The Right Lot: Setbacks and Contextual Parcels - Part 1

Hi Everyone,

To build a backyard suite on a contextual parcel within an existing neighborhood comes with many stipulations. In this video, I have outlined some of the requirements referenced in the City of Calgary Land Use Bylaw.

Due to the length of the video, I have highlighted some key points for you to review and to keep in mind before you move forward with your project; these points are as follows:

• Note the height of the suite cannot be higher than the roof of the main dwelling. (Please call the City of Calgary for homes that are bungalows. Ask if there is a relaxation to this rule, where it is a simple design revision. )

• The width of your garage suite cannot be wider than the main dwelling. Your suite cannot be visible by the street. ( Once again, call the City of Calgary if the configuration of the existing home compromises with your design.)

• The area of the secondary building is to be less than 807 sqft or 75 square meters.

•  The City of Calgary will only permit one additional suite to accompany the main dwelling. Therefore, only two dwellings per single contextual parcel.

  These are the general rules, but the City of Calgary may relax your development due to specifics they may seem fit for relaxation. I do not know; therefore, I would insist on calling the City of Calgary, for a preliminary review, before submitting in your application.

  Please note, the comments presented within the images of this video are for satirical purposes only, and therefore do not reflect any negative opinions regarding the level competence nor professionalism of any staff members of the City of Calgary. Anomaly Drafting and Design is very clear that all applicants must respect the objectives issued by the authority of the municipality.