On March 12th, 2018, Council approved changes to include secondary suites and backyard suites as a discretionary use in primarily single detached home communities (R-1, R-C1 and R-C1L districts). There will also be changes to the suite registry and fee schedule. This could affect your community, so we want to make sure you understand the implications and process.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a secondary suite and backyard suite?
In the context of this project, a secondary suite can be either a basement suite or a laneway suite. A basement suite is a separate dwelling inside a single detached house with separate cooking, sleeping and bathroom facilities. A laneway suite is a self-contained living space on the same property as a single-detached house and is often accessed from the back alley or laneway.
(Image: City of Calgary)
What does this mean for the application process?
Virtually all stand-alone houses can now potentially apply for a secondary suite or backyard/laneway housing with only a development permit.
How does this affect current zoning?
Current zoning (R-1, R-C1 and R-C1L) will remain but suites could be granted to property owners through the discretionary application process
Previously, property owners in the above districts applied for a land use redesignation (rezoning) through Council. Secondary suites decisions will now be made by planners through a development permit application and can be appealed by neighbours directly affected through the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB).
How will planners make decisions on when to approve a development permit?
A policy that would guide Administration’s discretion when reviewing suite applications is also being created.
Will neighbours and the community association be able to provide input?
Yes, the community association and each of the neighbours directly on either side of the applicant’s property will be circulated the submission and will have three weeks to make comments. A notice posting will also be posted on the property for more information. If the application is successful, it will also be subject to appeal at the Subdivision and Development and Appeal Board.
What will the fees be for secondary suites?
There will be an amnesty period on most fees for two years, after which there will be fees to both register a suite and to apply for a Development Permit. Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Gas Permits still apply. Refer to this page for exact details.
What will happen to the suite registry?
The existing suite registry would be made mandatory. This means that all legal suites would have stickers and would be listed online. All legal suites would have applied for the proper permits and have passed inspection.
How will suites be monitored?
There is no plan to monitor the legal suites once registered. Illegal suites will also be addressed through a complaints-based system. Legal suites will be listed on secondarysuites.calgary.ca.