylaw and drainage review will take place.
    • If compliant, the file will move forward.
    • If not, you will get a refusal email with the next steps.
  8. If your file is approved, the building permit process will continue as usual, with technical review and permit issuance.

Key tips

Key tips

FAQs

Is this change citywide?

No. It applies only to developing communities, areas still being built or planned. These communities have active development agreements that ensure City standards are met for infrastructure and drainage. Land in these areas is already zoned for rowhouses as a permitted use. In established communities, rowhouses are still discretionary and need a permit.

Why is this happening now?

This change is part of the citywide rezoning work that supports Home is Here: The City’s Housing Strategy. Council approved updates to the Land Use Bylaw so  rowhouses in developing communities can move straight to the building permit stage if they meet all of the rules. This is one of 12 rezoning changes approved by Council.

Related links

Rowhouses in Calgary with man and child walking

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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