What are the kitchen requirements for a legal basement suite in Calgary?

A legal basement suite kitchen in Calgary must include a sink with hot and cold running water, a cooking appliance, a refrigerator or space designated for one, and adequate counter and storage space. These requirements ensure the suite functions as a self-contained dwelling where the tenant can prepare meals independently without needing access to the main dwelling's kitchen.

The cooking appliance is typically a standard range with an oven, though cooktop-and-wall-oven combinations also satisfy the requirement. The cooking area needs adequate ventilation — a range hood vented to the exterior is the standard approach, though recirculating hoods may be acceptable in some configurations. The Alberta Building Code requires that the kitchen area has proper lighting and electrical service, including dedicated circuits for major appliances. A standard basement suite kitchen typically requires a 40-amp circuit for an electric range, a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the refrigerator, and a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the dishwasher if one is included. All kitchen counter outlets must be GFCI-protected.

Plumbing for the kitchen sink adds complexity if your basement does not have existing rough-in plumbing in the right location. Running new drain and water supply lines through or under the concrete slab costs $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the distance to existing plumbing stacks. If the kitchen is positioned far from the main drain stack, a sewage ejector pump may be needed, adding $1,500 to $3,000. Planning the kitchen location close to existing plumbing saves significant cost — this is one of the most important layout decisions in suite design.

Counter and storage space must be sufficient for reasonable meal preparation. While the Alberta Building Code does not specify exact counter footage minimums for secondary suites the way it does for some other dwelling types, the City of Calgary's development permit reviewers expect to see a functional kitchen layout. A practical minimum is 6 to 8 linear feet of base cabinetry with countertop, though more is better for livability and rental appeal. Budget $4,000 to $10,000 for a basic to mid-range basement suite kitchen including cabinets, countertop, sink, and appliance installation — not including the appliances themselves.

The kitchen must be contained within the fire-separated suite area, meaning it cannot share space with the main dwelling. Any walls between the kitchen and the main dwelling above or beside must maintain the 1-hour fire-rated separation. The kitchen ceiling, like the rest of the suite, requires fire-rated drywall assembly. If HVAC ducts pass through the kitchen ceiling to serve the main floor above, fire dampers must be installed at every penetration point.

Gas appliances in basement suite kitchens require careful attention to combustion air supply, gas line sizing, and carbon monoxide detection. All gas work must be done by a licensed gas fitter and inspected by a Safety Codes Officer. For help planning your basement suite kitchen layout and finding qualified contractors, browse the Calgary Construction Network directory for basement renovation professionals experienced with secondary suite builds.