Custom suite projects
Garage suites, backyard suites, and secondary suites are handled through suiteplans.ca, our focused sister site for suite permit drawings, planning, and pricing.
A garage suite is a self-contained residential unit with living space, kitchen, bathroom, and life-safety requirements. The permit drawings need to coordinate layout, amenity space, fire separation, egress, and municipal bylaw requirements.
We help translate your concept into a permit-ready package and identify the details that can affect approval before the application is submitted.
Garage suite projects can trigger more review than a standard detached garage. A quote confirms the drawing scope, permit path, and any engineering or coordination needs before work begins.
Get started now at suiteplans.ca! Suite projects need their own pricing, code review, and planning path. Related planning pages
See local fee, bylaw, setback, and application context for Calgary projects.
Learn moreLearn when garage permits are required and why accurate plans matter.
Learn moreUnderstand how placement, eaves, property lines, and rights-of-way affect approval.
Learn moreFAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
