Calgary’s blanket rezoning of residential neighbourhoods created a whirlwind of conversation this spring, but city council ultimately voted for rezoning to allow for more the needed high density development and ultimately more multi-family housing.
Most neighbourhoods in Calgary had previously only allowed for single-unit housing, but there are now opportunities to add multi-family residential homes in most corners of the city. That might mean rowhouses or townhomes, but also homes with secondary suites.
It’s essential for developers to understand the new Calgary Zoning Bylaws and what the new rules entail to ensure compliance with land use policies and make the permit application process more straightforward.
Types of Residential Zoning
Previously, most residential areas in Calgary were zoned only for single or semi-detached homes (R-C1 and R-C2). Anyone wanting to build an alternative form of housing on their property had to submit an application for a redesignation to the City of Calgary Planning Department. That’s changed with Calgary’s recent rezoning.
Now, R-CG is the new base designation for residential zoning across the city in developed communities, with H-GO zoning in some approved areas. However, sometimes, City Policies override your property’s zoning. Check those out, or give us a call, and we can advise you of the best way to develop your property.
You can find your property’s zoning here: City of Calgary’s My Property.
H-GO Zoning
The City of Calgary introduced Housing Grade Oriented (H-GO) zoning districts in 2023. These land-use districts aim to gently increase density beyond single-family housing by allowing townhomes and row houses to be built on preexisting lots.
What does H-GO mean in Calgary?
- H-GO zoning allows for grade-oriented townhomes and row houses that are up to 12 metres tall.
- H-GO zoning allows for units to be stacked, but ground-level access for each is required.
- Up to eight units and two buildings are allowed on a property.
- Secondary suites may be allowed.
R-CG Calgary Zoning
Residential-Grade Oriented (R-CG) districts were introduced in Calgary in 2014. They allow for single-detached, semi-detached, and rowhouse-style housing, which gently increases a neighbourhood’s density.
What does R-CG mean in Calgary?
- Housing in R-CG districts can be up to 11 metres tall, which increases density without having new homes that tower above existing residences.
- R-CG land use zoning has a maximum density of 75 per hectare or four units per 50 x 120 property size.
- Each of the four units on a property can have secondary suites, bringing the potential total to eight.
What kinds of homes can be built within the R-CG zoning?
Single-family homes can still be built with R-CG, but the zoning designation also allows for semi-detached homes, townhomes, fourplexes, and rowhouses of up to four units, with secondary suites allowed.
An R-CG parcel can be built on either a corner or mid-block lot. While many communities have a requirement of 1 parking stall per unit, some, such as the communities in the table below, require 0.5 parking stalls per unit.
table of Calgary communities that require 0.5 parking stalls per unit
What is the new rezoning in Calgary?
On August 6, Calgary’s blanket rezoning came into effect citywide, meaning the city’s base residential zoning district is now RC-G. Please refer to the City of Calgary’s MyProperty link to confirm your property’s zoning.
Put plainly, that means that more single-family detached homeowners can redevelop their properties into different forms of housing, including townhomes and rowhouses without needing to apply for a land-use redesignation.
The new rezoning accomplishes several goals:
- Streamlining the process of getting multi-unit housing built.
- Helping increase the supply of housing in Calgary, which is badly needed in a city where 1-in-5 people say they can’t afford where they’re living. City administration said it expected approximately 750 new homes built annually.
- Creating homes that are eco-efficient and require less energy to build and heat.
- Creating density in neighbourhoods where there is existing infrastructure like schools and transit.
Key City of Calgary Zoning Resources
Housing zones set the rules for housing and residential development across the City of Calgary, and developers and homeowners need to know exactly where the property they’re looking at fits in. Here’s a look at one small section of the city’s zoning map:
An example of the land use districts within Calgary
Other important Calgary zoning resources include:
Understanding Calgary’s Zoning Districts
Developers must understand the zoning district in which a property is located. The district’s designation dictates the specific regulations for everything from building height to usage and can simplify the task of acquiring required permits and approvals.
For homeowners, understanding their zoning district will inform decisions on what modifications or additions are allowed on their property. It also affects the developments that might happen in their neighbourhood or even on their neighbour’s property.
Permits & Processes
Development Permits
What are they?
Development permits ensure that proposed developments are in compliance with land use bylaws, community planning, and other regulations. They are what the City of Calgary uses to ensure all regulations and planning policies are accounted for.
When are they required?
Development permits in Calgary are required whenever a new house is being built or significant changes are being made to existing buildings.
When are they not required?
Section 25 of the City of Calgary Land Use Bylaw lists exemptions that do not require development permits, including driveways, fences, decks, patios, and accessory residential buildings, like garages, gazebos, and carports.
Who needs them?
Anyone building a new home or development, or planning on making significant additions to their home will require a development permit.
How can they get them?
The City of Calgary’s process for submitting a development permit is laid out here. The City’s Planning and Development department reviews the application’s merits against the Land Use Bylaw and applicable policies and then either:
- Makes a decision as the approving authority, or
- Recommends it to the Calgary Planning Commission.
Building Permits
What are they?
Building permits ensure that projects comply with the requirements of the National Building Code (Alberta Edition).
When are they required?
In Alberta, building permits are required for most major construction projects, including new buildings, additions, renovations, demolitions, or the change of use of an existing building.
When are they not required?
For minor repairs, interior aesthetic updates or small-scale improvements, a building permit is often not required but it is still worth checking the City of Calgary’s online resources.
Who needs them?
Anyone building a new home or development, expanding the footprint of their current home, making structural changes, or adding secondary suites requires a building permit, which is also needed for many other standard home improvements.
How can they get them?
Applications can be made online through the City of Calgary’s website.
What’s the Difference?
- Building permits ensure that construction, renovation, and home improvement projects are safe and comply with building safety regulations outlined in the National Building Code (Alberta Edition).
- Development permits ensure that proposed developments comply with the City of Calgary’s Land Use Bylaw and other guidelines in their community.
Types of Renovations & Their Regulations
Secondary Suites
While secondary suites are allowed in H-GO and R-CG zoning districts, they require building permits and a separate electrical permit for all electrical installations and renovations.
If you’re planning on building a secondary suite in your backyard or elsewhere on your property that’s a separate structure, it will also require a development permit, a building permit, and a separate electrical permit to be pulled by an electrical contractor to hook up service to the suite.
A plumbing permit, gas permit, and a separate mechanical permit pulled by a licensed HVAC contractor are also required.
Parking & Landscaping
While properties in areas zoned as R-CG or H-GO now have more options regarding the different types of housing that can be built, there are still restrictions on how a property can be modified. Maintaining the aesthetic and historical character of certain neighbourhoods remains a priority.
Homeowners must still comply with regulations, including allowable size, setback distance, and even the design of structures built on their property.
Eco-Friendly Improvements
Building eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes is a critical piece of the goals that are laid out in Calgary’s Climate Strategy – Pathway to 2050. As Calgary aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, upgrading homes to be more energy-efficient is vital, as well.
Multi-family developments often have lower carbon footprints and can conserve resources through greywater recycling and solar panel systems.
Many energy-efficient improvements don’t require permits, but certain installations, such as solar panels and heat pumps, need approval to ensure they adhere to building codes, structural safety, and electrical regulations.
Additions & Structural Changes
Additions to properties in both R-CG and H-GO zoning districts need to comply with setback, height, and building coverage regulations to maintain neighbourhood consistency and safety standards.
Basement Developments
The City of Calgary has a handy guide to when you need a building permit for basement renovations. Still, as a rule, any changes involving new egress windows, changes to load-bearing walls, or plumbing installations need to adhere to specific building codes.
Start Your Multi-Family Development on the Right Foot
The City of Calgary’s blanket rezoning has opened up a world of possibilities for homeowners looking to build multi-unit housing on their properties or even just add a secondary suite.
Ellergodt Design has created unique and exciting multi-family homes in Calgary since 2003. We utilize innovative design and focus on sustainable building practices that provide long-term value. With over a decade of experience, Ellergodt Design also has advanced expertise in navigating the permit process.
If you’re interested in developing an eye-catching multi-family development in Calgary, use the contact form or call us at 587-875-5621.
Calgary Zoning Bylaws FAQ
What is zoning in Calgary?
The entire city of Calgary is divided into zoning districts that designate areas for specific land uses such as residential, commercial, or industrial. From a residential perspective, the zoning districts determine what sort of home you can build and what additions or renovations might be allowed.
As of May 2024, the base designation for residential zones is R-CG, which allows for single-family homes, semi-detached homes, townhomes, fourplexes, and rowhouses of up to four units, with secondary suites allowed, as well.
How do I contact Calgary bylaw?
You have several options for contacting the City of Calgary’s bylaw services: Call 3-1-1 for general inquiries and bylaw-related services, visit the 3-1-1 online portal and submit a request, or visit a City of Calgary office, like the Municipal Building downtown.