Introduction

If you own a Calgary home with a basement suite that was built without permits, the calendar matters. The City of Calgary’s Secondary Suite Amnesty Program is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026, which is only about two months away. Here is what the program does, who qualifies, and what to do before it closes.

What Is the Secondary Suite Amnesty Program?

The amnesty was introduced in 2018 so owners of existing suites could legalize them at a lower cost and to a minimum life-safety standard, rather than the full requirements for a brand-new suite. While it runs, the city waives the development permit fee and the Secondary Suite Registry fee. The city’s own existing suite FAQ lists those fees at $497 and $244, although you should confirm current amounts. Building and trade permit fees still apply.

Which Suites Qualify?

The amnesty applies to suites built before March 12, 2018. Suites built after that date, or suites that have not been built yet, follow the current Part 9 requirements of the National Building Code – Alberta Edition. If you are not sure which category your suite falls into, the City’s Planning Services Centre can confirm it, and the City’s secondary suite page is the best place to start.

What Safety Upgrades Are Typically Required?

Owners of pre-2018 suites must meet minimum life-safety requirements. According to the city, these include:

• A bedroom window that can be used as an emergency exit
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• A protected exit route from the basement to the outside
• Drywall barriers between the suite and the main home
• Drywall barriers in the mechanical room

Your contractor or designer should confirm the exact scope for your house, since every property is different.

What Happens After December 31, 2026?

After the deadline, the fee waiver ends. The city has also said that its guidance for existing suites applies until the end of the amnesty period and will be reviewed at that time, so owners should not assume the same flexibility will continue. We did not find an announced extension at the time of writing, so check Calgary.ca/suites for the latest news before you make a decision.

Other 2026 Changes Suite Owners Should Know About

• Incentive program closed. The City’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program, which offered up to $10,000 toward eligible suites, stopped accepting applications on September 28, 2026.
• Zoning changes. Calgary’s citywide blanket rezoning was repealed effective August 4, 2026, and Council also voted to keep secondary suites as a permitted use in low-density residential districts. Rules can still vary by property, so confirm what applies to your lot.
• The registry keeps growing. The city reports that the Secondary Suite Registry has roughly doubled since 2024, which means more renters and buyers now check it before they commit.

Why Legalizing Your Suite Is Worth Considering

A legal suite is safer for your tenants and for you. It can also make insurance conversations simpler, and it gives future buyers confidence that the suite is a real asset rather than a question mark. We cover that last point in more detail in our article on whether a legal secondary suite can increase a Calgary home’s marketability.

Steps to Take Before the Deadline

1. Confirm that your suite was built before March 12, 2018.
2. Review the City’s permit checklist for existing secondary suites.
3. Hire a qualified contractor or designer to assess the upgrades needed.
4. Submit your permit application and book the required inspections.
5. Register the suite once approvals are in place.

Permits and inspections take time, so do not leave this until the last week of December. Ask the City whether the fee waiver depends on when you apply or when the work is completed, since this affects how much time you really have.

Buying or Selling a Home With a Suite?

If you are buying, read our guide on what buyers should verify when buying a Calgary home with a secondary suite. If you are planning to sell, a free home evaluation will show how your suite status may affect your pricing and strategy.

Conclusion

The Secondary Suite Amnesty Program is a limited-time chance to legalize an older suite at a lower cost. If you own one, start now: confirm your eligibility, get a scope of work, and speak with the city. This article is general information and not legal or construction advice, so always confirm details with the City of Calgary and a qualified professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Calgary secondary suite amnesty end?

The City of Calgary states that the Secondary Suite Amnesty Program ends on December 31, 2026.

Does the amnesty apply to every basement suite?

No. It applies to existing suites built before March 12, 2018. Newer suites must follow current building code requirements.

Is the $10,000 suite incentive still available?

No. The city stopped accepting applications for the Secondary Suite Incentive Program on September 28, 2026.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Calgary?

Jai Chaudhary at RE/MAX Real Estate (Mountain View) helps Calgary buyers and sellers navigate every step of the process with honesty and care. Whether you are just starting or ready to make a move, Jai is here to help.

Call or text: 403-483-3300

Email: jai.yycrealtor@gmail.com

Website: jaichaudhary.ca

Office: 101, 110 Country Hills Landing NW, Calgary, AB T3K 5P3