How long it actually takes
The City of Calgary publishes its targets for building permit decisions, and how it did against them. For commercial and non-residential work, April to June 2026:
| Type of work | Target | Decisions within target | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improvements, low complexity | 30 days | 84% | 21 days |
| Improvements, high complexity | 35 days | 76% | 31 days |
| New or additions, low complexity | 28 days | 60% | 52 days |
| New or additions, medium complexity | 90 days | 86% | 54 days |
| New or additions, high complexity | 105 days | 79% | 62 days |
All in calendar days, from the City's building safety approval timelines. The City's own rule of thumb: a minor tenant improvement can be issued within 21 calendar days, and larger projects within 56, if the application was complete when it went in.
That last condition is the whole game.
The clock that resets: incomplete applications
The City screens every application before the full review. If anything is missing:
- You are told in writing what is missing, and given 30 days to supply it.
- An application still incomplete after those 30 days may be refused, with a refund of the permit fee.
- A cancelled application can be resubmitted, but it is treated as a new submission, and additional fees may apply.
During the detailed review the City runs a 30-60-90 process: automated reminders after 30 and 60 days without action, and refusal or cancellation possible at 90. A refusal can be appealed to the Safety Codes Council within 30 days.
Do you need a development permit too?
- New commercial buildings and additions: yes. An approved development permit is needed before the building permit can be issued.
- Most tenant improvements and repairs: generally no, unless the work changes what the existing development permit approved.
A development permit is about land use: the Land Use Bylaw, parking, landscaping, how the building fits the area. A building permit is about safety under the Alberta Building Code. They are different reviews.
Starting early: a partial permit
On a new building, the City can release a partial permit so work can start before the full permit is issued, once the development permit has been released or the development officer has said in writing that there is no objection. With no outstanding development permit or bylaw issues and adequate drawings, the City says a partial permit can typically be released in 21 days.
Who pulls what
- The building permit covers the structure and the space, and is usually the GC's or the owner's application.
- Trade permits for electrical, plumbing, gas and mechanical are pulled by the trade contractor, who has to hold a valid trade certification, a City business licence and City Qualified Trade registration. See the City of Calgary business licence for contractors.
At the end: inspections and occupancy
The contractor is responsible for calling in the progress inspections. Once they are signed off, the contractor calls 311 to book the occupancy or final inspection. If an occupancy permit is needed, the safety codes officer gives the GC the application form at inspection, and if occupancy is granted the inspector leaves the signed permit with the contractor on site.
A new business in the space arranges its business licence after the occupancy permit is issued.
The figures and rules here are from the City of Calgary's building permit process guidance and its published approval timelines, as of October 2026.
Building commercial in Calgary and need trades? Request GC access.