Calgary has been behind most of the country in streamlining the process for the approval of basement suites and backyard suites in single-family districts. But, as of yesterday, this has changed. City Council voted 9-6 in favour of making suites a discretionary use in the R-1, R-C1 and R-C1L districts. This means that people who own a property with this designation will no longer require a land use redesignation, or the associated public hearing, to apply to build a suite. The process will be an administrative one, meaning that people will simply need to apply for a development permit.

We're particularly excited to be able to help provide laneway houses—another term for backyard suites—to the many Calgarians who want them but were daunted by the previous onerous process.

Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes yes! Thanks to council for having the courage to stand up for the right of all citizens to have a safe and decent place to live. https://t.co/qhJ3RILEka
— Naheed Nenshi (@nenshi) March 13, 2018