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Guidelines set clear expectations in the urban design and development process for the public and all city builders.
The Urban Design Guidelines are intended to focus on the most important aspects of design, and be rapidly developed and/or revised to respond to changing development trends.
Development of Volume 1 - an Introduction to the Urban Design Manual - began in late 2019. This work identifies urban structure, built form, public realm and design details as the basic organizing framework for the guidelines. This introductory volume also establishes clear alignment with the strategic policy direction of The City Plan, and is presently being evaluated as a district planning tool.
Also in late 2019, the Urban Planning Committee directed City administration to develop a Terms of Reference (TOR) for wind studies, to improve the City of Edmonton’s rezoning and development permit processes. This Terms of Reference is the first of three proposed background studies which the manual will reference.
The proposed Urban Design Manual will serve as a comprehensive guide to the physical design of Edmonton, in particular its urban structure, built form and public realm. The Manual is envisioned primarily as a set of design guidelines which build on the policy direction of The City Plan and articulate the City’s expectations for good design.
The Urban Design Manual is proposed to include the following:
This introduction to the Urban Design Manual describes the 6 Guiding Principles For a Livable City and explains how to use the urban design guidelines.
These draft guidelines address the most common building and open space typologies in Edmonton. Guidelines will be developed as needed to respond to development trends.
These resources outline other processes and provide additional guidance necessary to ensure a high quality of urban design in the city.
As part of the work to advance urban design in Edmonton, the City is expanding the toolbox of urban design guidelines. Each guideline is specific to the development or building type. Current work is being done to develop additional guidelines for amenity spaces; parking structures; mid-block connections; large-format commercial development; and surface parking.
Stay informed by signing up for email notifications. The City will send out news about how you can get involved in the project as it becomes available. Register by emailing urbandesign@edmonton.ca.
