Calgary city council has decided to maintain the current rules for backyard suites, while approving a recommendation to list secondary suites as a permitted use across the city, effective August 4. This decision comes after a lengthy public hearing and aims to address housing needs in Calgary.

Secondary Suites to Receive Automatic Approval

According to city administration, 98.9% of secondary suite applications were approved last year, with 6,232 registered secondary suites in the city in 2025. By making secondary suites a permitted use, they will be exempt from requiring a development permit, only needing a building permit if all rules are met.

This change is expected to save up to six weeks of processing time and over $600 in permit fees, with 2,300 secondary suites estimated to be built per year. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas stated that automatic approval for basement suites is a needed way to provide housing, recognizing the importance of addressing housing needs in the city.

Backyard Suites to Remain Discretionary Use

However, the recommendation to make backyard suites permitted was rejected by council, with Ward 11 Coun. Rob Ward proposing an amendment to keep them as discretionary use, requiring a development permit. Ward argued that each parcel in the city is unique, and this decision allows for more flexibility and neighbor appeals.

Councillors Schmidt, Kelly, Pantazopoulos, Atkinson, Clark, and Yule voted against the amendment, citing the high approval rate of backyard suite applications and the potential for increased workload and funding needs. Stephanie Chipeur, a University of Calgary professor, expressed disappointment, as at-grade backyard suites can remove barriers for people with disabilities and allow them to live close to family supports.

Next Steps and Implications

The decision will impact the development process for secondary and backyard suites in Calgary, with the city expecting an increase in secondary suite applications. The city will need to adjust to the new regulations, and residents should watch for further developments on the implementation of these changes. As Farkas stated, backyard suites are still seen as an essential part of addressing housing in Calgary, despite the rejected proposal to make them permitted use.

  • 6,232 registered secondary suites in Calgary in 2025
  • 98.9% of secondary suite applications were approved last year
  • 2,300 secondary suites estimated to be built per year
  • Up to six weeks of processing time and over $600 in permit fees saved

Calgary residents and developers can expect the new regulations to take effect on August 4, with the city council continuing to monitor and address housing needs in the city.