If you’re planning to build a garage in Calgary or anywhere else in Alberta, you’ll need to apply for a garage building permit before you can begin construction. A garage building permit essentially certifies that your garage will be built in compliance with the building code as well as your local or municipal land use bylaw. There are a lot of boxes to check, however, so if you’re trying to understand this complex process, it’s best to start at the beginning.
A detached garage is a standalone structure separate from your main house, typically used for parking vehicles or serving as additional storage space. In Alberta, detached garages fall under the category of Accessory Buildings and are governed by specific rules and regulations set out in the National Building Code: 2023 Alberta Edition Vol. 1 and municipal land use bylaws such as the Calgary Land Use Bylaw 1P2007.
You need a Calgary garage permit to construct a detached garage in Calgary for a few reasons. Namely, to ensure that your garage construction plans comply with safety standards and zoning regulations. But by fulfilling these garage permit requirements, Calgary residents also access a few advantages and assurances.
By going through the process to obtain a garage building permit in Calgary, you’ll also:
If you charged ahead and built your garage without a permit, don’t freak out just yet. In most cases, you can still apply for a permit after the fact and hopefully, not encounter any major issues.
That said, building without a permit can lead to consequences such as fines and penalties, stop-work orders, appraisal issues and difficulty in selling your property, and even denied insurance claims for unpermitted structures.
If you don’t have a garage building permit, now is the time to get one.
Do I always need a building permit for a detached garage in Calgary?
Yes. In Calgary and most Alberta municipalities, a building permit is legally required before constructing a detached garage to ensure compliance with safety codes and zoning regulations.
What are the risks of building a garage without a permit?
Building without a permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, insurance claim denials, and difficulties when selling your home due to unpermitted construction.
What codes and bylaws govern detached garage construction in Calgary?
Detached garages must comply with the National Building Code: 2023 Alberta Edition Vol. 1 and the Calgary Land Use Bylaw 1P2007, which regulate design aspects including setbacks, height limits, fire separation, and structural safety.
How long does it take to get a garage building permit approved?
Approval times vary, but typically range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how complete your application is, whether or not you have professional garage construction plans, how busy the planning and development office is, and project complexity.
Can garagepermits.ca help me get my garage permit approved?
Absolutely! We provide detailed, code-compliant garage building permit drawings suited to Calgary’s regulations. Our service is designed to streamline the approval process and reduce delays so you can start pouring concrete and swinging hammers.
What if my detached garage plans change after I get the permit?
You may need to submit revised drawings and obtain approval for any significant changes. If you work with a professional at garagepermits.ca, we include minor drawing revisions at no additional cost to ensure compliance throughout your project.
Are permits required for attached garages or carports?
Yes, attached garages require permits as well, though tying into a dwelling foundation or roofing structure may require engineering or advanced drawings. Carports have similar requirements to garages that depend on size and local bylaws.
Navigating the permit process is no easy task, but with the right support, you can get your permit stress-free and move on to the fun part. At garagepermits.ca, we specialize in creating high-quality, code-compliant garage blueprints for Calgary and Alberta-wide regulations. Our permit-ready drawings include detailed site plans, elevations, floorplans, and cross sections designed to meet municipal requirements so you can get your permit approved quickly and smoothly.
Order your garage building permit drawings from garagepermits.ca today and take the first step toward a safe, legal, and beautiful garage that adds value and functionality to your home.