Building a custom home is an exciting journey, but before construction begins, there’s one essential step that sets the foundation for success — securing the right permits. Whether your dream home will be within Calgary or in one of its surrounding rural areas, understanding the permitting process helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.
At Sunset Homes, we guide clients through each phase of permitting and approvals, ensuring projects stay on track from day one.
Why Permits Matter in Custom Home Construction
Permits exist to make sure your new home meets safety, zoning, and environmental standards. They confirm that your design follows local building codes and that your property is suitable for development. For acreage homes in particular, additional approvals may apply, depending on the land’s location and utilities.
Common permits and reviews include:
- Development permits – Confirm your home’s size, use, and location align with municipal zoning regulations.
- Building permits – Ensure your home’s structural design and materials meet safety and code requirements.
- Subdivision approvals – Required if your project involves dividing or adjusting parcels of land.
- Septic and water system approvals – Needed for rural properties without city services.
Each step helps guarantee that your home is built to last, complies with all regulations, and adds long-term value to your property.
What to Expect: Permit Timelines and Processing
Permit timelines vary based on project complexity and municipal workload. In Calgary and nearby areas, approvals may take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Larger projects, or those requiring multiple agency reviews, can extend that timeframe.
At Sunset Homes, we work closely with local authorities and track application progress to keep clients informed. Our proactive approach includes:
- Preparing complete and accurate permit applications
- Coordinating with engineers, designers, and municipal reviewers
- Monitoring for any changes in city or county processes
By managing these details early, homeowners can stay confident that their project remains on schedule.
Preparing for the Permit Stage
Before submitting permits, several important planning steps help set your project up for success. These include:
- Finalizing your home design and layout
- Conducting land surveys and soil tests
- Planning septic, water, and utility connections
- Confirming any required environmental or access reviews
Each of these tasks contributes to a smoother permitting process. Having these details finalized allows permit applications to move forward efficiently and construction to begin as soon as approvals are granted.
Navigating Rural Home Permits
Acreage and rural builds come with unique requirements that differ from city projects. In addition to the standard development and building permits, rural properties may involve:
- Private septic and well approvals
- Utility easements and right-of-way considerations
- Driveway access and road use permits
Sunset Homes specializes in acreage home construction throughout Calgary and nearby regions. Our team understands the nuances of rural permitting and collaborates with the appropriate county offices to ensure everything is handled correctly the first time.
Staying Informed with Local Resources
For homeowners who want to explore the permitting process on their own, the following local resources are helpful starting points:
- City of Calgary Permits and Licensing Portal
- Rocky View County Building and Planning Services
- Utility Safety Partners – Click Before You Dig
Sunset Homes also keeps clients informed about changes to local building codes, inspection procedures, and municipal updates throughout the process.
Build with Confidence, Any Time of Year
No matter when you choose to begin your custom home journey, Sunset Homes is here to make it seamless. With our team managing your permits, designs, and construction planning, you can move forward confidently knowing every step is handled by experienced professionals. Ready to start designing your custom acreage home?
Contact Sunset Homes today to begin the planning and permitting process for your dream home in Calgary and the surrounding area.
