SECONDARY SUITE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program is an initiative aimed at encouraging safe and accessible housing for Calgarians.
It is an action listed in the Home is Here: The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy. It provides a qualifying homeowner up to $10,000 to cover a portion of construction costs to develop and register a safe secondary suite.
The incentive applies to suites built within the main dwelling, not for backyard or detached suites. Applications are limited to one per person, and you must own the property through the entire process. Qualifying homeowners must have an active building permit for their secondary suite when applying to the program. They can apply for funding from the program for the following safety elements:
Egress windows
Hardwired and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Protected exiting
Smoke-tight barriers
Split heat/separate air
Additional funding is available for accessibility and energy efficiency.
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program is open for applications. Learn more about the program or apply at calgary.ca/suite-incentive.
FAQ’s
How can I prepare to apply?
Step 1: Make sure you qualify for the Incentive Program.
Step 2: Design your suite. Hiring a professional can help you with the submission of a complete application and apply for the permits required. Visit Calgary.ca/suites for more information.
Step 3: Apply for the building permit. You may need to apply for additional permits for your project. This can include electrical, plumbing and gas permits.
Step 4: Apply for the Incentive Program.
Can I start my project before I apply to the Incentive Program?
Permits must be issued prior to starting construction. The Incentive Program is focused on providing funds to help complete the key safety elements required to meet code. The qualifying amount may be lower than expected if the safety elements are completed before applying and confirming the missing elements. Funds may be available to in-progress projects if the required safety elements haven't been completed.
Can I do the work in the suite myself?
Homeowners can apply for their own building permit. You can also apply for homeowner electrical and plumbing permits.
Hiring a professional for your secondary suite project can be helpful. They can help you with the submission of a complete application for any building and trade permits you may need for your secondary suite project. However, hiring a professional for your secondary suite project is not required.
There are some trade permits that homeowners cannot apply for. You will need to hire a professional for gas permits and some electrical and plumbing permits.
What permits do I need for my suite?
Every suite needs a building permit. Most will also need an electrical permit, and some will need plumbing and HVAC permits. You will need a development permit if:
Your land use district lists secondary suites as discretionary.
You aren’t able to provide the required parking.
Visit Calgary.ca/suites for more information on this process. Under the Suite Amnesty Program there is currently no fee for development permits.
Why only $10,000?
The program is not intended to fully fund construction. It is to support those thinking of converting their space to a safe, registered suite. This program will encourage people to consider adding a suite to their home legally. It aims to reach those that may require additional support to transition their suites into safe and registered secondary suites.