Calgary hub
Backyard suites in Calgary
Rules last reviewed August 31, 2026
Where things stand in Calgary
A backyard suite is a self-contained dwelling built behind an existing house on the same parcel. In Calgary the rules for them shifted meaningfully on August 4, 2026, when the blanket rezoning was repealed.
- Since August 4, 2026, a property may have one of a secondary suite or a backyard suite — not both.
- Backyard suites are not allowed on semi-detached properties.
- The parking requirement returned.
- Backyard suites are permitted in R-G. In other zones they are discretionary and require City verification.
Everything else on this hub — dimensions, permits, incentives, cost drivers — sits downstream of those four points.
Backyard suite rules
The dimensional baselines the City publishes and what changed with the rezoning repeal.
ReadPermits
Development permit, building permit and the City's stated 60-day review timeline.
ReadBackyard Suite Incentive Program
What the City announced in March 2026 and how to check current availability.
ReadLot screening tool
Screen a Calgary property against the published baselines in a few questions.
ReadCost drivers
The variables that decide what a build costs — a worksheet, not a price list.
ReadBuilders
How to vet a Calgary backyard suite builder, and our vetting framework.
ReadScreening only — not an approval. This is a screening tool, not an approval. Nothing on this page confirms that a backyard suite can be built on a specific property — only the City of Calgary can do that through the development and building permit process.
Facts on this page are drawn from current City of Calgary pages and were last reviewed August 31, 2026. Rules change and every parcel is different. Verify current requirements with the City of Calgary before making any decision.