What is the difference between Building Permits vs. Development Permits?

What is the difference between Building Permits vs. Development Permits?

By Kevin Padillo, Business Development Manager - Pircon Group

Are you a first time business owner looking to do construction on your business?

Or are you a homeowner and you want to renovate or make developments on your properties and you don't’ want to get in trouble? Read on because I want to make it simple.

This article is about the difference between the City of Calgary’s Building Permits and Development Permits. If you are looking for information regarding your town or city and the process for permitting, contact your municipality. We covered the Permitting Process on Episode 5 of the Adeel Pirzada Podcast, listen to it here:

If you are looking for an in depth article on Building Permits, read this article here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/beginners-guide-calgary-building-permits-kevin-padillo/

Building Permits and Development Permits can go hand in hand in a construction project.?

Building permits are for those looking to do construction on their home or business such as a renovation or build out.

A building permit is an application with the City to ensure your construction project meets the National Building Code (Alberta Edition) requirements and is safe. The code provides regulation on approved building materials and methods for construction. (Source: City of Calgary)

Development Permits are mainly for planning purposes and is an application that is sent to the City of Calgary’s planning department for a project that does not meet the Land Use Bylaws. This process gives the city time to decide if your project is a good fit for the surrounding area.

For example: Proposing to build your Car Factory in the middle of a residential area.?

You may ask… When do I need a Building Permit?

• When there is any construction, repair, renovations or demolitions on any structural and non structural walls.
• When there are changes to the business activity resulting in changes to building code classification or occupant load which is the amount of people allowed safely inside (A storage facility turns into a food hamper delivery). Even when there is no construction involved, you may need a building permit.
• When installing new mechanical equipment. A toaster? No need

But for a mechanical lift? Yes.

• You are the first tenant in a brand new building
• When Alberta Health Services need to review the application - locations may include: restaurants, daycares, pools, hair salons, massage centers, tattoo parlors and nail salons
• If you are making changes to your mechanical, plumbing, gas or electrical and any important services you may need a building permit and also individual trade permits for each specific trade.

When do you need to apply for a Developmental Permit?

• When you are making how the space or building will be used
• Any previous applications for proposed activities were not approved, you may need a Developmental Permit
• When you’re Making changes to the Exterior that doesn’t match the approved Development Permit for the building.

NOTE: Each building and land use area has their own specific rules and regulations. Visit the website below for information and compare the bullet points above.

You may be asking… Will I need both a DP and a BP?

Yes there are times when you will need both, when doing construction: make sure to check the Land Use of your construction project by visiting this City of Calgary website here, you can enter your address of the site and see the Land Use specification reserved for that area:

Visit This Link To See The Land Use For Your Area https://www.calgary.ca/planning/land-use/districts.html

ARTICLE SOURCE: City of Calgary - Land Use District and City of Calgary Development Website.

If you have any questions regarding Building Permits and Development Permits, feel free to reach out to our team. We have a Building Permit and Development Permit package where we handle your permitting process to give you more time and less headache.

Contact Kevin to get a quote: [email protected]

Give him a call or text: 587-999-1361

Visit our website: PirconGroup.com