Garage Suite Construction in Calgary
A garage suite is a self-contained living space built above or attached to a detached garage. Calgary’s evolving zoning bylaws have opened up opportunities for homeowners to add garage suites as rental units or family living spaces.
What Is a Garage Suite?
A garage suite (also called a laneway suite or carriage house) is a secondary dwelling unit that includes:
- Living area above or adjacent to a detached garage
- Full kitchen with cooking appliances
- Bathroom with shower or tub
- One or more bedrooms
- Separate entrance from the main dwelling
- Independent heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems
Garage Suite Considerations
- Zoning: Not all Calgary properties are zoned for garage suites. We verify zoning eligibility during your free consultation.
- Lot coverage: Calgary’s land use bylaw limits total building coverage as a percentage of lot size.
- Height restrictions: Garage suites typically cannot exceed two storeys.
- Parking: Most zones require maintaining a minimum number of parking spaces.
- Utilities: Garage suites require separate utility connections or clearly defined shared arrangements.
SSIP Grant Eligibility
Garage suites that qualify as secondary suites may be eligible for the City of Calgary’s SSIP grant of up to $10,000. The City does not maintain an approved SSIP contractor list; OAF can assess eligibility, permit scope, and documentation during the consultation.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your garage suite project.