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Is Calgary blanket rezoning still in effect in 2026?

Quick Answer

No. Calgary City Council voted 12-3 on April 8, 2026 to repeal blanket R-CG rezoning, with the reversal effective August 4, 2026. Over 300,000 residential parcels reverted to their previous zoning (mostly R-C1 single detached and R-C2 semi-detached / duplex). Properties that received an approved development or building permit under R-CG, R-G, or H-GO before August 4, 2026 are grandfathered.

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By Vishnu Gabbula · May 1, 2026

Calgary's 2024 blanket rezoning had opened up small multi-family redevelopment on hundreds of thousands of single-family lots. Council reversed that in April 2026, and the new rules took effect August 4, 2026. For landlords, investors, and homeowners planning any redevelopment beyond a single detached or duplex, this is the most consequential Calgary zoning change of 2026.

Key Facts

  • Council vote: 12-3 in favour of repeal on April 8, 2026.
  • Effective date of reversal: August 4, 2026.
  • 300,000+ residential parcels reverted to R-C1 or R-C2 as of August 4, 2026.
  • Maximum units on remaining R-CG parcels dropped from 4 to 3 principal units.
  • Grandfathering cutoff: permit or subdivision applications submitted before April 8, 2026 (first reading).

What the August 4, 2026 change does

  • Reverts over 300,000 single-family lots from R-CG back to R-C1 or R-C2.
  • Restricts row-house and townhouse development on mid-block interior lots.
  • Reduces max principal units on remaining R-CG parcels from 4 to 3.
  • Adds new height, coverage, and setback constraints on R-CG parcels.

Who is grandfathered under the old blanket rezoning?

Property owners who obtained an approved development permit, building permit, or subdivision application under R-CG, R-G, or H-GO before August 4, 2026 keep those rights. Property owners who submitted an application before April 8, 2026 (the first reading date) are also protected. Parcels that were rezoned through an approved rezoning application after August 6, 2024 (the original blanket rezoning date) retain their R-CG designation.

How do I check my Calgary property's current zoning?

Use the City of Calgary interactive zoning map at calgary.ca/planning/projects/rezoning.html and enter your property address. The map reflects the post-August 4, 2026 zoning designations.

What this means for landlords and investors

The MLI Select 5-unit minimum is now much harder to hit through infill on standard inner-city lots. Existing 4-plex, 6-plex, and small apartment projects already permitted retain their value. Future small multi-family opportunities are concentrated in parcels with existing R-CG, R-G, M-1, or M-2 designations that were unaffected by the repeal, plus discretionary rezoning applications on a case-by-case basis. Always verify zoning before offering on a lot for redevelopment.

Sources: Service Alberta, Residential Tenancies Act; Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS); CMHC Rental Market Report. This article is general information, not legal advice.
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Vishnu Gabbula, Associate Broker at PREP Realty

Vishnu Gabbula is an Associate Broker at PREP Realty, a RECA-licensed Alberta brokerage, and the founder of UrbanLease (a Calgary property management website operated by 14463137 Canada Inc.). His practice covers residential real estate, commercial real estate, rural properties, and property management across Calgary, Alberta. He runs Calgary House Rentals Group (105,000+ members) and Edmonton House Rentals Group (65,000+ members), two of Western Canada's largest rental communities on Facebook. He writes on Alberta tenancy law, the Residential Tenancies Act, CMHC MLI Select multi-unit financing, tenant screening, and rental market data, built on day-to-day experience managing rentals across Calgary and surrounding cities.

Published May 1, 2026 · Updated May 15, 2026

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