In Calgary, a basement bedroom must meet specific requirements to be considered a "legal" bedroom. These requirements are established by the Alberta Building Code and enforced by the City of Calgary's Development and Building Approvals department.
The following are some of the requirements for a "legal" basement bedroom in Calgary:
Minimum size: The bedroom must have a minimum floor area of 6 square metres (65 square feet) and a minimum ceiling height of 1.95 metres (6 feet 5 inches).
Egress windows: The bedroom must have at least one egress window that meets the Alberta Building Code's requirements. The window must be large enough to allow for escape in case of an emergency and provide adequate natural light and ventilation.
Ventilation: The bedroom must have a source of natural or mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate air exchange and prevent moisture buildup.
Electrical: The bedroom must have at least one electrical outlet and a hard-wired smoke detector.
Heating: The bedroom must be heated to a minimum temperature of 21°C (70°F).
Plumbing: The bedroom must not have a sink or a toilet.
It is important to note that these are just some of the requirements for a "legal" basement bedroom in Calgary. Homeowners should consult with the City of Calgary's Development and Building Approvals department to ensure that their basement bedroom meets all applicable building codes and regulations.