Legal basement suite requirements in Calgary
The City's rules for a secondary suite, in plain words.
What makes a suite legal
Egress window in each bedroom
A window that opens fully: at least 0.35 m², no side under 380 mm.
Own entrance
A safe way in and out. Windows near the exit stairs may need fire protection.
Own kitchen and bathroom
A kitchen to cook in, and a bathroom with a toilet and a tub or shower, just for the suite.
Own heat and fresh air
New suites: a second furnace, or an HRV plus other heat.
Smoke-tight ceiling and doors
12.7 mm drywall, insulation and resilient channels between the two homes. Doors between them, and to shared or furnace rooms: 45 mm solid-core and self-closing.
Linked smoke and CO alarms
Hard-wired and interconnected: one sets off every alarm in the suite and at least one in the main home.
1.95 m ceiling height
The usual minimum, and at least 1.85 m under ducts and beams.
Source: City guidebook, June 2026.
Heat, parking and inspections
Heating
A new suite needs its own heating and ventilation. A suite in place before March 12, 2018, with no structural changes since, may share one system.
Parking
Suites need at least one parking stall. Some districts need less, for example near transit. The rules depend on your lot.
Inspections
The building permit needs two: framing, then final. Trade permits have their own. The registry sticker comes 2 to 3 weeks after the final inspection.
Source: City of Calgary.
Can my home have one?
Since Aug 4, 2026, the City allows suites in all low-density districts.
Steps to a legal suite
- Drawings
- Permits
- Build and City inspections
- Registry sticker
City suite registry fees: $0 until Dec 31, 2026.
What still costs money?
The building permit: $403.52 for a new suite, $205.92 to legalize one.
Source: calgary.ca, checked Oct 25, 2026.
Questions
Is my suite legal?
Only if it has its permits, passed its City inspections and is on the City’s Secondary Suite Registry. You can search the registry at secondarysuites.calgary.ca. Registered suites also get a numbered sticker. The City says it may take legal action when the owner of an illegal suite does not meet minimum safety standards.
Which permits does a suite need?
A building permit and an electrical permit. A plumbing permit for new or changed plumbing, and a mechanical permit for a new furnace or HRV. Some suites also need a development permit, for example when the design does not meet the Land Use Bylaw (City of Calgary).
Can a suite share an entrance?
A shared stairwell is allowed, but each home needs its own private entrance. A tenant must be able to get in without walking through the main home (City of Calgary).
Get a quote
Name and phone, that's all.
Planning a suite? Legal basement suites
Bedroom windows? Egress window rules
Have a suite already? Legalize an existing suite