The simple rule
If the work changes structure, safety systems or services, Calgary generally wants a permit. If you are replacing what is already there with the same thing in the same place, generally it doesn't. Cosmetic work is free and clear; anything touching framing, plumbing, gas or wiring is not.
This is general guidance, not a ruling. Permit requirements change and every property has its own zoning and history. Confirm with the City of Calgary, or ask us and we will tell you what your project needs before anything is torn out.
Usually no permit
- Re-shingling or replacing a roof, as long as the roofline and framing don't change
- Re-siding, or repairing stucco, soffit, fascia and eavestrough
- Replacing windows and doors with the same size units in the same openings
- Painting, flooring, trim and tile
- New cabinets, counters and backsplash with no plumbing or wiring changes
Usually a permit
- Removing or altering a load-bearing wall, or adding a beam
- New or relocated plumbing, including a basement bathroom that wasn't roughed in by the builder
- New or altered electrical circuits, panels and gas work
- Making a window or door opening bigger, or cutting a new one, including basement egress windows
- Basement development, secondary suites and additions
- Changes to ventilation that affect building safety
Which permit is which
Building permit
Structure, layout and envelope: walls, beams, openings, additions, basement development.
Plumbing permit
Any new or moved fixture, drain or supply line. Always required for a new basement bathroom.
Electrical permit
New circuits, panel work, relocated service. Needed for most kitchen renovations that add outlets.
Gas permit
Moving or adding a gas line for a range, fireplace or barbecue stub.
Why it matters more than people think
Three reasons, and none of them are about paperwork for its own sake. First, unpermitted work shows up during a sale and buyers use it to negotiate or walk away. Second, an insurer can push back on a claim if the damage traces to work that was never inspected. Third, inspections genuinely catch things: undersized beams, missing vapour barrier and bathroom fans vented into attics are all problems we have found behind finished walls in Calgary homes.
Who pulls the permit
For the work we do, we handle the permits and inspections that belong to our scope, and we tell you up front which ones your project needs and who schedules them. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit for work they are doing, treat that as a warning sign: it moves the liability to the homeowner.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Calgary?
Generally no. Re-shingling is maintenance. A permit comes into play if the roofline, framing or structure changes.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation?
Not for cabinets, counters and backsplash alone. You do once you move plumbing, add circuits or take out a wall, which covers most full kitchen renovations.
Do I need a permit to replace windows?
Not for same-size replacements. Yes for new or enlarged openings, and for basement egress windows.
What happens if work was done without a permit?
You can usually apply after the fact. The City may require parts of the work to be opened up for inspection, which costs more than permitting it the first time.
How long do permits take in Calgary?
It varies with the type of permit and how busy the City is. Simple trade permits are quick; building permits for structural changes take longer, so we start that process early.
