Building Permit in Calgary, AB
General building permits for new residential construction.
Where Are Building Permits Being Issued?
Permit Volume Over Time
Processing Time Trend
Average days from application to approval
Year-over-Year Growth
Percentage change in permits issued vs previous year
Top Neighbourhoods
| Neighbourhood | Permits Issued | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CRANSTON | 6,437 | 3.6% |
| SADDLE RIDGE | 6,016 | 3.4% |
| PANORAMA HILLS | 5,837 | 3.3% |
| MAHOGANY | 5,622 | 3.2% |
| EVERGREEN | 5,175 | 2.9% |
| EVANSTON | 5,152 | 2.9% |
| AUBURN BAY | 4,608 | 2.6% |
| TUSCANY | 4,560 | 2.6% |
| CORNERSTONE | 3,978 | 2.2% |
| MCKENZIE TOWNE | 3,829 | 2.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit in Calgary?
Yes, most building projects in Calgary require a building permit from the city. Based on our data, Calgary has issued 176,925 building permits to date, making it one of the most common permit types in the city. Requirements vary depending on the scope and size of the project. Contact Calgary's building department for specific requirements for your project.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Calgary?
Based on our analysis of 176,925 permits, the average processing time for a building permit in Calgary is 30 days from application to approval. Processing times have been decreasing in recent years. In 2026, the average was 37 days.
How many building permits are issued in Calgary each year?
Calgary issues approximately 1,559 building permits per year. Our data covers 1999 to present, with a total of 176,925 permits tracked.
Which neighbourhoods in Calgary have the most building permits?
The top neighbourhoods for building permits in Calgary are CRANSTON (6,437 permits), SADDLE RIDGE (6,016 permits), and PANORAMA HILLS (5,837 permits). These areas account for 10% of all building permits in the city.
How much does a building project cost in Calgary?
Based on construction values reported on 176,925 permits, the average building project in Calgary has a construction value of $286,846. The median value is $217,407, which may be more representative as it excludes outliers. Note that this is the total project construction cost, not the permit fee.
Are building permits increasing or decreasing in Calgary?
Building permit activity in Calgary has been declining in recent years. In 2026, 1,559 permits were issued, compared to 6,720 in 2023.
What is the building permit process in Calgary?
The typical process for a building permit in Calgary involves: 1) Preparing your project plans and documentation, 2) Submitting your application to Calgary's building department, 3) Paying the applicable permit fees, 4) Waiting for plan review and approval (average 30 days), 5) Receiving your permit and beginning construction, and 6) Scheduling required inspections during and after construction.
How does Calgary compare to other Canadian cities for building permits?
Calgary is one of 14 major Canadian cities we track for building permit data. With an average processing time of 30 days, you can compare Calgary's building permit statistics including volume trends, processing times, and neighbourhood breakdowns with other cities on our national building permit comparison page.