Step One: Confirm Whether Rezoning Is Actually Required

Not every infill or redevelopment project requires a Land Use Redesignation. In some cases, the existing district already allows:

• The proposed use
• The desired number of units
• Secondary or backyard suites

As policy direction evolves, it is increasingly important to confirm whether rezoning meaningfully improves certainty—or whether it introduces unnecessary process.

Step Two: Identify an Appropriate Target District

If rezoning is required, the next step is identifying which district is appropriate for the site, not simply which district offers the most flexibility.

For many properties, this means evaluating whether R-CG (Residential – Grade-Oriented Infill) is a reasonable target. That assessment should consider:

• Surrounding land use and built form
• Road classification and access
• Parcel size and configuration
• Direction in the applicable Local Area Plan

As Council signals a move away from blanket permissions, district selection will once again matter.

Step Three: Test Policy Alignment Early

Before submitting an application, the site should be reviewed against:

• The Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
• The applicable Local Area Plan (LAP) or Area Redevelopment Plan
• Citywide growth and infill policies

As Calgary transitions away from blanket rezoning, clear policy alignment will become increasingly important in supporting approval.

Step Four: Prepare a Strong Planning Rationale

Even before repeal is finalized, Administration and Council are already viewing rezoning applications through a more discretionary lens.

A defensible planning rationale should:

• Explain why the proposed district is appropriate for the site
• Address neighbourhood context and interface
• Demonstrate alignment with adopted policy
• Anticipate common questions from reviewers and Council

This step is often the difference between a smooth process and prolonged delay.

Step Five: Understand the Role of Public and Council Review

Rezoning applications involve:

• Circulation to City departments
• Public notification
• A decision by City Council

As Calgary signals a return to greater discretion, community input and Council considerations will continue to play an important role. Managing expectations around timing and outcome is essential.

Step Six: Plan Beyond Rezoning

Rezoning is only one stage of the approval process.

Even once rezoning is approved, projects must still obtain:

• A Development Permit
• A Building Permit
• All associated technical approvals

A well-considered rezoning strategy anticipates these steps so entitlement decisions support—rather than complicate—subsequent approvals.

Final Thoughts

While the repeal of blanket rezoning is not yet finalized, the direction of travel is clear: rezoning in Calgary is becoming more site-specific again.

For landowners and developers, this means planning strategy matters earlier than it did under citywide rezoning. Rezoning remains a valuable tool—but it must be approached deliberately, with a clear understanding of policy, context, and process.

At CITYTREND, we help clients navigate this evolving environment by evaluating when rezoning is necessary, how to approach it, and how to align entitlement decisions with realistic project outcomes.

Because as Calgary’s planning framework shifts, clarity and preparation matter more than ever.