Calgary launches secondary suite registry

The City of Calgary launched a Secondary Suite Registry and sticker program today, in an effort to promote the importance of legal and safe secondary suites in the city. The online, searchable registry tool and registered sticker program helps Calgarians verify if a secondary suite has been inspected by The City and has met the requirements of Alberta’s building codes at the time of its approval.

“Alberta’s building code requirements for secondary suites are important in protecting the public,” says Cliff De Jong, Special Project Coordinator with Planning, Development and Assessment at The City. “The registry program allows Calgarians to verify if a home they are considering meets these requirements.” The online registry and mapping tool allows Calgarians to enter an address, registry sticker number or community to verify a legal and safe secondary suite.

Registered secondary suite owners also receive a registered sticker that can be used to promote their suite to current and future residents. The individually numbered sticker corresponds to the suite’s address, which can be verified online.

“Safe secondary suites provide critical safety features that allow people to escape in the event of an emergency, such as a fire,” says De Jong. “Responsible secondary suite owners on our registry have put human life first, and should be recognized for taking the necessary measures to help prevent further tragedies in our city.” 

Earlier this month, The City launched an 18-month Development Permit exemption to make it faster and easier to develop a basement suite where allowed, and rules of the Land Use Bylaw are met. The exemption program aims to reduce barriers, like time and money, from developing a safe basement suite.

To learn more about the secondary suite registry or the Development Permit exemption, please visit calgary.ca/secondarysuites or contact 311.

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See larger images of the secondary suite sticker and registry tool map in the newsroom.