Centre City Enterprise and Main Streets Exemption Areas
The Centre City Enterprise and Main Streets Exemption Areas apply to downtown Calgary and the International Avenue, Montgomery and Sunalta Main Street areas. In these areas, the following changes to a business or a building are exempt from a development permit:
* Exemptions for exterior alterations and additions in the Centre City Enterprise Area expire July 2023.
* Main Streets Exemption Areas are a one-year pilot project for 2021.
Centre City Enterprise Area
- A change of use when the proposed “use” is listed in the land use district. See below for a list of uses that still require a development permit.
- An addition of less than 1,000 square meters, or modifying the exterior of an existing building. See below for a list of uses that still require a development permit. The building must also not be on the City of Calgary inventory of evaluated historic resources for this exemption to apply.
Main Streets Exemption Areas
International Avenue and Montgomery
- A change of use when the proposed “use” is listed in the land use district. See below for a list of uses that still require a development permit.
- Modifying the exterior of an existing building. See below for a list of uses that still require a development permit. The building must also not be on the City of Calgary inventory of evaluated historic resources for this exemption to apply.
Sunalta
- A change of use when the proposed “use” is listed in the land use district. See below for a list of uses that still require a development permit.
Exemption Area boundaries
Uses that require a development permit
Centre City Enterprise Area
The following uses require a development permit for a change of use, exterior renovation, or addition under 1000 square metres.
- If the subject building is on the Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources, then a development permit will still be required for a change or modification to the exterior of an existing building or for an addition to the building.
- The subject building is within 30 metres of a freight rail corridor and/or the proposed use is one of the following:
- Addiction treatment
- Assisted living
- Child care service
- Dwelling unit
- Emergency shelter
- Home based child care – Class 2
- Hospital
- Jail
- Residential care
- Schools
- Temporary shelter
- • The proposed use is one of the following:
- Custodial care
- Liquor Store
- Cannabis store or counselling
- Nightclub
- Pawn shop
- Payday loan
International Avenue
The following uses require a development permit for a change of use or exterior renovation.
- If the subject building is on the Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources, then a development permit will still be required for a change or modification to the exterior of an existing building or for an addition to the building.
- The subject building is within 30 metres of a freight rail corridor and/or the proposed use is one of the following:
- Addiction treatment
- Assisted living
- Child care service
- Dwelling unit
- Emergency shelter
- Home based child care – Class 2
- Hospital
- Jail
- Residential care
- Schools
- Temporary shelter
- The proposed use is one of the following:
- Auto Service - Major/Minor
- Cannabis store or counselling
- Counselling Service
- Custodial care
- Dwelling Unit
- Liquor store
- Medical Clinic
- Nightclub
- Pawn shop
- Payday loan
- Place of Worship - Large/Medium/Small
- Residential Care
- Service Organization
- Social Organization
- Vehicle Rental - Major/Minor
- Vehicle Sales - Major/Minor
As well, there are seven parcels with Direct Control districts approved under Land Use Bylaws 2P80 or 8600 are not included in the exemptions.
Montgomery
The following uses require a development permit for a change of use or exterior renovation.
- If the subject building is on the Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources, then a development permit will still be required for a change or modification to the exterior of an existing building or for an addition to the building.
- The subject building is within 30 metres of a freight rail corridor and/or the proposed use is one of the following:
- Addiction treatment
- Assisted living
- Child care service
- Dwelling unit
- Emergency shelter
- Home based child care – Class 2
- Hospital
- Jail
- Residential care
- Schools
- Temporary shelter
- The proposed use is one of the following:
- Custodial care
- Liquor Store
- Cannabis store or counselling
- Nightclub
- Pawn shop
- Payday loan
Sunalta
The following uses require a development permit for a change of use.
- If the subject building is on the Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources, then a development permit will still be required for a change or modification to the exterior of an existing building or for an addition to the building.
- The subject building is within 30 metres of a freight rail corridor and/or the proposed use is one of the following:
- Addiction treatment
- Assisted living
- Child care service
- Dwelling unit
- Emergency shelter
- Home based child care – Class 2
- Hospital
- Jail
- Residential care
- Schools
- Temporary shelter
- The proposed use is one of the following:
- Custodial care
- Liquor Store
- Cannabis store or counselling
- Nightclub
- Pawn shop
- Payday loan
For more information about the Centre City Enterprise and Main Streets Exemption Areas, please email smallbusiness@calgary.ca or call the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311.