Building a detached garage is a great way to add value, storage, and functionality to your property. But before you start construction, you’ll need to navigate Calgary’s garage permit process to make sure your project is safe, legal, and frankly, hassle-free. This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to get your garage building permit approved, what documents and garage construction plans you’ll need, and how garagepermits.ca can help you throughout the process.
A development permit is used to provide approval for a development to take place. Unlike a building permit, development permits are focused on compliance with the land use bylaw (Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 in Calgary) and address things like zoning, placement, size, and overall fit within your community.
Most detached garage projects in Calgary won’t require a development permit as accessory buildings are listed as permitted uses in most residential districts, but there are a few cases where obtaining a development permit is essential to getting your building permit approved. This could be the case if your proposed garage doesn’t meet setback or height requirements, or if you’re building in a unique or heavily regulated land use district.
A building permit is required for all new detached garages over 10 square meters (107 square feet) to confirm compliance with the National Building Code: 2023 Alberta Edition Vol. 1 and your local land use bylaw. Building permits focus on the structural aspects of your garage to ensure that the construction will be code-compliant and safe to use. It’s more than just an official piece of paper, too. The building permit process includes your on-site inspections during which a city building inspector will verify that the construction matches the garage blueprints you submitted with your application.
Trade permits, such as electrical, plumbing, or gas permits, are required before the installation of these services can occur, and govern your wiring, outlets, and other utilities. If you’re hiring contractors to complete these services, they will pull the permits themselves, otherwise, you can pull homeowner permits for electrical and plumbing. Gas permits must always be pulled and managed by certified journeyman gasfitters—if that’s you, great, otherwise you’ll need to hire a professional to run a gas line to your new garage.
Each garage application requires that several accompanying documents be submitted as a complete package. These may include:
Your application will need to include professional garage construction plans that detail how your garage will be built and where it will be located on your property. These drawings must comply with the National Building Code: 2023 Alberta Edition Vol. 1, as well as your local land use bylaw, and include four main drawing types:
All of our garagepermits.ca garage drawing packages include these code-compliant drawings drafted to professional standards and have been accepted by the City of Calgary and other local municipalities over 500+ times since 2011.
You can apply for your building permit at your local Planning and Development office, or check to see if your municipality offers online permit application submissions. In Calgary, you can submit your application by visiting https://apply.calgary.ca/.
Fees vary across municipalities and are sometimes based on garage size and scope. The City of Calgary’s current fee for detached garage building permit applications is $321 plus a Safety Codes Council fee of 4% for a total of $333.84.
After you apply, your municipality’s Planning and Development office will review your plans and documents for compliance with zoning, building codes, and safety requirements. We’ve seen this process completed the same day when applying in person, but it depends on the current application load and submission method.
If your application is incomplete, you’re missing key documents, you’ve submitted unclear and non-professional drawings, or you are proposing a non-compliant design, expect to encounter delays with the issuance of your building permit. If you’ve chosen to work with a professional such as garagepermits.ca, you can significantly—if not entirely—minimize these risks.
When your garage building permit is issued, you’ll receive information regarding inspections and when they need to be scheduled. In Calgary, you can schedule by calling 311, otherwise, you can contact your local Planning and Development office to book a time. Your first inspection will need to occur after framing has been completed. Any electrical or plumbing inspections are separate and must occur after the rough-in stage.
In some cases, your assigned Safety Codes Officer or building inspector won’t require a final inspection, and the framing inspection will suffice (you can discuss this at the time of your first inspection). Once construction passes all required inspections, you’ll receive final sign-off on the building permit, and it will be closed.
Our mission is to get you approved quickly and without hassle. This means we’re committed to providing accurate, code-compliant, professional garage blueprints that are pre-optimized for Calgary and other local municipalities. Our drawings help you get approved quickly without unnecessary back-and-forth conversations.
How long does it take to get a garage permit in Calgary?
Approval times can vary, but most standard garage applications are processed within a few days, depending on application completeness and municipal workload.
What documents do I need for my garage permit application?
You’ll need a floorplan, elevations, cross sections, and an aerial site plan, as well as supporting documents such as an abandoned well declaration form and public tree disclosure statement, if applicable.
Can I submit my permit application online?
Yes, the City of Calgary offers an online portal for permit applications, or you can apply in person at your local Planning and Development office.
Do I need a permit if I’m just renovating or repairing my existing garage?
Minor repairs may not require a permit, but significant renovations, expansions, or structural changes do. Check with the City of Calgary or reach out to us at garagepermits.ca for guidance on Alberta garage renovations.
What happens if my permit application is rejected?
If the City initially rejects your garage permit application, you’ll receive feedback outlining the reasons for rejection. Normally, any missing information is simply requested, and you’ll have time to prepare and resubmit for approval.
How can garagepermits.ca help speed up my permit approval?
We provide accurate, code-compliant drawings and expert advice, reducing the risk of delays due to missing or incorrect documentation. In other words, we do this every day, and we know the ins and outs of Alberta building permit requirements.
Order your garage permit drawings from garagepermits.ca today and let us help you navigate your permit process with confidence.