This comprehensive guide identifies high-potential neighborhoods, outlines crucial property selection criteria, summarizes current zoning regulations, and presents a proven site evaluation framework for developers. Each recommendation is backed by official City of Calgary resources and planning documents to ensure your project aligns with municipal requirements.
Who this guide is for: Developers, investors, and property owners looking to build small to mid-size residential projects (4-12 units) in Calgary’s evolving real estate market.
Calgary’s commitment to growth and transit-oriented development has transformed several communities into hotspots for medium-density housing. These neighborhoods offer the best balance of growth potential, favorable regulations, and market demand in 2025:
This vibrant inner-city neighborhood northeast of downtown has been revitalizing over the past decade with strong continued growth. Key development advantages include:
Centered around 33rd and 34th Avenues SW, Marda Loop has evolved into one of Calgary’s most desirable urban villages. Development advantages include:
Located along the Bow River in northwest Calgary, Montgomery offers exceptional value with growing demand. Development catalysts include:
These historic inner-city neighborhoods east of downtown are poised for transformation with the upcoming Green Line LRT. Development opportunities include:
The International Avenue corridor (17 Avenue SE) offers excellent value and strong growth potential. Development advantages include:
These proven inner-city areas consistently attract mid-size residential development with stable demand, favorable zoning, and premium location advantages:
Calgary’s highest-density residential neighborhood immediately south of downtown remains the premier location for multi-family development:
This established trendy neighborhood offers an excellent balance of urban amenities and community feel:
Located south of downtown along 4th Street SW and 17th Ave SW, Mission offers high-demand inner-city location advantages:
This inner-city community west of Crowchild Trail has become a popular infill area with excellent fundamentals:
Located just north of 16 Avenue NW near SAIT and the University of Calgary, these neighborhoods are embracing strategic densification:
Understanding Calgary’s current land use bylaw and recent regulatory changes is essential for successful development. The City’s Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 (with amendments) governs all zoning and development rules, with major 2024 updates enabling more “missing middle” housing citywide.
In May 2024, City Council approved a transformative rezoning initiative making R-CG (Residential – Grade-Oriented Infill) the base low-density zone across Calgary’s developed areas:
For small to mid-sized projects, these zoning designations offer excellent development potential:
Calgary has relaxed some key development requirements to encourage infill projects:
When targeting sites for small to mid-sized residential projects, evaluate potential properties against these key criteria:
Follow this systematic approach to evaluate specific sites before proceeding with acquisition:
These official resources provide authoritative information for Calgary developers:
A developer acquired a 50′ x 120′ R-CG lot near the 1 Avenue NE corridor. By optimizing the site plan, they created an 8-unit development combining a 4-plex rowhouse with 4 basement suites. The project leveraged:
A small developer purchased a corner lot previously zoned R-C1 (now R-CG after 2024 changes). The project created 6 homes where previously only one existed:
Calgary in 2025 presents exceptional opportunities for developers targeting small to mid-size residential projects. The combination of emerging neighborhoods with rising demand and established areas with proven markets provides diverse location options.
By following these recommendations and conducting thorough due diligence, developers can deliver successful projects that meet market demand while contributing positively to Calgary’s evolving urban fabric.
The most promising areas include Bridgeland, Killarney, Capitol Hill, and Montgomery, where R-CG zoning permits rowhouses with basement suites, creating effective 8-unit opportunities with strong market demand.
The citywide R-CG rezoning initiative transformed thousands of previously single-family lots to allow multiplexes by right, dramatically reducing approval timelines and expanding development opportunities across established neighborhoods.
Transit-proximate sites enjoy reduced requirements (as low as 0.5 stalls per unit in some locations), while standard requirements typically range from 1-1.5 stalls per unit depending on unit size and neighborhood context.
For projects requiring only a development permit (no rezoning), the process typically takes 4-6 months from application to approval, followed by 1-2 months for building permit issuance and 8-12 months for construction.
Check the current land use designation using the City’s Development Map, verify alignment with local area plans, assess transit accessibility, evaluate lot dimensions and configuration, and analyze comparable sales/rentals in the immediate vicinity.
To discuss your development project, contact Joe Quattrucci, Senior Estimator/Owner:
This guide uses data from official City of Calgary resources including the Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Development Plan, and Local Area Plans. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, developers should always verify current regulations with City planning staff before proceeding with specific projects.