Calgary Zoning Guide: R-CG, R-G, H-GO Explained

The Three Key Zones

Three Zoning Districts, Explained Simply

Calgary's recent zoning reforms have opened up thousands of inner-city lots for multi-unit development. Here's what the three most important designations mean for your property.

Feature	R-CG (Residential — Grade-Oriented)	R-G (Residential — Grade-Oriented)	H-GO (Housing — Grade-Oriented)
Max Units (typical)	~4 units	6–8+	Up to 8
Max Height	11 metres (3 storeys)	Varies by site	12 metres
Where Found	Inner-city established areas	Newer and transitional areas	Arterial and collector roads
Typical Forms	Duplexes, row houses, 4-plexes	Larger row houses, stacked units	Mid-density mixed forms
Best For	Most inner-city infill projects	Larger lot assemblies	Busy street corridors
CMHC MLI Select Eligible?	Yes (3–4 units)	Yes (5+ units)	Yes (5+ units)

Eligible Neighbourhoods

Which Calgary Neighbourhoods Qualify?

Calgary's blanket rezoning has made most inner-city lots eligible for R-CG or higher density. Common qualifying neighbourhoods include:

Killarney

Strong R-CG coverage throughout.

Altadore

High lot values, strong rental demand.

Mount Pleasant

Underutilized lots with strong upside.

Hillhurst

Close to downtown, premium rents.

Bowness

Larger lots, often R-G eligible.

Bridgeland

High demand, walkable location.

Inglewood

Heritage neighbourhood, strong cap rates.

Many More

Book an assessment — we'll confirm your specific address.

Common Questions

Zoning FAQ

How do I find out what my lot is currently zoned?

You can check the City of Calgary's Land Use Map at calgary.ca, or book a Free Lot Assessment with us — we'll check and explain exactly what your zoning allows and what you can realistically build.

Did Calgary's 2024 blanket rezoning affect my property?

Most inner-city residential properties were upzoned to R-CG or higher as part of Calgary's 2024 blanket rezoning initiative. If your lot was previously zoned R-1 or R-2, it very likely now allows multi-unit development. Book an assessment and we'll confirm.

What's the difference between a Development Permit and a Building Permit?

A Development Permit approves the land use — what you're building and where it sits on the lot. A Building Permit approves the construction itself — structural, mechanical, and electrical safety. Both are required, and we manage both through our turnkey process.

Can I build more units than the zoning allows if I apply for a variance?

Sometimes — certain relaxations and variances can be applied for, particularly around setbacks and height. We assess variance opportunities on a case-by-case basis and will flag them during your feasibility package if applicable.

What is CMHC MLI Select and how does it relate to zoning?

CMHC's MLI Select program provides preferential financing (lower rates, longer amortization, higher LTV) for rental properties with 5+ units. Building to qualify requires meeting specific energy efficiency and accessibility standards — we design for MLI Select from the start on eligible projects.

Understanding Calgary Zoning: R-CG, R-G, and H-GO Explained