NEW LISTINGS
0.16 Acres1/21 21New$749,900
0.12 AcresNew$699,000
0.03 Acres1/7 7New$2,850,000
0.14 Acres1/4 4New$899,999
explore listings in Calgary
Calgary lots and redevelopment-potential homes. Confirm zoning and permitted use with the City of Calgary before you buy.
Photo: outofthought, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
New rowhouses at Currie Barracks, a redeveloped former military base in inner southwest Calgary.
Builders and investors looking at Calgary infill lots, start with the feed above. It shows live lots and older homes on land that may suit a rebuild. It can't show a lot's zoning, so check that with the City of Calgary first. For the 2026 rule change, see what the 2026 repeal did to R-CG lots.
What counts as an infill or redevelopment lot in Calgary?
An infill lot is a parcel in an established Calgary community where a new building can replace an older one or fill a gap. It may be empty or have an older home on it. What you can build depends on its zoning, called a land use district, not on the listing. Confirm it with the City of Calgary.
Older pages that call every Calgary lot R-CG are out of date: the City of Calgary said about 99% of properties would return to their earlier zoning on August 4, 2026. A new build needs a development permit unless it is specifically exempt. Some lots were exempt from the 2026 changes, depending on permit and subdivision timing. Don't assume yours is one.
R-CG or M-C1: which fits your plan?
R-CG suits grade-oriented homes such as rowhouses, townhouses, duplexes and suites. M-C1 is primarily for 3 to 4 storey apartment buildings and townhouses. Both are in the City of Calgary's Land Use Bylaw 1P2007, and the figures are as of September 2026. The Quick Reference below sets them side by side.
In R-CG, a rowhouse is permitted only if it meets every district rule. Otherwise it is discretionary, so the City decides case by case. M-C1 multi-residential development is discretionary too. Suite rules changed in 2026. Our secondary suite amnesty guide explains them.
How do I check a lot's current zoning before I buy?
Enter the address on the City of Calgary's land use district page to find its district. Then read that district in the Land Use Bylaw 1P2007. Don't trust the zoning quoted in a listing. The City says its maps are for reference only.
- Find the district. Use the City's land use district page.
- Read the rules. Check your district and the bylaw's General Rules. Every development needs a development permit unless it is specifically exempt.
- Look at permits. The City's DMap lets you see development permit plans and follow their status.
- Ask for records. The City's Property Research service holds planning records. Permit data is free on Open Calgary; pre-made reports cost a fee.
- Check the land. Ask about lot size, easements, servicing and soil.
- Call the City. Simple enquiries by phone or email have no fee. Planning Services Centre: (403) 268-5311.
Can a lot be redesignated to R-CG or M-C1?
Possibly, but nothing is automatic and the City of Calgary decides. A land use redesignation is a formal application to change a parcel's district. City Council holds a public hearing, then approves, refuses or tables it. As of September 2026, the City says these applications take at least three months and usually about six.
If a lot is not already R-CG or M-C1, you would apply for a district that allows what you want to build. The City's 2026 fee schedule lists a base fee of $2,547 for R-CG and $4,738 for M-C1, plus $232 per hectare (rounded up), plus $2,018 in advertising and Calgary Planning Commission fees. Fees can change.
The City calls Council's decision final and binding unless an appeal is based on a matter of law. That is the City's wording, not legal advice.
What changed for new applications after August 4, 2026 is in the Quick Reference below.
What does it cost to hold and finance an infill lot?
Costs vary a lot from one Calgary parcel to the next, so no single number fits. Plan for financing, property tax, and the cost of connecting water, sewer and power. Ask your lender how they treat land, or a home you plan to replace, before you offer.
Add holding costs while you wait for permits, plus the City's fees if you need a redesignation. For everyday closing costs, see the total cost of buying a home in Calgary.
Which inner-city communities have infill activity?
The Michael Smith Team has local guides for established Calgary communities where older homes sit on lots that some buyers redevelop. This is a list, not a ranking. Zoning still varies from lot to lot in every community, so check each parcel yourself.
- Rosscarrock
- Wildwood
- Montgomery
- Glenbrook
- Glendale
- Westgate
- Currie Barracks
- Rutland Park
- Elbow Park
- Altadore
How does the Michael Smith Team work with builders and investors?
The Michael Smith Team helps builders and investors find and size up Calgary lots. We can run a lot-feasibility check, set up off-market lot alerts, and point you to the right City sources for zoning and permits. We don't give legal advice, and we can't promise a result.
Quick reference: R-CG and M-C1 side by side
R-CG is the City of Calgary's grade-oriented housing district, up to 10.0 m tall and 75 units per hectare. M-C1 is its low-profile multi-residential district, up to 14.0 m tall and 148 units per hectare. Figures are from Land Use Bylaw 1P2007, as of September 2026. A development permit is needed unless a project is specifically exempt.
| Feature | R-CG | M-C1 (Multi-Residential - Contextual Low Profile) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical buildings | Single-detached, semi-detached, rowhouses and townhouses | Primarily 3 to 4 storey apartment buildings and townhouses |
| Building height | Up to 10.0 m, lower next to low-density lots | Up to 14.0 m, lower next to low-density lots |
| Density | 75 units per hectare maximum. The number of homes depends on parcel size and the other rules. | Up to 148 units per hectare. A "d" modifier (for example M-C1d75) sets a lower cap. |
| Lot coverage | Up to 55% at the highest density tier | Confirm in the Land Use Bylaw |
| Multi-unit status | A rowhouse is permitted only if it meets every district rule, otherwise discretionary. Townhouse and duplex are discretionary. | Multi-residential development is discretionary |
| Suites | Secondary suite permitted. Backyard suite discretionary. | Secondary suite permitted. Backyard suite discretionary. |
What changed for new R-CG applications after August 4, 2026
City of Calgary Council repealed citywide rezoning on April 8, 2026, and the changes took effect on August 4, 2026. The City said about 99% of properties would return to their earlier zoning. Some parcels are exempt, depending on permit and application timing. Confirm any lot with the City.
| R-CG rule | As of September 2026, for new applications |
|---|---|
| Building height | Lowered, now up to 10.0 m |
| Lot coverage | Lowered, now up to 55% at the highest density tier |
| Zero lot line | No longer allowed |
| Rowhouses | Permitted again if they meet all the rules |
| Density | Stays at 75 units per hectare |
Source: City of Calgary rezoning page. Full story: what the 2026 repeal did to R-CG lots.
Frequently asked questions
What can I build on an R-CG lot in Calgary now?
It depends on the parcel. City of Calgary Council repealed citywide rezoning on April 8, 2026, and the changes took effect on August 4, 2026, so many lots returned to earlier zoning. Where R-CG applies, as of September 2026, the City's Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 describes it as for grade-oriented homes such as rowhouses, townhouses, duplexes and suites, up to 10.0 m tall and 75 units per hectare. Confirm your lot with the City.
What is the difference between R-CG and M-C1 zoning?
R-CG is for grade-oriented homes such as rowhouses, townhouses and duplexes, up to 10.0 m tall and 75 units per hectare. M-C1 is primarily for 3 to 4 storey apartment buildings and townhouses, up to 14.0 m tall and 148 units per hectare. Both are in the City's Land Use Bylaw 1P2007, as of September 2026. M-C1 multi-residential development is discretionary.
Can I still get a lot rezoned to R-CG in Calgary?
You can apply, but the City decides. You apply for a district that allows what you want to build, and Council holds a public hearing. The City says these applications take at least three months and usually about six. The City's 2026 fee schedule lists a base fee of $2,547 for R-CG, plus other charges. Nothing is guaranteed.
How do I find out what a Calgary lot is zoned?
Enter the address on the City of Calgary's land use district page to see its district and property information. Then read that district in the Land Use Bylaw 1P2007. Don't rely on the zoning in a listing, because the City's maps are for reference only. For a final answer, call the City's Planning Services Centre at (403) 268-5311.
Are infill lots in Calgary a good investment?
The Michael Smith Team can't say whether infill lots in Calgary are a good investment, and no lot is a sure thing. Results depend on the parcel's zoning, servicing, build costs, holding costs, financing and what the City approves. Check each before you make an offer, and talk to your lawyer, lender and accountant. We don't promise returns or price growth.
Does the Michael Smith Team work with builders and investors on lots?
Yes. The Michael Smith Team helps builders and investors search for lots, run a lot-feasibility check, and set up off-market lot alerts. We point you to City sources for zoning and permits, and we don't give legal advice. Call 403-919-2247 or book a time to talk about your lot.
Sources
- City of Calgary, Rezoning page and land use districts
- City of Calgary, Land Use Bylaw 1P2007: R-CG and M-C1
- City of Calgary, Redesignation and 2026 fee schedule
- City of Calgary, DMap and Property Research
Rules and fees can change. Figures are as of September 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Michael Smith, Michael Smith Team
Last updated: September 2026
Thinking about buying a Calgary lot?
Get a lot-feasibility check and off-market lot alerts.
Call 403-919-2247 Text Us Book an Appointment
Prefer email? Michael@mstrealty.ca