Construction and Installation Project Authorization (CIPA)

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CIPA Overview

Welcome to your first step in the Construction and Installation Project Authorization (CIPA) process. CIPA ensures all construction and installation activities are coordinated, safe, compliant with airport standards, and consistent with Calgary Airports obligations under the Transport Canada Ground Lease Agreement.

Applicable to all lease holders and third-parties at YYC Calgary International Airport and YBW Springbank Airport.

Purpose

The Calgary Airport Authority Development Services team administers the Construction & Installation Project Authorization (CIPA) process for all third party developments occurring on leased lands and premises at Calgary Airports.

Any tenant, subtenant, operator, or their consultants and contractors performing work on airport property must obtain an Authority Issued CIPA before beginning construction.

A CIPA is the only third-party authorization that allows physical work to start at YYC or YBW. Municipal permits (City of Calgary, Rocky View County) do not provide authorization to build on airport land without this authorization.

Why

The Calgary Airport Authority (Calgary Airports) is the operator and landlord of YYC Calgary International Airport and YBW Springbank Airport, as defined in our Transport Canada Ground Lease Agreement.

Under this agreement, the Authority is responsible for:

• Controlling, reviewing, and approving all development on airport property.
• Monitoring, recording, and reporting changes to the built environment. 
• Ensuring compatibility with airport operations, safety systems, and federal aviation requirements. 

Step 1. Applicant Requirements

New Applicants to the CIPA SharePoint System are required to complete a one-time registration. Allow a couple minutes for the system to register your information.

While awaiting registration into the system, please take this time to review the applicable YYC CIPA Manual for Land and Terminal Projects as well as the YYC Technical Design and Construction Standards.

• These documents provide a comprehensive outline of the CIPA process, Application Requirements, and Construction Standards (often above Building Code) that must be followed at YYC.
• These encompasses large to small projects, and some information may not be relevant to your scope.

Step 2. CIPA Application

A CIPA is required for any work on airport property at YYC or YBW.

Projects Requiring a CIPA - Including but not limited to

• Major Land Development
• Interior Fit-outs, Renovations, and Reconfigurations
• Mezzanines, Demising Walls, or Structural Alterations
• Rooftop Units, Antennas, Equipment Replacements, or New Installations
• Any signage proposals on airport property
• Electrical, Mechanical, IT/telecom, or Utility Upgrades
• Exterior work such as Signage, Façade changes, Fencing, Paving, Lighting
• Ground Disturbance, Excavation, Trenching, Hydrovac Work
• Crane Operations, Lift Equipment, Airside Construction Equipment, or any activity affecting height restrictions
• Any activity that may impact airport safety, security, or regulatory compliance
• Apron, Parking Lot Remediations, Upgrades and Paving

If you are unsure whether your project requires a CIPA, contact Development Services.

Prior to application submission please ensure familiarity with the Calgary Airports Technical Design and Construction Standards as well as the City of Calgary Agreement on Land Use for proposed work on Calgary Airports property.

• These documents provide a comprehensive outline of the Construction Standards that must be followed at YYC or YBW.
• Projects will be reviewed against these standards.
• To avoid potential schedule delays and drawing rework, please ensure your project is compliant with the applicable Calgary Airports Technical Design and Construction Standards for a comprehensive and efficient internal review.

Step 3. CIPA Application Fee

All CIPA applications submitted are subject to an application administration fee, which is calculated based on the project’s total construction value.

This fee must be paid to YYC before the Application Review process can begin.

The CIPA Application Fee Guide outlines the fee structure and amount payable upon submission of a complete CIPA application. A payment link is provided to the applicant, and an invoice can be issued upon request. YYC may verify the project’s total construction value upon completion to confirm the accuracy of the fee charged. See fee guide here.

Step 4. CIPA Application Review

Once the CIPA Application Fee has been received, the Development Coordinator on the file will circulate the application including all drawings and project scope to internal YYC Subject Matter Experts for review and comment.

Comments will be compiled and sent to the applicant to respond or acknowledge as required.

When clarifications are achieved, the Development Coordinator will move the application forward in the CIPA process

External Agency Review

No objections from external agencies may be required for your project. External Agency Review is outside YYC purview and can take between 8 - 12 weeks for turnaround. Development Services will submit applications to NAV CANADA and Transport Canada on the proponent’s behalf as part of the CIPA once all required information has been provided to the Development Coordinator. The submission timeline is entirely dependent on how complete and accurate the proponent’s information package is. Delays in providing required information will directly delay the application.

Step 5. YYC Approval and CIPA Issuance

YYC Approval for the proponent scope of work will be granted when the Development Coordinator has received all final documentation and approvals in association with project work and has issued the signed CIPA to the proponent authorizing physical work to start per the terms and conditions of the document.

CIPA is the only third-party authorization that allows physical work to start at YYC or YBW.

YYC Operational Permits

In addition to a CIPA, your project may require additional Calgary Airports Operational Permits depending on its potential operational impacts to YYC and YBW.

Step 6. CIPA Closeout

At project completion, records are to be submitted to the Development Coordinator within 45 days of project completion.

Construction Application Forms

 Additional Questions?