Help Shape Calgary's Design Guide for Rowhouses and Townhouses
Official title: Creating The Guide for Small-Scale Housing
Why This Matters
Live in a Calgary neighbourhood seeing new infill development? This guide will shape what gets built next door. It covers everything from building height and shadowing to landscaping and parking. If you've ever worried about a new rowhouse blocking your sunlight or looking out of place, this is your chance to weigh in.
What Could Change
The City will publish official design recommendations for rowhouses, townhouses, and front-back semi-detached homes. Developers will need to follow these best practices when proposing new projects. City planners will use the guide to evaluate applications—meaning your feedback could influence what gets approved in your neighbourhood.
Key Issues
- How should buildings be placed on sites to balance sunlight, privacy, and street presence?
- What building heights and designs help new developments fit into existing neighbourhoods?
- How should outdoor amenity spaces like yards, patios, and balconies be designed?
- What landscaping and tree protection standards should apply to small-scale housing?
- How can sustainable design features like EV charging and solar panels be incorporated?
How to Participate
- Phase one is closed. Sign up for the email list to be notified when phase two opens in early 2026.
- Review the engagement booklet to understand the six focus areas: site layout, building form, amenity space, landscape design, servicing, and sustainable design.
- Contact the project team at smallscaleguide@calgary.ca with questions.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 27, 2025 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM MDT | In-Person Conversation Session - Bridgeland | Bridgeland Riverside Community Association, 917 Centre Ave. N.E. | Register → (opens in new tab) |
| September 8, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM MDT | Virtual Conversation Session | Virtual | View Details → (opens in new tab) |
| September 11, 2025 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM MDT | In-Person Conversation Session - Banff Trail | Banff Trail Community Association, 2115 20 Avenue N.W. | Register → (opens in new tab) |
What Happened
Phase one of engagement closed on September 15, 2025. The project team is now working on the draft guide. A second phase of engagement will open in early 2026 for public review and feedback on the draft.