The short answer is yes you may need a building permit, but probably not for replacement siding. Moreover, if your neighbour puts up an illegal structure, you will be pleased to know these controls exist. The city has streamlined the process, and approvals generally only take a few days. However the penalties can be harsh. Hence we recommend following the rules. Unless you are just replacing bathroom fixtures or kitchen cabinets, painting walls, changing flooring, or making other cosmetic upgrades that is.
Comparing Building and Development Permits
Regular building permits are usually sufficient if the work is within the city’s Land Use Bylaws. However, if your addition, deck or garage is outside the local planning scheme then you are going to need a development permit. Engage an experienced contractor, especially if this is the case because failed applications can be hard to unpick.
A development permit can take three months to obtain, and cost upwards of $15,000 depending on work scope. The rest of this post summarises the rules for regular building permits. Our advice is not to take short cuts. An inspector can stop a job they deem illegal, and that’s another complicated problem to fix.
The Rules for When You Need a Building Permit
You need a building permit if you are changing the structure or mechanical systems of your home. This includes constructing a garage, building a new fence, adding a new section to a home or outbuilding, or renovating the basement.
However a permit is generally unnecessary if you are simply replacing what you already have. Thus re-siding, re-roofing, replacing windows and doors for same size, painting, re-flooring, and new cabinets should not require city approval.
These rules are in place to ensure Calgary standards for structural integrity, health, and safety are maintained. While the homeowner is legally responsible for following this process, contractors should include the paperwork in their quotes
Penalties for Being Without a Building Permit
Calgary has sharp teeth, as some errant homeowners have discovered when they were $10,000’s out of pocket. If offenders don’t pay their fine the city can raise penalties, take out liens, and make it almost impossible to sell the property. In a worse-case scenario the owner might be unable to obtain financing or face withdrawal of their loans
Therefore, it follows it makes more sense to abide by the rules and do the right thing. The last thing you need is finding your house is illegal, when you need to sell urgently for whatever reason. We publish this information after repeated inquiries, as a service to the Calgary community in which we are proud to work.
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