Who is responsible (me or the contractor) for lot coverages?

7/23/2023 at 8:56:54 AM

Yes,

You will have to provide drawings of the proposed structure to the city. They will give you set back distances from the property line etc after coming out to inspect. They will let you know if it will meet guidelines.

If you are okay with setbacks etc, you will then have to provide architectural plans and arrange for a building permit.

7/23/2023 at 9:03:46 AM

If you have already paid an architect for plans for the garage. You can apply for the inspection and permit. Or if you already have a contractor under contract, they can go and make arrangements at the city for you.

Just a side note: have you planned for all electrical and water runs to the new structure? And have you shown your niegborswhat you would like to do? It's always more relaxing when the neighbours are on board as well.

7/23/2023 at 3:00:28 PM

Hi Nancy,

In most instances the municipality that you live in dictates the allowable lot coverage through zoning.

Zoning and Lot coverage can even differ between subdivisions in any given municipality.

Typically here in Calgary the residential lot coverage would be 40 or 50 % coverage at this time, subject to change.

A reputable contractor would know the approximate lot coverage for your area if they are familiar with building in that area, however a simple call by either yourself or said contractor to the local planning department would confirm the current lot coverage restrictions in your community.

It would be worth you as the homeowner completing some due diligence for yourself in finding out this information.

As for permits it would be easier to get city approval of someone in the area had already had a permit approved for a similar size and type of property (garage). If not then it may take longer to approve and you may need to apply for re-zoning of your property.

All things ti consider before you spend the money on planning and design, and possibly will save you money if you find out that the city would come back with a hard no on the size of your proposed project.

Hope this helps!

7/23/2023 at 8:43:22 PM

Thank you for your input...what if my garage (area) goes over the lot coverage (percentage)?? Is it still okay to build??

7/23/2023 at 8:54:10 PM

This is a continuation to my above questions. Thru conversation with a neighbor, the word "variance" came up. Would I need to apply for a variance?? And how would I know if I need one?? Would this be my responsibility or the contractor?? Can I get in trouble with the City if I build without one?? And what kind of trouble can I get in??

7/28/2023 at 9:46:34 AM

It is your responsibility to get a "development permit" this usually tell you if the proposed project will be allowed or not and any issues you may have. If it is not allowed you can apply for a "variance' to see if they might still allow it. You can get a contractor to do this process for you but they will charge you for it of course. It is all based on "your property" you will of course be charged fees by the issuing authority for every application and there is no guarantee they will be approved. Should you get approval to build then you need the other permits like "building, electrical etc." that may be required...again you can do it yourself or pay a Contractor to do it.

7/28/2023 at 3:00:45 PM

Thank you John...your feedback in greatly appreciated. This building is really something I really need to think about. I should have bought a place that had a garage already built on it. :)