Tenant Development Services

 

The Tenant Development Services team supports our Partners making installations, repairs, or upgrades into their leased premises within the Airport terminal building and across airport land through the Construction & Installation Permit (CIP) process. All Partner construction projects require a Calgary Airport Authority-issued CIP prior to the start of any construction: any work without an approved permit may be shut down.

The CIP process assesses every project to ensure it meets airport regulatory and design standards, minimizes the overall impact to guests and does not harm airport infrastructure. The CIP process provides support to our Partners through the entire duration of their project from design review to final inspections & occupancy.


Overview 

Once a CIP application is received by our Online form, it will be checked for completeness. Once the application is deemed complete, it will be circulated to internal YYC teams to consider and comment on the impact of the project to the facility and list any accompanying conditions for the installation. YYC review comments will be compiled and provided to the applicant. Upon a satisfactory review, YYC will issue a Letter of Authorization to apply for other permits needed from other agencies that assess projects for building code compliance: the City of Calgary or Rocky View County (Springbank Airport). 

NOTE: The City of Calgary and Rockyview County shall not process a Building Permit application for work on Airport lands without a Letter from YYC. 

CIP applications may qualify for an expedited review by YYC if the project scope has minimal impact and does not require approvals from any other agency. These types of projects may include existing Partners making minor improvements, conducting maintenance, or replacing existing fixtures to support their businesses.

Fees & Deposit

Security Deposit

A refundable Development Security Deposit (usually in the form of a Letter of Credit) is required for all terminal building and major land development projects. It is returned to the Tenant once the project is complete and all the terms and conditions of the CIP have been fulfilled.

CIP Application Fee

Starting April 8th, 2024, all CIP applications for Partner projects will be assessed an application administration fee based on the total construction value of the project. This fee amount is staggered based on the construction value of the Partner project and must be paid to YYC before the YYC Design Review can begin. The CIP Application Fee Guide shows a breakdown of the amount that will be invoiced to the applicant upon submission of a CIP application. YYC reserves the right to verify total construction value at project completion for fee validation. See fee sheet here.

Application Requirements

CIP permit submissions must include drawings and plans that outline the entire scope of work and provide technical information specific to working conditions at YYC. For most construction projects, an Architect or Professional Engineer may have to design, authenticate, and inspect your project design for compliance. Please refer to the following guidelines from APEGA to determine if construction and project record drawings for your project must be authenticated. 

To avoid delays in processing your application, it is important to ensure that applications are complete and include a detailed drawing package that has been authenticated by the proper professional(s). In general, the drawings submitted with a CIP application should be equally as complete as the package sent to a municipal agency for review. For minor upgrades, in general, these drawings should clearly show what exists and what is proposed. If facility record data for the area of your project is required, to please contact your Commercial Services representative.

Compliance

The member of the Tenant Development Services team responsible for your project will engage with the proper internal and external agencies to complete their review.

NAV Canada & Transport Canada

Tenant Development Services will apply to NAV Canada and Transport Canada to assess all new land projects if an application has not been made already. Please note that projects in the vicinity of radar, or that may affect the Instrument Landing System (ILS) or glidepath, may require a longer review by NAV Canada.

Environmental Assessment

YYC requires a review of all project applications to assess and minimize any impacts to our environment, and to follow the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) for any projects named by the Act. To support this review, you may be asked to provide detailed information about mitigation measures you will implement to prevent harm (i.e., Erosion & Sediment Control Plan, Wildlife Management Plan etc.).

Land Use

Airport land development must conform to the criteria set out in The City of Calgary & The Calgary Airport Authority. 

Agreement on Land Use, Development Guidelines, and Acreage Assessment Levies

Development Standards & Guidelines Documents

It is important to note that YYC has design requirements that are over and above what may be required under National Building Code – Alberta Edition. Upon submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the Development Services team to confirm adherence to relevant YYC Design Standards. Please refer to the list of standards documents below when bringing your vision to life at YYC. Specific design criteria and themes have been developed for selected guest-facing retail and food & beverage units within the Terminal Building. These will be provided to you by your Commercial Services representative.

Online CIP Application Form

Construction & Installation Permit (CIP) Application Form (Online data entry, electronic submittal)

Tenant Development FAQs

What type of work requires a Construction & Installation Permit (CIP)?

Typically, any project that involves new construction or modifications/renovations to existing buildings (both exterior and interior), structures or underground services (communications, utilities), surface features and facilities (including fences and gates), landscaping and signage requires a CIP.

Are there any design standards for terminal building tenant projects?

Yes. Tenant Standards and Guidelines manuals have been developed for the DomesticTerminal Building Complex (Domestic Terminal Building, Parking Structure, Airport Corporate Centre) and the International Terminal tenants to use when designing and constructing retail, food and beverage, or office spaces and includes submission requirements, design criteria and other reference materials.

Does The City of Calgary Land Us By-law apply to the construction of a new building on airport land?

No. Airport land development does not fall under The City of Calgary Land Use By-law. Separate development criteria have been established for airport land and are set out in the Agreement on Land Use, Development Guidelines, and Acreage Assessment Levies (the "Land Use Agreement").  One major difference with airport land development is the issuance of a Letter of Authorization for the tenant to apply to the City of Calgary for a Confirmation of Airport Development (similar to obtaining a Development Permit for off-airport projects).

Note: Developers should be aware that for design elements not specifically covered under the Land Use Agreement, the City of Calgary may reference Land Use By-law design criteria when reviewing airport development submissions.

I have a Building Permit for my project. Does that mean I can start construction?

No. While it may be a requirement of a tenant project, a Building Permit does not constitute approval for a CIP application and only forms part of the CIP approval process requirements. A CIP, authorizing the tenant to begin construction, will be issued only when all of the project submission requirements have been met.

What type of work requires a Construction & Installation Permit (CIP)?

In general, a CIP is required where changes or improvements are made to infrastructure on airport property, and in any circumstance where tenant construction is occurring airside. This includes the following examples of typical projects on Airport land:

  • New construction of any building or structure,
  • Interior and exterior additions or alterations to existing structures, including:
    • fit outs and improvements within existing tenant or commercial premises.
  •  Installing large-scale equipment connected to base-building systems or where installation of equipment has an operational impact.
  • Demolition and removals of existing structures, utilities, and connected equipment, including:
    • Commercial unit demolitions.
  • Installation of any signage.
  • All exterior site work and upgrades including:
    • Installing or repairing fencing, landscaping, exterior lighting, sidewalks, EV chargers.
    • Repairs or upgrades to existing parking lots, curbs.
  • Installation and maintenance of all utility infrastructure on airport land.

Initiatives that do not involve construction and do not alter the facility in any way, including those related to minor cosmetic updates or repairs, may not require a CIP. If you are unsure whether your tenant project requires a CIP, please contact Development Services or your Commercial Services representative. Please note that if an initiative does not require a CIP, this does not mean that authorization from YYC is not required: work that is guest-facing or poses any operational impact must be coordinated by a Commercial Services representative.