A Development Permit is needed for most new construction or changes of use.

The Calgary Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 does not list all individual uses that require a development permit. It does list the uses that do NOT require a development Permit (for further information, see Section 25 of the Land Use Bylaw). Therefore, if a use is not specifically exempted, it requires a development permit.

The following are some of the types of construction that DO NOT need a Development Permit IF they comply with all the rules of the Land Use Bylaw:

• fences, walls, gates, parking pads, decks, garages, sheds;
• the construction of, or addition to, single and two unit dwellings, unless they are in the floodway or in an Established Community (see map below);
• interior alterations to a residence (unless it changes the number of dwelling units);
• some changes of use (e.g. Retail to Retail).

Certain types of new residences in most of the Established Communities are regulated by the Modest Residential Development Rules (see pamphlet or a staff member).

The Modest Residential Development rules allow for faster approvals of houses that meet stringent size and lot coverage rules.