No. As of September 2026, Calgary's Land Use Bylaw does not allow a backyard suite and a secondary (basement) suite on the same property. A short window existed between August 2024 and August 4, 2026, when blanket rezoning let R-CG lots carry both suite types at once. Calgary City Council repealed that policy on April 8, 2026, and the change took effect on August 4, 2026.
Under the current rule, a homeowner can build one secondary suite inside the home and one backyard suite in the yard - but not both on the same lot. Homeowners who already have a basement suite must decommission it before a backyard suite development permit is approved.
| Quick definitions A secondary suite (often a basement suite) sits inside the primary home with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. A backyard suite is a physically separate structure in the yard, often built above a detached garage. Both count as suites under Calgary's Land Use Bylaw 1P2007. |
|---|
What Changed in Calgary's Secondary Suite Rules for 2026?
Calgary's 2024 citywide rezoning briefly let R-CG properties carry a backyard suite and a secondary suite together. City Council voted 12-3 to repeal that policy, with the change taking effect August 4, 2026, according to the City of Calgary's rezoning repeal notice (April 2026).
Most properties reverted to their pre-2024 zoning that day. Applications submitted before April 8, 2026, and approved before August 4, 2026, still fall under the old rules. For every property assessed after that date, the current bylaw applies: one secondary suite per dwelling, and no backyard suite where a secondary suite already exists.
Can You Have Two Suites on One Property in Calgary?
No, not under the current bylaw. Titan Pro Developer works from the City of Calgary's current suite rules, which state there can only be one secondary suite within each dwelling unit, and a backyard suite and a secondary suite cannot share a property.
This applies across Calgary, Chestermere, Airdrie, and Rocky View County. Homeowners weighing both options need to pick one suite type before applying for permits.
| 🛠 Practitioner's Note "Nearly every homeowner who calls us about a backyard suite already has a basement suite. The first conversation is always about which one they actually want to keep." |
|---|
What Types of Homes Can Have a Backyard Suite in Calgary?
Backyard suites are only permitted on properties with a single detached or contextual single detached dwelling. Semi-detached homes, duplexes, and rowhouses don't qualify.
The lot also needs enough rear yard space for the suite, required parking, and separation from the main house. Titan Pro Developer's backyard suite development team reviews lot size and setback requirements before design work starts.
Does a Basement Suite Count as a Secondary Suite in Calgary?
Yes. A basement suite is the most common form of secondary suite in Calgary, though secondary suites can also sit on a main or upper floor, or above an attached garage.
Every secondary suite needs its own kitchen, bathroom, entrance, and an egress window in each bedroom. Full requirements are outlined in Titan Pro Developer's secondary suite requirements guide.
Here's how the two suite types compare on the rules that matter most:
| Feature | Secondary (Basement) Suite | Backyard Suite |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside the primary home | Separate structure in the yard |
| Permit path | Building permit; development permit only if discretionary | Development permit always required first |
| Minimum ceiling height | 1.95 m (1.85 m where reduced) | Set by the approved structure design |
| Max suite floor area | 100 m² if not fully in the basement | Set by lot coverage and setback rules |
| Parking | Minimum 1 stall (may be reduced) | Minimum 1 stall (may be reduced) |
| 👀 Did You Know? Calgary's Secondary Suites Amnesty Program waives suite registry fees through December 31, 2026, for both new and existing legal suites. |
|---|
What Permits and Parking Do Calgary Suites Require?
Backyard suites always need a development permit before a building permit, since they're a discretionary use in most districts. Secondary suites may only need a building permit if listed as a permitted use for that address.
Both suite types require at least one parking stall, though the requirement can drop near transit or where the main home already has two or more stalls. Applicants must show the suite's amenity space and parking location on the site plan.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Suite in Calgary?
Basement suite construction generally costs less than a backyard suite, since it reuses existing walls and foundation. Backyard suites need a standalone foundation, roof, and utility connections, which raises the price.
The City's Backyard Suite Incentive Program offers up to $15,000 for construction costs plus up to $20,000 for underground utility connections, for a maximum of $35,000, according to the Backyard Suite Incentive Program details (March 2026). Basement suites can qualify for a separate $10,000 Secondary Suite Incentive Program instead.
Titan Pro Developer provides a free written estimate before either incentive application is submitted.
What Happens if a Suite Doesn't Meet Calgary's Requirements?
An unregistered or non-compliant suite can be removed from the Secondary Suite Registry after a complaint and inspection. The City may take legal action against owners who don't correct safety issues within the given timeline.
Selling a home with an illegal suite also complicates the sale, since buyers and lenders often check the registry. Titan Pro Developer's secondary suite development team handles the permit and inspection process from application to final sign-off.
To decommission an existing basement suite before adding a backyard suite:
- Remove the second kitchen - cabinetry, stove, and cooktop.
- Remove or seal the separate suite entrance.
- Submit updated floor plans showing the space as part of the main home.
- Get City sign-off before the backyard suite development permit is approved.
| ⚠️ Watch Out: Skipping the decommissioning step is the most common reason backyard suite applications stall. The City asks for proof the secondary suite is shut down before issuing the development permit. |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
Do backyard suites require a development permit in Calgary?
Yes. Backyard suites are a discretionary use in most districts, so they always need a development permit before a building permit. Neighbours receive written notice and can appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board within 21 days.
What permits are needed for a basement suite in Calgary?
Every basement suite needs a building permit and a separate electrical permit. A development permit is only required if secondary suites are discretionary for that address or the design doesn't meet Land Use Bylaw rules.
Are backyard suites allowed on every Calgary lot?
No. Only lots with a single detached or contextual single detached home qualify, and the lot needs enough space for the required setbacks, amenity area, and parking stall.
Can I convert my basement suite to a backyard suite instead of losing both?
Yes. Decommission the basement suite by removing the second kitchen and separate entrance, then apply for the backyard suite development permit once the City confirms the suite is shut down.
How much does a backyard suite cost to build in Calgary?
Costs vary with size, finishes, and site conditions, and underground utility connections are often the biggest variable. The City's incentive program can offset up to $35,000 of that cost.
Is there financial help available for building a suite in Calgary?
Yes. Basement suites can qualify for up to $10,000 through the Secondary Suite Incentive Program, and backyard suites can qualify for up to $35,000 through the Backyard Suite Incentive Program.
Construction Content Writer
