Basement development permits in Calgary
Fees, timing and what the City checks.
Do you need a permit?
First-time basement: yes
Moving walls: yes
New windows or doors: yes
Paint and finishes: no
Source: calgary.ca, Oct 27, 2026.
City fees
New basement
Building permit: $333.84, with the 4% safety codes fee.
Already finished basement
Building permit to renovate it: $205.92.
Development permit
Only when the design breaks the Land Use Bylaw: $550.
Your own wiring or plumbing
Homeowner permit: $116.50 each. Not for rentals.
Source: calgary.ca, Oct 27, 2026.
How it goes
- Apply
- City review: about 7 days
- Framing inspection
- Finish the work
What the City checks
Smoke alarms
In every bedroom and the halls to them, hard-wired and linked.
Bedroom windows
Each bedroom needs an egress window.
A kitchen and a bathroom
Both in one basement makes it a secondary suite.
A wet bar
Allowed, with no way to cook.
Source: calgary.ca, Oct 27, 2026.
Our promise
- We pull every permitbrother to confirm
Questions
Can I develop my basement without a permit?
No. The City asks for a building permit when a basement is developed for the first time, plus separate electrical and plumbing permits. Paint, finishes and furniture alone need no permit (City of Calgary).
Who applies for the permits?
If you hire a contractor, the contractor applies. A homeowner permit is only for an owner who lives in the home, does the work, and does not rent it out (City of Calgary). We pull every permit.brother to confirm
How long does a basement permit take?
About 7 days for the City to review it. If your design needs a development permit, plan on 10 to 12 weeks. The City says its timelines are not a guarantee.
Get a quote
Name and phone, that's all.
What will it cost? Basement development cost
Adding a bedroom? Egress windows