City Planning helps guide how Calgary grows and evolves. This includes community planning, land use, transportation, housing, parks, public spaces, and long-term growth strategies. Through planning processes and public engagement, residents can help shape the future of their neighbourhoods and city. We have some key resources and also some simplying insights on how planning works across our neighbourhoods.
Planning and development help guide how our neighbourhoods grow and change over time. Planning focuses on long-term community goals, land use policies, transportation networks, parks, and future growth, while development includes specific proposals such as new homes, businesses, mixed-use projects, land use redesignations, and development permit applications.
This page provides information on planning initiatives, proposed developments, public engagement opportunities, and applications under review in Ward 9. Residents can learn about projects that may impact their community, understand the approval process, and find opportunities to share feedback and stay informed.
A Development Permit (DP) is the City’s way of reviewing a proposed development before construction begins. It ensures the project complies with Calgary’s planning rules and is appropriate for the site and surrounding area.
1. Application Submission
The property owner or developer submits plans to the City describing what they want to build, such as a new home, apartment building, commercial development, or major addition.
2. Initial Review
The City checks that the application is complete and includes all the required drawings, reports, and supporting information. Once complete, a File Manager is assigned to oversee the application through the review process.
3. Technical Review
The application is circulated to various City departments, which review it from different perspectives. This may include:
- Land Use and planning policy
- Transportation and access
- Utilities and servicing
- Parks and open space
- Urban design
- Environmental considerations (where applicable)
Reviewers assess whether the proposal complies with the Land Use Bylaw, Municipal Development Plan, Local Area Plan, and other applicable regulations. If issues are identified, the applicant may be asked to revise the proposal.
4. Public Notification and Feedback
For many discretionary applications, the City notifies the public by:
- Posting a development permit sign on the property
- Notifying nearby property owners
- Informing the Community Association
- Providing an opportunity for residents to submit comments
Public feedback is considered as part of the review, although decisions must ultimately be based on planning legislation, City policy, and the merits of the application.
For more information on how community can influence developments, please reach out to the Ward 9 office.
Contact5. Decision
Once all reviews are complete, the Development Authority decides whether to:
- Approve the application;
- Approve it with conditions, requiring certain changes or additional information before the permit is released; or
- Refuse the application if it does not meet planning requirements.
6. Appeal Period
Many discretionary development permits are subject to a 21-day appeal period. During this time, eligible parties may appeal the decision. If no appeal is filed, or once any appeal is resolved, the permit can be released. This process occurs through a submission to the Subdivision & Development Appeal board (SDAB).
Calgary’s SDAB7. Building Permit and Construction
A Development Permit does not authorize construction. Before work can begin, the applicant must obtain a Building Permit, which confirms the project complies with the Alberta Building Code and other safety requirements.
In Summary
A Development Permit answers the question:
“Is this an appropriate development for this property?”
A Building Permit answers:
“Can this development be built safely?”
Together, these two approvals help ensure that new development is both compatible with its surroundings and constructed to meet safety standards.
Development Permit ProcessThe City of Calgary welcomes public feedback on development permit applications. Residents can provide comments during the review process to identify potential impacts, suggest improvements, or provide support for a proposal.
The most effective comments are specific, site-related, and connected to planning considerations such as land use, building design, transportation, and neighbourhood compatibility.
1. Find and Review the Development Permit Application
Before submitting comments, review the application details through the City of Calgary’s online development map or application search.
add DMAP LINK**
Review information such as:
- Development Permit (DP) number
- Property address and location
- Proposed land use and building type
- Site plan and landscaping plan
- Building elevations and renderings
- Parking, access, and servicing arrangements
- Relationship to surrounding properties
Consider how the proposal fits within the existing neighbourhood and applicable planning policies.
2. Focus Comments on Planning Considerations
The City reviews development permits based on policies, regulations, and technical requirements. Comments are most helpful when they identify specific planning impacts.
Land Use and Policy Alignment
Consider:
- Is the proposed use appropriate for the site?
- Does the proposal align with the applicable Local Area Plan, Municipal Development Plan, and Guidebook for Great Communities? ****
- Does the development support the intended vision for the area?
Example:
“The proposed development should demonstrate how the building form responds to the objectives of the applicable Local Area Plan, particularly regarding transition between different building types.”
Building Height, Massing, and Setbacks
Consider:
- Building height compared to surrounding properties
- Setbacks from property lines
- Building scale and transition to neighbouring uses
- Shadowing and overlook impacts
- Compatibility with the existing streetscape
Example:
“The proposed building height and reduced setbacks may create additional overlook impacts on adjacent residential properties. Additional privacy measures or design modifications should be considered.”
Site Design and Streetscape
Consider:
- Building orientation and relationship to the street
- Landscaping and tree retention
- Location of parking, garages, waste collection, and mechanical equipment
- Pedestrian connections and accessibility
Example:
“The proposed site design should prioritize an active street frontage and minimize the visual impact of parking and servicing areas from the public realm.”
Transportation, Parking, and Access
Consider:
- Vehicle access points
- Traffic circulation
- On-site parking supply and location
- Pedestrian and cycling connections
- Potential conflicts with existing transportation networks
Example:
“The applicant should demonstrate that vehicle access and parking arrangements will not negatively impact pedestrian safety or create conflicts with surrounding streets.”
Neighbourhood Character and Compatibility
Consider:
- How the development fits within the existing community
- Transition between existing and proposed development
- Cumulative impacts of redevelopment
Example:
“The proposed development should provide an appropriate transition in scale and design to maintain compatibility with surrounding residential properties.”
3. Use Specific Planning Language
Comments based only on personal preference are less effective.
Less effective:
“I don’t want this development in my neighbourhood.”
More effective:
“The proposed development may create compatibility concerns due to building height, massing, and reduced setbacks from adjacent low-density residential properties.”
4. Suggest Potential Improvements
Residents can provide constructive recommendations, such as:
- Additional landscaping or tree retention
- Improved setbacks or building articulation
- Privacy screening
- Improved pedestrian connections
- Adjustments to parking, access, or site design
- Better transition between different building forms
5. Submit Your Comment
When submitting feedback, include:
- Development Permit number (DP####-#####)
- Property address
- Your name and contact information (if required)
- Whether you support, oppose, or have concerns with the proposal
- Specific planning-related comments
Comments should be submitted before the deadline identified on the development permit notification.
Tips for Effective Comments
A strong development permit comment is:
- Specific to the application
- Based on observable impacts
- Connected to City policies or regulations
- Focused on solutions or design improvements
- Respectful and constructive
Resident feedback provides valuable local knowledge and helps Administration understand how proposed developments may affect the surrounding community.
A land use redesignation, often called a rezoning, changes the land use district assigned to a property. It determines what types of development and activities may be allowed on the site.
What happens after an application is submitted?
The City accepts the application and assigns it to a file manager. City staff then review the proposal against relevant plans, policies, bylaws, guidelines, and technical requirements. Comments from the public and affected organizations may also be considered.
What is Calgary Planning Commission’s role?
City staff present the application to Calgary Planning Commission (CPC), which reviews the proposal and makes a recommendation to City Council.
CPC meetings are public, but they are not public hearings. Members of the public generally do not speak unless invited by the Commission.
When does the public have an opportunity to speak?
The public can provide written comments during the review process and can register to speak at the Council public hearing. Council hears from the applicant, Administration, and members of the public before making its decision.
Who makes the final decision?
City Council makes the final decision at the public hearing. Council may approve, refuse, or defer the application.
For most land use redesignations, Council’s decision is final and cannot be appealed to the SDAB, except in limited circumstances such as certain procedural or legal issues.
Land Use Redesignation: At a Glance
1. Application Submitted → 2. City Review → 3. Planning Commission → 4. Public Hearing → 5. Council Decision
Public input can be provided throughout the process, with the formal opportunity to speak occurring at the Public Hearing.
Have Your Say
Have a land use application in your community?
Residents can submit written comments to the City and register to speak at the public hearing.
View Council Agendas, Minutes & Videos
Questions about an application? Contact 311 or your Ward 9 Councillor’s Office.
The City uses different levels of planning documents to guide growth and development:
- MDP (Municipal Development Plan): Provides city-wide direction for Calgary’s long-term growth, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and land use.
- LAP (Local Area Plan): Provides long-term planning direction for a group of communities, including housing, transportation, parks, businesses, and public spaces.
- ARP (Area Redevelopment Plan): Provides more detailed planning direction for a specific established area or community. Some ARPs remain in effect, while others have been replaced by newer LAPs.
Do these plans change my property’s zoning?
Not automatically. Planning documents provide policy direction and help guide future decisions, but they do not by themselves change the land use designation of a property. Separate applications and public processes are generally required for zoning changes.
Why do these plans matter?
These plans help coordinate growth, development, housing, transportation, infrastructure, parks, and public spaces. They provide a framework for how communities can evolve while supporting Calgary’s broader long-term goals.
How can residents participate?
Residents can provide input through surveys, workshops, open houses, engagement events, and public hearings, depending on the planning process. Residents can also comment when specific development or land use applications are brought forward.
Who makes decisions?
Depending on the type of planning matter, decisions may be made by City Administration, Calgary Planning Commission, or City Council. Statutory plans such as LAPs, ARPs, and the MDP are approved or amended through a formal public process.
Where can I find planning information for my community?
Planning documents, current projects, and engagement opportunities are available through Planning & Development Services.
Planning & Development Services
Have Your Say
What planning issues matter most to you in Ward 9?
Help the Ward 9 Councillor’s Office understand what residents want to see in their communities. Take our short survey and share your priorities for housing, development, transportation, parks, public spaces, and community growth.
TAKE THE SURVEY → Local Area Plan Future Growth & Improvement Survey
Your feedback will help inform future conversations about planning and development in Ward 9.
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal that reviews certain planning and development decisions made by The City of Calgary’s Development Authority and Subdivision Authority. The SDAB operates separately from City Council and City administration to ensure appeals are heard fairly and impartially.
Anyone wishing to submit an appeal to the Development Authority’s decision should review the Calgary Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. Appeals can be filed online at SDAB Notice of Appeal CC821 or by calling 403-268-5312.
The Board’s role is to hear evidence from applicants, neighbours, community associations, City staff, and other affected parties before making a decision. After a hearing, the SDAB may:
- Uphold the City’s decision
- Modify the decision or its conditions
- Overturn the decision and substitute its own ruling
When should I use SDAB?
You may consider filing an appeal if:
- Your development permit application was refused.
- You disagree with conditions attached to an approved development permit.
- You are directly affected by a development permit approval in your neighbourhood and believe the decision should be reconsidered.
- You are appealing certain subdivision decisions made by The City.
You may wish to appeal to the SDAB if:
- Your development permit application was refused.
- You disagree with conditions placed on an approved development permit.
- You are directly affected by a development permit approval and believe it does not comply with planning rules.
- You want to appeal certain subdivision decisions made by The City.
What SDAB does not do
The SDAB is not a planning office and does not provide advice on development applications, zoning, or permit requirements. It serves only as an appeal body after a decision has been made.
Learn more:
SDAB is an appeal process, not a planning service. If you have questions about zoning, permits, or development applications, contact The City of Calgary’s Planning & Development team first. Also note appeals are subject to strict deadlines. If you are considering an appeal, review the timelines as soon as possible through the City of Calgary Development Map after a decision is issued.
A public hearing is a meeting where Calgary City Council hears from the public before making decisions on certain planning matters, such as land use redesignations and statutory plans. It gives residents, applicants, community organizations, and other interested parties an opportunity to provide input.
How can I participate?
Anyone can participate by submitting written comments, speaking at the hearing, or both. You do not have to speak for your feedback to be considered. Written submissions received by the deadline are provided to Council and become part of the public record.
What should I include in my comments?
Focus on specific planning considerations and how the proposal may affect you, your neighbourhood, or the broader community. Comments are most effective when they are clear, respectful, and fact-based. Consider issues such as land use, height and density, traffic, parking, access, infrastructure, and compatibility with the surrounding area.
How do I speak at a public hearing?
Residents can register to speak through The City of Calgary’s public hearing process. Registration instructions and deadlines are provided with the meeting agenda. In most cases, Council hears from the applicant, Administration, and the public before making a decision.
What happens after the hearing?
Council may approve, refuse, amend, or defer the application. For land use redesignations and statutory plans, Council’s decision generally cannot be appealed to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB), making public participation before the decision especially important.
Helpful Resources:
Public Hearing Process
Questions? Contact 311 for information about planning applications, public hearings, and development processes.
The City of Calgary offers an email subscription service for planning related public hearings and other planning matters. Residents can sign up for notifications through the “Get Email Notifications” option on the City’s Public Hearing webpage. The same page also provides information on upcoming public hearings and submission deadlines.
View Public Hearing Information and Sign Up for Notifications
We recommend contacting ENMAX as early as possible during the planning and design phase of your project. Early engagement helps identify existing infrastructure, servicing requirements, and potential site constraints before detailed plans are finalized. Proactive coordination streamlines the approval process, helps you incorporate utility needs into your timeline, and prevents potential delays, redesigns, or unexpected costs. For inquiries, please contact ENMAX at electricalservice@enmax.com, call 403-514-3716, or visit www.enmax.com/contact-us.