Development Terminology to Know

Designing and developing communities can be a complicated business, and that’s why sifting through the industry language can sometimes seem complicated too. To help you navigate the development industry, here’s some common terminology and buzzwords to know.

• Block plan: a plan view of adjacent buildings, used to establish context.
• Building permit: an application which gives authorization or consent to erect, demolish, relocate, alter, or repair a structure.
• Densification: planning aimed at increasing population density in key urban areas.
• Developed area: an existing area within the city that has completed its initial residential development. 
• Developing area: a new area within the city that has yet to complete its initial residential development.
• Development permit: a planning application that allows the City to review a development, in accordance with relevant bylaws and policies, and includes the plans and conditions of approval.
• Duplex: a building which contains two dwelling units, one located above the other, with each having a separate entrance.
• Land Use Bylaw: the Land Use Bylaw is the key tool used to regulate and control the use and development of all land and buildings in Calgary.
• Land use district: designation or zoning term given to parcels of land within the city. It describes uses that are either a permitted or discretionary use.
• Multi-residential development: a building that contains three or more dwelling units.
• Parcel: a piece of land enclosed by property lines.
• Permitted use: a use listed in a land use district where approval is guaranteed as long as all the rules are met.
• Placemaking: this buzzword refers to an approach to urban design that foregrounds the health, happiness and experiences of people in public spaces.
• Property line: a use listed in a land use district where approval is guaranteed as long as all the rules are met.
• Semi-detached dwelling: a building that contains two dwelling units located side by side and separated by a common party wall extending from foundation to roof.
• Single detached dwelling: a building that may contain one dwelling unit, and may include a secondary suite in districts where secondary suite is a listed use.
• Single construction permit: a new home construction permit that includes the building permit and trades installations for the construction of one dwelling.
• Streetscape: an elevation drawing of adjacent buildings, used to establish context.
• Subdivision: the division of a property.
• Townhouse: a building that contains three or more dwelling units.
• Zero lot line:  a legal provision which allows you to build up to your side property line.