City of Calgary Council approved the extension of the Secondary Suites Amnesty Program. It will run until December 31, 2026. The development permit and Secondary Suite Registry fees will continue to be waived as part of this program. Owners can build safe and legal secondary suites at a reduced cost, supporting safe affordable housing for all Calgarians. Permit fees for building, electrical and plumbing permits remain in place.
To legalize an existing secondary suite, you will need a building permit if:
- Your existing basement or in-law suite includes both a bathroom and cooking facilities in the unit. Even if you are not planning to rent out the unit, you must apply for the necessary secondary suite permits.
- Your suite is accessible from outside without passing through the main dwelling unit (a shared stairwell is acceptable but each unit must have a private entrance)
- Your suite was built before March 12, 2018. If your suite was built after March 12, 2018, please visit build a new secondary suite.
To convert an existing basement, developed without cooking facilities, to a legal secondary suite, please apply for a new secondary suite.
