On August 4, 2026 the repeal of Calgary's blanket rezoning officially came into effect. This is a confusing topic, with a number of changes taking place from the original proposal to the final implementation. Here, the official scoop on what is now in effect:
1. UPDATE TO LAND USE BYLAW IP2007
WHAT CHANGES CAME INTO PLACE ON AUG 4?
The Land Use Bylaw IP 2007 was updated to bring back the low-density residential districts which were previously removed in 2024's blanket rezoning (This includes R-C1, R-C1L, R-C1N, R-C2, R-1, R-1N, R-2, and R-CGex).
2. REVERSE BLANKET REZONING FROM 2024
Property zoning was reverted back to what it was prior to the blanket rezoning which took place in 2024 (except for the exempted parcels meeting criteria below)
3. REVERSE RULES CHANGES DONE UNDER "Rezoning for Housing"
Any rule changes that were approved as part of Rezoning for Housing have been reversed:
- A property can no longer build both a secondary suite and a backyard suite, only one.
- Backyard suites can no longer be built on properties with semi-detached homes.
- Backyard suites will have a parking requirement again.
4. AMEND THE R-CG ZONING BYLAW
The R-CG zoning bylaw has been updated with the following changes, which will apply to any developments after August 4, 2026:
- Maximum height is lowered from 11m to 10m.
- Maximum lot coverage is lowered from 60% to 55%.
- Zero lot line developments are no longer allowed.
- Rowhouses that meet all rules are once again a permitted use under R-CG
- Received approval for a permit or subdivision application under R-CG, R-G, or H-GO zoning before August 4, 2026
- Submitted a permit or subdivision application before the first reading of the proposed bylaw; or
- Successfully rezoned through a rezoning application applied for by the property owner after August 6, 2024.
2. REVERSE BLANKET REZONING FROM 2024
Property zoning was reverted back to what it was prior to the blanket rezoning which took place in 2024 (except for the exempted parcels meeting criteria below)
3. REVERSE RULES CHANGES DONE UNDER "Rezoning for Housing"
Any rule changes that were approved as part of Rezoning for Housing have been reversed:
- A property can no longer build both a secondary suite and a backyard suite, only one.
- Backyard suites can no longer be built on properties with semi-detached homes.
- Backyard suites will have a parking requirement again.
4. AMEND THE R-CG ZONING BYLAW
The R-CG zoning bylaw has been updated with the following changes, which will apply to any developments after August 4, 2026:
- Maximum height is lowered from 11m to 10m.
- Maximum lot coverage is lowered from 60% to 55%.
- Zero lot line developments are no longer allowed.
- Rowhouses that meet all rules are once again a permitted use under R-CG
WHICH PROPERTIES ARE EXEMPT FROM THE ZONING REVERSAL?
Properties that meet any of the criteria below are exempted from the zoning reversal:- Received approval for a permit or subdivision application under R-CG, R-G, or H-GO zoning before August 4, 2026
- Submitted a permit or subdivision application before the first reading of the proposed bylaw; or
- Successfully rezoned through a rezoning application applied for by the property owner after August 6, 2024.
WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER PROPOSED R-CG BYLAW CHANGES THAT LIMITED DENSITY AND MID-BLOCK DEVELOPMENT?
The original proposed changes to R-CG differ in a few significant ways from what was actually approved by Council and came into effect on Aug 4th.
MID-BLOCK DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS
Previously, council said that they would be revising R-CG to limit townhouse development to ONLY corner lots. This was NOT something that passed and is therefore not a rule under R-CG.
TOWNHOME DENSITY CHANGES
Previously, council said that they would be revising R-CG to reduce allowable density of townhouse development (on a typical lot) by 25%, from 4 upper units plus secondary suites to 3 upper units plus secondary suites. This was NOT something that passed and therefore allowable density remains unchanged.
Previously, council said that they would be revising R-CG to reduce allowable density of townhouse development (on a typical lot) by 25%, from 4 upper units plus secondary suites to 3 upper units plus secondary suites. This was NOT something that passed and therefore allowable density remains unchanged.
CAN I STILL BUILD HIGH-DENSITY TOWNHOMES?
In order for townhomes or multi-family properties to be developed, a parcel of land must be large enough for development, and zoned appropriately. As 99% of Calgary's properties just saw their zoning changed, most inner-city parcels would require a re-zoning to be able to develop townhomes or multi-family projects.
HOW DO I CONFIRM ZONING FOR A PARCEL OF LAND?
You can confirm zoning on a property by searching on the City website here: https://www.calgary.ca/planning/land-use/districts.html
HOW DO I CONFIRM STATUS OF A LAND USE CHANGE OR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION FOR A PARCEL OF LAND?
You can view active development permit applications, as well as development permit applications on the City of Calgary website here: https://developmentmap.calgary.ca/