Our Construction Permits Services for Residential and Commercial Buildings
- CONSULTATION IS FREE
- BYLAW REVIEW FOR FREE
- FREE PERMIT RISK EVALUATION
- MEASUREMENTS MADE ON SITE (AS-BUILTS)
- PROJECT RENDERING IN 3-D (EXTERIORS)
- SET UP EVERY ENGINEERING
- WORKING DRAWINGS / BLUEPRINTS IN FULL
- REQUESTS FOR PERMITS
- FULLY MANAGED PERMITS
GENIUS MASTERS
Drafting + Design + Permit
Development Permit
To obtain a building permit from the city, a development permit report is a necessary legal document. This report identifies existing developments on the property as well as any easements, right-of-way, or obstructions that may exist.
A DP Permit review is usually required as the initial step in the development process before work can begin on the property. Architects and designers use development permit surveys to gather external information on the current building, neighboring buildings, and lot sizes to prepare necessary construction drawings and site plans for proposed developments.
The Importance of Development Permit
A DP survey holds significant importance for several reasons. It ensures that proposed developments comply with all city zoning and planning codes during the planning and development phase. Additionally, it provides crucial information about the surroundings and contributes to the overall design of the project. This survey helps to ensure that the proposed development is in line with the regulations and codes set by the city, ensuring that the project is completed without any issues or delays.
What is covered for Development Permits?
Although a DP is only the first of many necessary documents, it may contain some of the following data:
- Any Homes On The Property
- Overlapping Lots
- A Frontal View Of The Nearby Structures
- Building's Exterior Dimensions
- Height Of Adjacent Structures
- Side Views Of The Subject And The Lots Nearby
- Branches On The Subject
- Geodetic Heights
- Block Layout Overall, With Street Names

Furthermore, a DP survey may include identification of gas and power lines, fire hydrants, street signs, manholes, and other infrastructure features that architects and builders may require. A comprehensive DP study ensures that the lot and its challenges are fully understood before work begins, giving you the confidence that the project will run smoothly and without interruption. By identifying all relevant information, the survey can help prevent costly mistakes or delays that could arise due to unexpected obstacles during the construction process.
When do I need to apply for a Development Permit?
Before applying for a city development permit to reconstruct an already developed lot, an Alberta registered surveyor must complete a planning permit survey. It is the first step for architects, builders and contractors to complete infill construction or major exterior renovations on existing building sites.
This should not be confused with the city or municipal Development Permit itself. Obtaining a Development Permit survey is just the first step in the process before applying for a Building Permit with the City of Calgary.
New development, construction or renovation of property requires a building permit from the City Council. It is important to start the DP research process as early as possible so as not to delay the start of your next project.
Do I need to apply for a Development Permit for exterior renovations?
The answer depends entirely on the type of renovation being completed. Below are some of the main reasons why you may need to collect a Development Permit.
- Completion Of An Infill Construction Project
- Add Backyard Suit
- Change Front Setback
- Completed Front Garage Extension
- 2nd Floor Extension/extension/renovation Of Existing House
A Development Permit allows architects and city planners to ensure that proposed changes comply with city ordinances and neighborhood guidelines.
Get a Development Permit Offer
With Arc Surveys, you can get a free estimate in just a few clicks. Detailed information is welcome, but a single address and a brief description of your future project is all you need to bid on a Development Permit.
Reliable Service
At Genius Masters, we offer comprehensive Development Permit evaluation services to support your construction projects. We provide assessments for various types of development permits, including residential and commercial projects. Our team of experts will work closely with you to ensure that all necessary research is conducted accurately and that you have all the required information to obtain development approval. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and are passionate about helping you achieve success with your project.
Contact us today to inquire about our development services.
Building Permits
The Building Permit process for residential and commercial buildings is based on the Safety Regulations Act, Permit Regulations, and the Alberta Building Code. Plan reviews and site inspections will be provided to ensure all Calgarians are safe. Other electrical, plumbing, gas and mechanical licenses may be required. Each trade follows its own code and work must be performed by a qualified tradesman.
Examples of businesses that we get Building permission includes:
- New Building Or Construction
- Retaining Walls Over 1.2 Meters High
- Swimming Pool Or Hot Tub
- Demolition
- Removal
- Repair Or Modification Of Existing Buildings And Structures
- Change Of Occupancy Or Use Of A Room
- All New Residential And Commercial Projects, Including New Construction Or Additions, Require An Approved Development Permit Before A Building Permit Can Be Granted. Most Tenant Reconciliation And Repair Projects Typically Do Not Require A Planning Permit Unless The Work In Progress Changes The Approved Building Permit.


But we are not limited to:
- Custom Homes
- Backyard Suites
- Basement Suites
- Sunrooms
- Garages
- Decks
- Interior Renovations
- Exterior Renovations
- Pergolas + Screen Rooms
- Additions
Land-Use Amendments
Use our expertise in land use ordinances and urban planning processes to help rezoning your property. Changing districts is the easiest way to maximize the potential of your property. Genius Masters ensure that your property undergoes a thorough legal inspection and that all parties involved are consulted as soon as possible. Our experience working with the City can give us valuable insight before an application is made.
Other Permits
- Step 1: Review Check Price
- Step 2: Prepare Get Ready for Work
- Step 3: Apply Apply Online
- Step 4: Inspect Book an Inspection
Mechanical Permit
For all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) installations in new construction and renovations, a mechanical permit is mandatory. Homeowners are not authorized to work with natural gas, so a mechanical work permit must be obtained, and the job must be completed by a certified and licensed mechanical contractor. At Genius Masters, we are here to assist you with all of your mechanical permit needs. We have a team of experienced professionals who will work with you to ensure that you obtain the necessary permit and complete the work to the highest standards. With our assistance, you can be confident that your HVAC system is installed correctly and is functioning correctly. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Electrical Permit
For all new wiring installations, and additions or modifications to existing electrical branch circuits, an electrical permit is required. Homeowners can obtain a permit for certain types of electrical work, but it's essential to know the specifics. At Genius Masters, we offer comprehensive information on the types of electrical work that homeowners can obtain a permit for. We have a team of qualified professionals who can assist you in obtaining the necessary permit and ensuring that the work is completed according to the required codes and standards. Contact us today to learn more about our electrical permit services.
Plumbing Permit
A plumbing permit is required when building, expanding, or modifying a plumbing system. This includes replacing water and sewage systems in or around your home. A permit may be required to replace the hot water tank.
Homeowners can only obtain gas permits if they fulfill the requirements. However, we can get homeowners to obtain a permit to install a homeowner gas fireplace.
Multi- Family Housing Permit
Multifamily construction requires land, development, construction, and all subtrade permits (electricity, plumbing, gas).
A separate set of building permits and trade permits is required for each residential unit. If the development spans multiple lots, separate approvals for development and lot evaluation may be required.
Genius Masters help you get all the necessary permits. You do not have to apply for all permits at once, but it is recommended that you apply for all permits at once to minimize waiting times. All permits are issued within 2-5 business days upon receipt of the complete application.
If a distinction is required, the deadline can be extended by up to 25 days.
Why Choose Genius Masters?
- Get Approved : Hundreds of approvals for Building Permits, Development Permits & Land-Use Amendments
- Lodge any Scope : From small renovations to full custom home design plus commercial interior applications
- Municipal Knowledge : Previously Employed by The City of Calgary with over 15 years working for the Planning Department.
- Extensive Network : A network including Builders, Skilled Trades, Engineers + more.
How Our Process
Works?
Our clients engage us to obtain permissions; they do not hire us to create artwork. On each of your projects, we provide free bylaw checks. Our procedures make sure that every project is finished as quickly as feasible without compromising quality.
- Free Consultation
- On-Site Meeting
- Contract Documents
- As-Builts
- Preliminary Plans
- Working Drawings
- City Approval

