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As Calgary continues to grow, the demand for diverse housing options has become more apparent. One of the City's innovative solutions is the Secondary Suite Incentive Program. This program is designed to encourage homeowners to create safe, legal secondary suites, providing more affordable housing options and enhancing property value. Whether you are a homeowner considering a secondary suite or a potential tenant looking for affordable housing, understanding this program is essential.
What is the Secondary Suite Incentive Program?
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program offers financial support to homeowners in Calgary who want to develop or legalize a secondary suite. The City of Calgary launched this program as part of its broader initiative to increase the number of legal and safe secondary suites across the city. A secondary suite is a self-contained living space within a single-family home, such as a basement or attic apartment, with its entrance, kitchen, and bathroom facilities.
Program Highlights:
Incentive Amount: Homeowners can receive up to $10,000 to help offset the costs associated with constructing and registering a secondary suite.
Eligible Projects: The program is specifically for secondary suites within the main residence and does not extend to backyard or detached units.
Owner Occupancy: The homeowner must both own and reside in the property during the entire process.
Single Application: Each homeowner is allowed only one application for this incentive program.
Breakdown of Covered Costs
The incentive focuses on funding the installation of critical safety features that may be lacking in your property at the time of application. Here’s a closer look at the specific safety upgrades that are covered and their potential costs:
Safety Element | Cost |
Egress window(s) | $1500 |
Hardwired and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms | $1000 |
Protected exiting | $1000 |
Smoke tight barrier | $4000 |
Split heat/separate air (Not required for all secondary suites) | $6000 |
*Maximum eligibility for safety items is $10,000 per home.
Additional Funding for Accessibility and Energy Efficiency
$1,250: Available for installing ENERGY STAR certified egress windows and split heating/air conditioning systems.
$5,000: Additional funding for making accessible accommodations to address common mobility challenges.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the Secondary Suite Incentive Program, homeowners must meet specific criteria:
The secondary suite must be located within a residential property in Calgary.
The suite must meet all safety and building codes as outlined by the Alberta Building Code.
Homeowners must submit detailed plans and obtain all necessary permits from the City before starting construction.
The application process involves several steps, starting with a submission of your suite plans to the City of Calgary for approval. Once your plans are approved and construction is completed, the suite will undergo a final inspection to ensure it meets all safety and building standards. After passing the inspection, the City will disburse the incentive funds.
Importance of Legal and Safe Suites
Legalizing a secondary suite is not just about complying with local regulations; it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of the occupants. Illegal or non-compliant suites can pose significant risks, including fire hazards, structural issues, and legal liabilities. The City of Calgary’s registry of secondary suites provides a way for homeowners to verify that their suites are legal and safe, giving tenants peace of mind.
Why This Matters for Calgary
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program is part of Calgary's broader efforts to address housing affordability and increase the availability of safe, legal rental units. By supporting homeowners in developing secondary suites, the City is helping to create more diverse and flexible housing options. This program is particularly important in a city like Calgary, where housing costs can be high, and the demand for affordable rental units continues to grow.
Final Thoughts
For homeowners in Calgary, the Secondary Suite Incentive Program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the city's housing needs while also benefiting from an additional income stream or increased property value. If you are considering developing a secondary suite, now is the perfect time to explore this incentive program.
For more detailed information on Secondary Suite Incentive Program in Calgary, consider consulting with ARA Projects Inc. to streamline the process, making it easier to achieve your goals while staying compliant with local laws.
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