Yes. All secondary suites require permits in Alberta. They are regulated as independent living spaces under the National Building Code: 2023 Alberta Edition and local bylaws, meaning approval is required before construction or conversion.
Getting the proper permits does more than satisfy regulations:
Ensure safety and livability: Approved suites must meet strict standards for fire protection, emergency egress, ceiling heights, and ventilation.
Protect long-term value: A permitted suite helps avoid complications when selling, refinancing, or dealing with insurance, giving you confidence that everything is done correctly.
At suiteplans.ca, we create precise, permit-ready drawings for basement and garage suites, designed to help you move through the approval process smoothly. Each set is detailed and clearly outlines your project so you, your contractor, and the city are aligned from the start.
*application & building permit fee not included
*application & building permit fee not included
Permit application fees vary and are set by your local municipality’s planning and development office.
These fees are not included in our garage or basement suite blueprint packages.
Our secondary suite blueprint packages include the building-code-compliant, permit-ready suite drawings you’ll need for fast secondary suite permit approval:
This blueprint package is designed to meet all of the bylaws, regulations, and building code requirements necessary for a quick building permit approval.
All you have to do is apply!
For more information about typical application requirements for secondary suites in Alberta, you can view the City of Calgary’s website pertaining to secondary suites and backyard suites.
If you’re planning to build a garage or backyard suite, you’ll need to determine the foundation type. To save on excavation costs, many homeowners choose to install an engineered floating slab-on-grade or thickened slab that will support the two-storey structure.
At suiteplans.ca, we can provide you with stamped slab drawings to meet your municipality’s criteria. Ask about our engineered drawings when you contact us for pricing!
Our blueprints are pre-optimized for municipal permit processes across Alberta, including:
✔️ Zoning Bylaw Compliance. Whether it’s the Calgary Land Use Bylaw IP2007 or the Town of Cochrane Land Use Bylaw 01-2022, we know the rules for setbacks, access right-of-way restrictions, eave projections, and more.
✔️ Code-Ready Designs: All of our affordable suite plans meet National Building Code: 2023 Alberta Edition Vol. 1 standards and requirements for fast and easy municipal building permit approval.
✔️ City-Approved Drafting Standards: Our permit drawings have led to over 500+ successful building permits being issued in Alberta since 2011.
We’re Alberta building code specialists, and we know the permit world inside out, backwards and forwards. From standard garage builds to complex custom projects such as carriage houses and backyard suites, our goal is simple:
garagepermits.ca guarantees the municipal approval of all detached garages that are listed as permitted uses in their respective land use districts, comply with all requirements set out in the National Building Code: 2023 Alberta Edition Vol 1, the corresponding municipality’s land use bylaw or zoning bylaw, and do not require special consideration or relaxation of any easements, setbacks, or right-of-ways.