Our team of certified professionals works with Calgary’s permitting authorities every day, giving us unique insights into streamlining approvals and avoiding costly delays. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, basement development, or custom home build, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate Calgary’s permitting landscape with confidence.
A development permit (DP) is the City of Calgary’s approval that your proposed development meets local zoning and planning regulations. In essence, development permits address what you can build and where – focusing on community planning, appearance, and land use impacts.
At Turn Key Homes & Renovations, our project management team conducts a thorough assessment of every project to determine exact permit requirements before work begins. This proactive approach prevents unexpected delays and ensures full compliance with Calgary’s regulations.
A building permit is the City’s authorization to begin construction, focusing on the technical and safety aspects of how your project is built. While development permits address planning and zoning, building permits ensure compliance with the Alberta Building Code and Safety Codes Act.
Both permits are often needed for the same project, with the development permit generally preceding the building permit. In fact, the City of Calgary will not issue a building permit until any required development permit is approved.
At Turn Key Homes & Renovations, our certified team manages the entire permit application process for our clients. With our $5M commercial liability insurance coverage and provincial prepaid contractor license, we ensure all permits are obtained correctly before any work begins, protecting your investment throughout the project.
If your project requires a development permit, here’s our expert guide to navigating the application process in Calgary:
For larger or complex projects, consider a pre-application consultation with the City before formally applying. This step can identify potential issues early, saving time and money later.
Turn Key Homes & Renovations offers complimentary permit assessment consultations where our project development team will evaluate your project and identify all required permits and potential challenges before you invest in detailed plans.v
A complete and accurate application is crucial to avoid delays. You’ll need detailed plans and documents including:
Turn Key Homes & Renovations’ design team works with experienced architects and engineers to ensure your plans comply with the Land Use Bylaw requirements for your property’s zoning – including height limits, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking requirements.
Applications are submitted to the City of Calgary’s Planning & Development department – primarily through the City’s online permitting portal (apply.calgary.ca) or in person at the Planning Services Centre.
Our permit coordination team handles all submission details, ensures all documentation is complete, and manages fee payments on your behalf, eliminating common submission errors that can delay approval.
After submission, a planning officer conducts an initial review, checking your application against Land Use Bylaw rules. If something is missing or doesn’t meet requirements, you may receive a request for revisions.v
Turn Key Homes & Renovations’ transparent process includes regular updates throughout the review process, keeping you informed of your application’s status and promptly addressing any City feedback.v
For many development permits, the City requires a notice posting on the property to inform neighbors about the proposed development. This notice typically must be posted for at least 7 days before a decision can be made.
Our community relations approach includes proactive neighbor communication for major projects, helping minimize objections and strengthen community support for your development.
The development permit application is circulated to various City departments for feedback, ensuring all aspects of your project are reviewed by relevant specialists.
With over a decade of experience working with Calgary’s permitting departments, Turn Key Homes & Renovations has established professional relationships that help navigate departmental reviews efficiently.
Once feedback is gathered, a City planner conducts a detailed analysis and may request revisions. Promptly addressing these requests keeps your application on track.
Our project management team responds swiftly to revision requests, often within 24-48 hours, minimizing delays and keeping your project timeline on schedule.
After completing the review and any revisions, the City issues a decision. If approved, you’ll receive a development permit with conditions. If refused, you’ll receive an explanation and options for next steps.
Turn Key Homes & Renovations’ permit approval rate exceeds 98%, reflecting our expertise in navigating Calgary’s permitting requirements and designing projects that align with City objectives.v
For approved development permits, Calgary has a mandatory appeal period (usually 21 days) during which affected parties can appeal the decision. Once this period passes without issues, your approval is finalized.
Our project scheduling accounts for this appeal period, ensuring construction timelines remain realistic and achievable.
With an approved development permit (if required), you’re ready to obtain a building permit. Here’s how the process works:
Before applying, prepare detailed construction plans including:
Turn Key Homes & Renovations works with certified architects and engineers to create comprehensive, code-compliant drawings that meet or exceed all requirements, minimizing revision requests later.
Submit your application through the City’s online portal or in person at the Planning Services counter, along with all required documents and fees.
Our permit specialists handle the entire submission process, ensuring all technical requirements are met and all fees are paid promptly to avoid processing delays.
After submission, your application undergoes a prescreening by a Safety Codes Officer. This stage verifies that your application is complete and contains sufficient detail to proceed.
Turn Key Homes & Renovations’ thorough preparation approach ensures that 95% of our permit applications pass prescreening on the first attempt, avoiding common delays at this critical early stage.
Once your application passes prescreening, multiple City reviewers examine your plans in detail, checking compliance with all relevant building codes and standards.
Our technical specialists work directly with City reviewers to address questions quickly, often reducing the total review time by 30% compared to typical timelines.
It’s common to receive requests for corrections or clarifications. Address these promptly to keep your application moving forward.
Turn Key Homes & Renovations maintains dedicated permit coordinators who prioritize revision requests, often submitting updates within 24-48 hours to minimize delays.
After all reviews are satisfied and corrections made, the City approves the building permit. Any remaining fees must be paid, and you’ll receive official permit documentation.
Our clients benefit from our streamlined process and established City relationships, often receiving permits faster than industry averages.
After permit issuance, City inspectors will visit at certain construction milestones. Following a successful final inspection, you’ll receive completion or occupancy approval.
Turn Key Homes & Renovations’ construction managers coordinate all required inspections, prepare sites for inspection success, and maintain detailed documentation throughout the process, ensuring your project meets all code requirements.
Understanding realistic timelines helps set proper expectations for your project. Based on our extensive experience with hundreds of Calgary permits, here are typical approval timeframes:
Single-Family and Duplex Homes:
Multi-Residential Projects:
*Our clients often experience shorter timelines due to our complete application packages and proactive communication with City reviewers.
Typical Home Renovations:
*Our streamlined process and professional permit management often reduce wait times significantly compared to industry averages.
Even with the best intentions, mistakes in the permit process can cause frustrating delays. Here are common pitfalls to watch for:
The number one cause of delays is submitting applications with missing information. Turn Key Homes & Renovations uses comprehensive checklists and multi-stage verification to ensure 100% complete submissions.
Designing a project that violates zoning bylaws without a plan to address it creates significant problems. Our design team conducts thorough zoning research before creating plans, ensuring compliance from the start.
Some homeowners mistakenly skip the development permit stage. The City will not issue a building permit without the required development permit approval. Our comprehensive permit assessment identifies all required approvals upfront.
When the City requests information or revisions, prompt responses keep your project moving. Turn Key Homes & Renovations maintains dedicated permit specialists who prioritize City communications, often responding within 24-48 hours.
For development permits requiring public notice, failing to post signs correctly can add weeks of delay. Our project coordinators handle all posting requirements and documentation, ensuring full compliance.
Beginning construction without approved permits can result in fines, stop-work orders, and complex remediation requirements. With our prepaid contractor license (#346484) and comprehensive warranty options, Turn Key Homes & Renovations ensures all work is fully permitted and inspected.
Setting unrealistic expectations leads to frustration and scheduling issues. Our transparent project management approach includes realistic permitting timelines based on current City processing data.
Based on our extensive experience with Calgary’s permit system, here are proven strategies to make your permit process smoother:
Research applicable bylaws and codes before finalizing your project design. Turn Key Homes & Renovations’ complimentary preliminary project assessment identifies zoning restrictions and requirements before you invest in detailed plans.
Use the Planning Services Centre for guidance and access available checklists. Our team maintains regular contact with City departments and stays updated on all requirement changes.
For complex projects, a pre-application review can catch issues early. Turn Key Homes & Renovations offers professional representation at these meetings, translating technical requirements into practical design solutions.
Working with permit specialists familiar with Calgary’s requirements saves time and frustration. Our permit coordination team processes dozens of Calgary permits annually, with an approval rate exceeding 98%.
Thorough preparation significantly increases your chances of a smooth review. Our multi-stage quality control process ensures drawings meet all technical requirements and include all necessary details.
Stay engaged throughout the process and respond quickly to City requests. Turn Key Homes & Renovations’ project management software keeps clients informed of all permit developments in real-time.
Line up knowledgeable contractors who understand inspection requirements. Our construction team prepares detailed inspection checklists for each project phase, ensuring first-time approval at each milestone.
For major projects, informing neighbors about your plans can prevent objections. Our community relations approach has proven effective in minimizing appeals and building neighborhood support.
Navigating Calgary’s permitting process is significantly easier with an experienced partner. Here’s why hundreds of Calgary homeowners have trusted Turn Key Homes & Renovations with their projects:
Embarking on a renovation or custom home build in Calgary is an exciting journey. While the permitting process may seem complex, Turn Key Homes & Renovations makes it manageable with expert guidance every step of the way.
From initial concept through final inspection, our comprehensive approach ensures your project proceeds smoothly, on schedule, and in full compliance with all City requirements. Our transparent pricing policy means no surprises, and our detailed project management keeps you informed throughout the process.
Ready to start your Calgary project? Contact Turn Key Homes & Renovations today for a complimentary consultation and permit assessment. Let our experienced team help you transform your vision into reality with confidence and peace of mind.
To discuss your development project, contact Joe Quattrucci, Senior Estimator/Owner:
This guide was prepared by Turn Key Homes & Renovations based on current City of Calgary permit requirements as of May 2025. While we strive for accuracy, permit requirements may change. For the most current information, please contact our team or the City of Calgary Planning Services.