WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION

REQUIRED? Most applications for basement development can

A building permit is required for any alteration or be processed on a “same day” basis at the counter.
construction in a dwelling unit. After entering your application and ensuring the
information complies with the Land Use Bylaw,

BASEMENT
Application for a Building Permit can be made
between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm at:
The City of Calgary
DEVELOPMENT Development & Building Approvals
Customer Advisory Services Counter
3rd Floor, Calgary Municipal Building
800 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary Alberta T2P 2M5
For inquiries, call (403) 268-5311
the Customer Service Representative will refer
you to a Safety Codes Officer to ensure your
application complies with the Alberta Building
Code. Providing you have brought all the
information required, and it is correct, the only
delay may be having to wait your turn if there are
other customers ahead of you.
FEES
A schedule of permit fees is available at the
Customer Service Counter.

Other Permits Which May Be GENERAL INFORMATION

Required 1. Exterior Wall Finish (See Example)
• Plumbing & Gas Permits (403)268-2738 a. Insulation
• Electrical Permit (403)268-2738 The perimeter of the foundation wall is 2. Windows
• Heating Permit (403)268-2738 to be insulated from the top of the wall a. For bedrooms, the minimum unobstructed
to a minimum of 600 mm (24 inches) glass area of windows must be at least 5%
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS below the exterior finished ground level. of the area served and at least one window
You are required to submit two sets of floor plans This insulation is to have a minimum shall provide an unobstructed opening of
showing the following: thermal resistance value of RSI 1.4(R8). not less than 380 mm (15 inches) in height
Foamed plastic insulation materials can be and width and 0.35 m2 (3.8 sq. ft.) in area.
• Proposed and existing room(s) layout.
dangerous when exposed to fire and must This window shall be openable from the
• Designation of the use and dimensions of the be protected by a thermal barrier.
proposed rooms. inside without the use of tools or special
b. Vapour Barrier knowledge.
• Total square footage being developed.
• Details of structural changes, if proposed. Shall be installed on the heated side of e.g. Slider Type Window
insulation.
• Window sizes. (Note: If enlarging windows or
adding new windows, a site plan and elevation c. Damp-Proofing
plans are required.) Where a separate interior cladding is
• Number of additional plumbing fixtures being applied to an exterior concrete wall
installed. which is in contact with the soil, the
interior surface of the foundation wall
See Floor Plan Example drawing. The Floor Plan below grade shall be damp-proofed.
Example is for reference only and should not be
copied for Building Permit Applications.

Dimension 'A' x Dimension 'B' cannot be less than 0.35 m2 (3.8 ft2). One dimension
of the unobstructed opening must be no less than 380 mm (15"); therefore, the other
dimension of unobstructed opening must be no less than 920 mm (36.2").
 b. The minimum dimension requirement is
waived where a bedroom door provides
access directly to the exterior.
c. Where a window with the minimum
dimension is required and that window
opens into a window-well, a clearance
of at least 550 mm (22 inches) shall be
provided in front of the window.
Where the sash swings towards the
window-well, the operation of the
sash shall not reduce the clearance in a
manner that would restrict escape in an
emergency.
3. Heating & Ventilation
a. Maintain proper clearances of 600 mm (24
inches) in front and 150 mm (6 inches)
at the sides and back to combustible
construction when furnaces and other
gas-burning appliances are enclosed.
b. Provide outside air for combustion to all
natural gas-fired appliances.
c. When adding a new furnace, a supply of
fresh air shall be introduced into the cold
air plenum directly from the outside.
d. Insulate the ducts carrying outside air for
combustion and keep the ducts away from
water pipes to prevent them from freezing.
Insulate the fresh air intake to the return
air plenum.
e. Install cold air return at floor level of
developed room(s).
f. When additional gas appliances (e.g.,
decorative gas log fireplaces) are installed,
vent them separately to the outside. The
existing furnace vents usually do not have
the additional capacity required (see “Gas
Appliances” pamphlet).
g. The chimney flue for a decorative log
fireplace has to be sized for 5 times the
gas input rating shown on the appliance.
h. The heating and ventilation system shall
be installed by a Heating Contractor
licensed with The City of Calgary.
4. Additional Dwelling Units
Refer to the “Additional Dwelling Units”
pamphlet if you intend to create another
dwelling unit.
5. Electrical
Development & Building Approvals has
a booklet entitled “Guide for Homeowner
Permit and Electrical Wiring” which provides
guidelines for planning a residential wiring
system. It does not, however, tell you how to
install wiring.
Note:
If you are building/renovating in an infill area,
your sewer/water service may have to be upgraded.
For verification and/or further information call the
Waterworks/Sewer Division at (403)268-5710.
WARNING!!
All gas installations and piping must be carried
out by a qualified licensed contractor.
SAMPLE PLAN
The following sample plan is for information and
guidance only and will not be accepted as a plan
for a Building Permit Application.
Floor Plan Example (reference only)
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you require further information, the Customer
Advisory Services Division of Development &
Building Approvals is located on the third floor
of the Municipal Building at 800 Macleod Trail SE.
We can be reached at:
(403) 268-5311 or
Website: www.calgary.ca/dba
The City of Calgary
Development & Building Approvals
Customer Advisory Services Counter
3rd floor, Calgary Municipal Building
800 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary, Alberta T2P 2M5
Inspections:
• Building
• Electrical
311
• Heating & Ventilation
• Plumbing & Gas
This series is published by The City of Calgary,
Development & Building Approvals, as part of a public
information service.
These pamphlets have no legal status and cannot be
used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws,
codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of
Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying
solely on this information.
Pamphlets are updated periodically. Contact the
Planning Services Support Centre at (403)268-5311
to determine if you have the most recent edition.
Revised 2007 April basement_development.indd