If you’re in the market for a garage suite or another new construction build in Calgary as of late, then chances are you’re familiar with the blanket rezoning that our municipality implemented in August of 2024.

Now well into 2025, the dust is starting to settle from the rezoning and we’re getting a good grasp of what is now allowed – and what isn’t – from the rule changes.

As leading experts in Calgary backyard suite construction, we’d like to share with you some tips based on experience with permits and design on what the blanket R-CG rezoning might mean for your upcoming garage suite project. Please note, these rules are subject to change at any time by the City and are not set in stone – it’s best to contact us for our latest experiences and up to date information.

If you ever have questions about garage suite builds, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime at 403-797-4918 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to assist you.

#1 – Can I Build My Garage Suite 1.5 Metres Away from the Main Residence?

The City of Calgary implemented new R-CG zoning rules for many homes that were previously designated as R-C1 and R-C2. Upon release of these rules, we noticed that the R-CG bylaw said that suites can be built just 1.5 metres (or about 5 feet) away from the main residence.

However, upon applying this new rule change to some designs, the city came back and said that it was not allowed. As a result, we had to modify our designs to follow the setback of 5 metres (roughly fifteen feet).

The lesson to be learned here is that the new R-CG zoning, while it lays out new guidelines for residential construction, they sometimes can be quite confusing until a design is tried and tested. We now believe that the R-CG rezoning has language in it that seems to apply to garage suites, but in reality, it applies to multi-family complexes.

The moral of the story here is that each garage suite permit is discretionary in nature; so far, we haven’t seen any approved designs and/or permits submitted to the city on our end with a garage suite just 1.5 metres away from the main residence.

#2 – Can I Have a Garage Suite and a Basement Suite on the Same Lot?

In an effort to increase housing availability to Calgarians, the City of Calgary said that under its R-CG rezoning, property owners can now have a basement suite AND a garage suite on the same lot.

We’ve applied to the city for new projects under this new guidance, and yes, we have been allowed to proceed with garage suites AND basement suites on the same property – which is great news, particularly if you’re an investor or looking to maximize the income-generating opportunities from your lot.

Having said that, there are some things you should be aware of when applying for a garage suite on a lot that already has a basement suite.

#1 – If you do have a basement suite, it will need to be legalized (if not already) as part of the garage suite development permit approval process.

#2 – If you have a basement suite, you will incur a premium charge for the extra drawings and measurements required on our end for your design and permit application with the City.

#3 – Having a basement suite can prolong the permit approval process for your backyard suite. Be prepared for delays if you do have a basement suite on the same property!

#3 – Can I Have a Zero-Lot-Line Garage Suite on an R-CG Property?

Unfortunately, the city’s guidance on zero-lot-line garage suites remains unclear.

We’ve applied for such designs in inner city communities previously and have been denied by the city despite R-CG zoning. Therefore, if you’re looking to do a zero-lot-line garage suite, you may need to submit a pre-application to the city and see if it is allowed for your area.

There are many new suburban communities where you will find zero-lot-line garage suites, or builds that go against the typical rules for backyard suite construction. These are often zoned as Direct Control, or DC, which is a customized land use designation that allows custom rules for a particular residential area.

Having said that, we always caution against applying for zero-lot-line garage suites, as our previous experience has led us to believe that they are still not allowed for many inner city properties across Calgary despite the R-CG rezoning.

Questions About Garage Suite Design & Permits?

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Please note, the tips above are based on experience only and we do not pretend to represent the City of Calgary planning department in any way. However, based on our extensive experience with past backyard suite designs and permits, we feel confident that our knowledge and expertise would work well for your next project.

Contact us anytime to discuss your backyard suite goals – we are looking forward to connecting with you!