After-the-fact permits
I Built My Garage Without a Permit. Now What?
By Chad Ruppert
What to do if a detached garage was built without a permit and the municipality now requires drawings or an after-the-fact application.
Start by documenting what exists
An after-the-fact permit usually needs drawings that accurately show the garage as built, including size, placement, elevations, sections, and construction details.
The municipality may ask for more detail
Because the garage is already built, reviewers may need clearer information about setbacks, foundation, framing, and whether the structure complies with current requirements.
Professional drawings help organize the correction path
The goal is to turn an uncertain situation into a complete permit package the city can review. Some cases may still require engineering or additional municipal direction.
How garagepermits.ca helps
After-the-fact permits need calm, organized documentation. We help turn the existing garage into a clear drawing set the municipality can review, while identifying items that may need inspection, correction, or engineering follow-up.
Related permit pages
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Calgary garage drawings
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Learn moreOversized garage drawings
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Learn moreRelated FAQ
Short answers to common garage permit questions.
Do I need a building permit for a detached garage?
Yes. In Calgary and most Alberta municipalities, a detached garage over 10 square meters requires a building permit before construction begins. The permit drawings show the garage location, size, setbacks, elevations, sections, and construction details for review.
What drawings are required for a detached garage permit?
A detached garage permit usually requires a site plan, floorplan, elevations, cross sections, and construction details. These drawings help the municipality confirm zoning, setbacks, height, lot placement, and building code compliance.
How much do standard garage permit drawings cost?
Standard garage permit drawings start at $695 for detached garages up to 592 square feet. Municipal application and building permit fees are separate and vary by city.
How fast can I get detached garage permit drawings?
Most standard detached garage drawing packages are completed in 2-3 days after the required project information is received. Custom garages, suites, workshops, and unusual sites may need a quoted timeline.
What if my garage is oversized or includes a suite?
Oversized garages, backyard suites, garage suites, and custom garage projects are quoted individually. These projects can require additional design coordination, foundation details, engineering, or deeper municipality review.
What happens if the permit reviewer asks for changes?
If the permit reviewer asks for clarification, the drawing set can be revised to respond to municipal review comments. Most comments involve setbacks, site information, construction notes, or missing details that need to be shown more clearly.
When does a detached garage need a development permit?
A development permit may be required when the garage does not meet land use bylaw rules for setbacks, height, lot coverage, placement, or other site conditions. Many standard detached garages only need a building permit, but the municipality decides based on the property and design.
Permit-ready support
Ready to get your garage drawings moving?
Send the basic project details and we'll help you choose the clearest path: standard package, custom quote, or suite planning. The goal is fewer permit surprises and a drawing set your municipality can review with confidence.