The Guide for Small Scale Housing: Rowhouse, Townhouse and Front-Back Semi-detached Development

The Guide for Small Scale Housing: Rowhouse, Townhouse and Front-Back Semi-detached Developments (The Guide) is being created to provide clarity and help enhance the design of rowhouse, townhouse and front-back semi-detached housing in Calgary’s developed residential areas. It will emphasize improving site layout, building design, landscape design and amenity space to create high-quality and sustainable living environments.

The Guide supports the design of new developments in communities by offering recommendations, best practices and visual illustrations on how to implement existing rules found within the Municipal Development Plan (MDP), Local Area Plans, and the Land Use Bylaw;

Goals of The Guide

The Guide will support the development of rowhouse, townhouse and front-back semi-detached housing that:

  • Encourages diverse, high-quality housing options and comfortable living spaces;
  • Enhance the look, feel, and experience of the street;
  • Promotes walkability, accessibility and sense of place through their design;
  • Preserves established landscaping and incorporates high-quality landscape design;
  • Supports a more compact urban form;
  • Incorporates sustainable design and climate resiliency measures; and
  • Integrates with the neighbourhood.

How Will The Guide be Used?

The Guide is a tool that will support applicants, City staff and the public, providing clarity and supporting quality new developments in residential areas.

  • Applicants will use The Guide to design and plan new developments that align with best practices and The City of Calgary standards.
  • City staff will use The Guide to consistently review and evaluate development applications to provide constructive feedback and ensure compliance with regulations. And;
  • Members of the public will use The Guide to understand development expectations, participate in outreach opportunities, and advocate for quality outcomes.

The Guide will help support future growth and change in Calgary’s communities.

Next Steps

We’re collecting feedback on small scale housing in residential areas through the City Building Program engagement on the new Zoning Bylaw from May 5-31, 2025. The feedback received will be used to inform The Guide and the new Zoning Bylaw. Completion of The Guide is expected in Fall 2025.

To learn more about how you can provide feedback, visit calgary.ca/citybuilding

For more information, please email The Guide project team at smallscaleguide@calgary.ca 

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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