City Council has extended the basement suite amnesty program to December 31, 2026. Development permit and registration fees are waived. SSIP grants up to $10,000 are available. After December 31, enforcement ramps up and the costs get much higher. Act now.
The City of Calgary estimates there are tens of thousands of unpermitted secondary suites across the city. To address the housing shortage safely, City Council created an amnesty program giving owners a chance to legalize existing suites without back-enforcement penalties.
If you have a basement suite that was built without a development permit, or that was never formally registered with the City of Calgary, you have an illegal suite — even if it was built by the previous owner. You are responsible for bringing it up to code.
Legal suites can be rented lawfully, qualify for full insurance coverage, and add significant resale value. Illegal suites expose you to liability, insurance voidance, and City fines that can reach thousands of dollars per month.
The SSIP grant funding is partially backed by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. That federal backing may close as early as September 2026, which could reduce available grant amounts before the December deadline.
To pass a City of Calgary inspection and receive a legal suite certificate, your basement must meet these minimum safety requirements. These are non-negotiable — all four must be satisfied.
Each bedroom in the suite must have an operable window that meets minimum size requirements for emergency exit. Typical requirement: minimum 0.35 m² opening, at least 380 mm in height and 450 mm in width, with the sill no more than 1,500 mm above floor level.
Interconnected smoke alarms must be installed on every level of the home including the basement suite, and in every bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors are required adjacent to all sleeping areas when gas appliances or an attached garage are present.
The suite must have a protected exit route to the exterior. This typically means the stairwell connecting the basement to the main floor must have fire-rated construction, a self-closing fire door, and no openings that would allow smoke to travel between units.
A minimum 12.7 mm (½") Type X drywall fire separation barrier is required between the basement suite and the rest of the home — on all shared walls, the ceiling of the suite, and around any exposed mechanical equipment or utilities.
* Additional requirements may apply depending on suite configuration, year of construction, and specific City inspector findings.
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP) provides grants to help cover the cost of bringing your suite up to code. These grants do not need to be repaid.
Federal funding may close September 2026: The SSIP is partially backed by Canada's Housing Accelerator Fund. If federal backing is withdrawn before December 31, grant amounts could be reduced or unavailable. Don't wait until October to start — complete your application before September to protect your grant eligibility.
We handle the entire legalization process — from the initial City application through construction and final inspection. You don't need to figure out the paperwork, hire multiple trades, or chase down inspectors. We manage it all under one roof.
We visit your property, review your suite's current condition, and identify exactly what work is required to pass inspection and qualify for SSIP grants.
We prepare and submit your development permit application to the City of Calgary. Under the amnesty program, fees are waived — we ensure you're registered correctly to receive that benefit.
Our crew completes all required work — egress windows, drywall separation, fire doors, smoke/CO alarm installation, and any other items flagged by the City.
We coordinate the City inspection, address any deficiencies, and see the process through to a legal suite certificate and official secondary suite registration.
We help you document eligible costs and prepare your SSIP grant application to maximize the funding you receive back.
Custom Home Builders Ltd is BBB accredited. We work transparently, with clear written quotes before any work begins. No surprise costs.
We serve Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, and Chestermere. Local team, local knowledge of City permit processes.
As the December 2026 deadline approaches, qualified contractors will be booked out. Permit processing times also increase as application volume rises. Starting now gives you the most flexibility.
Ready to legalize your suite? Contact us for a free no-obligation site assessment and quote.
Get a Free AssessmentOr call us: (587) 896-0200
Common questions about Calgary's basement suite amnesty program and legalization process.
What is the deadline for the Calgary basement suite amnesty program?
The Calgary basement suite amnesty program currently runs until December 31, 2026. City Council extended the program with no plans for further extensions. After this date, the City will increase enforcement of unpermitted suites and retroactive penalty protections will no longer apply.
How much does it cost to legalize a basement suite in Calgary?
Costs vary depending on your suite's current condition and what work is required. Common costs include egress window installation ($1,500–$4,000), drywall fire separation ($2,000–$6,000), fire door installation ($800–$2,000), and alarm systems ($300–$800). Development permit and registration fees are waived under the amnesty program. SSIP grants cover up to $10,000 of eligible costs, which can offset most or all of the required work for many suites.
What happens if I don't legalize my suite before the deadline?
After December 31, 2026, the City of Calgary will ramp up inspections and enforcement. Owners of unpermitted suites may face fines, mandatory closure orders, and be required to complete all code upgrades without the benefit of waived fees or SSIP grants. You'll also lose protection against retroactive enforcement action, meaning violations that occurred before 2026 could be pursued. Insurance claims related to the suite may be denied.
What are the minimum requirements to get a legal suite in Calgary?
The four core safety requirements are: (1) egress windows in each bedroom meeting minimum opening dimensions; (2) interconnected smoke alarms on every level and in every bedroom, plus CO detectors near sleeping areas; (3) a protected exit route from the suite to the exterior, typically requiring a fire-rated stairwell with a self-closing fire door; and (4) a minimum 12.7 mm Type X drywall fire separation between the suite and the rest of the home. Additional requirements may apply based on your specific suite layout and City inspection findings.
Can I apply for SSIP grants and the amnesty program at the same time?
Yes — in fact, the amnesty program and SSIP are designed to work together. You apply for the amnesty development permit through the City of Calgary first, then document your eligible renovation costs during construction, and submit your SSIP grant application after the work is complete. Custom Home Builders Ltd helps clients navigate both processes together so you don't miss any eligible funding. Note that the federal portion of SSIP funding may close as early as September 2026, so starting early is important.
Don't leave $10,000 in grants on the table or risk City fines after the amnesty ends. Contact Custom Home Builders Ltd today for a free site assessment and clear written quote.
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