Your secondary suite permit package.

The drawings

The drawings your project needs depend on your answers and your municipality. Here is what each one shows and why it matters.

• Basement floor plan, existing and proposed. The suite layout: bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, exits, mechanical room and fire separations.
• Main floor plan. The upper unit, stairs and shared spaces, so the municipality can see how the two units are separated.
• Second floor plan (two storey homes, where required). Required in some municipalities, such as Calgary, for a complete set.
• Site plan. Your lot and house, with entrances, walkways and parking.
• Elevations with glazing calculation. Each side of the house that gets new windows or a new entrance. Calgary requires all four sides.
• Cross section. A cut through the house showing ceiling heights and the fire separation between the units.
• Construction notes. Fire separation assemblies, interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, egress windows, and heating and ventilation notes.

Every step we handle

1. Information collection and initial zoning review

• We review your Real Property Report (RPR) or survey, photos and project details.
• We check the zoning bylaw that applies to your property: setbacks, lot coverage, height and use.
• We confirm which permits your project needs and flag anything that could trigger a development permit.
• For existing work and interior projects, our technician visits to measure and photograph what is there.

2. Drawings

• We prepare every drawing listed below, to the standard your municipality expects.
• You receive a draft to review and approve before anything is submitted.
• One round of revisions is included.
• Our team checks the package internally before it goes to you, so the municipality has fewer questions.

3. Permit submission and management

• We prepare the application forms and upload everything through the municipal portal.
• We coordinate payment of the municipal fees.
• We answer the municipality's questions and handle requested changes, with your approval.
• You get a weekly update from your project manager until the permit is issued.
• When your permit is issued, we send it with the permit conditions explained and step by step instructions for booking inspections.

What we need from you

• Your RPR or survey plan
• Any existing drawings of the house
• A sketch or description of the suite layout
• Photos of the basement and each side of the house