Question 1

Plumbing permits for a secondary suite in Calgary, what's required?

Accepted Answer

Adding a secondary suite in Calgary usually involves new plumbing, which needs a plumbing permit, and any new gas work needs a gas permit as well. The City of Calgary issues both, and the rules around who can pull them matter a great deal here.

What triggers a plumbing permit for a suite

Any new plumbing rough-in, added drain, vent or supply line, or a new bathroom or kitchen connection requires a plumbing permit from the City of Calgary. That covers the typical suite scope: a bathroom, a kit

Question 2

Replacing a kitchen faucet in Calgary, does it need a permit?

Accepted Answer

No permit is needed to replace a kitchen faucet in Calgary. Under Alberta's Permit Regulation, swapping out a faucet does not require a permit when the piping itself is not changing, and a like-for-like faucet replacement leaves the supply lines and drain connections in place.

That said, a few things can turn a simple faucet swap into a bigger job worth knowing about before you start.

What can change the scope

If the shut-off valves under the sink are old, corroded or won't close fully, a plu

Question 3

Is there an extra Airdrie fee when a homeowner does their own plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since January 2026, the City of Airdrie charges an additional $100 fee per trade when a homeowner takes out their own trade permit. That surcharge applies on top of the standard permit fee, and it does not apply when you hire a contractor to do the work.

The $100 per-trade surcharge is the key number to build into your budget before you start.

A few other Airdrie rules worth knowing alongside that fee. Homeowner permits are available only for a home you own and live in; you cannot use a h

Question 4

Which plumbing jobs need a permit in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Most plumbing work in Calgary requires a permit from the City of Calgary, but the list of exemptions is longer than many homeowners expect, and knowing where the line falls can save you time and money before you call a plumber.

What needs a permit

The Alberta Permit Regulation requires a permit to install, alter or add to a plumbing system. In Calgary that covers:

- Replacing water or sewer lines in or around the home
- Installing a backwater valve
- Installing a testable cross-connection co

Permits, Codes & Safety

Plumbing permits for a secondary suite in Calgary, what's required?

Replacing a kitchen faucet in Calgary, does it need a permit?

Is there an extra Airdrie fee when a homeowner does their own plumbing?

Which plumbing jobs need a permit in Calgary?