[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by JonDuke

For permits when doing a basement...
What is the exact definition of "development"?

If I throw up drywall, and lay carpet, do I need to get a permit, or is it more if you're adding full walls/rooms and electrical?

Putting up drywall and carpet does not require a permit.

Edit:

I suppose it depends on how much, exactly what you are doing -

Originally Posted by calgary.ca website

Building permits are not REQUIRED for:
Fences, sidewalks, planters
Retaining walls that are less than 1.2 metres in height
Painting, decorating and general maintenance
Minor repairs using similar or same materials for maintenance which do not affect any electrical or mechanical work
Accessory buildings not greater than 10 square metres in area, if they do not create a hazard

For example, I redid my kitchen, which included re-drywalling, re flooring, replacing all cabinets, etc. This did not require a building permit, as per the conversation I had with the city. I did get a homeowners electrical permit to revise the electrical.