Why We Grow

Edmonton is growing. Fast. We expect to reach 1.25 million people sooner than expected.

To support this growth, we have a plan - The City Plan - which lays out a vision for a vibrant, healthy and inclusive city with a home for everyone. This includes planning for growth in both new and existing neighbourhoods; striking a balance between investing in new infrastructure like roads, transit, electricity, water, storm and sewage systems – and increasing density in existing neighbourhoods where this infrastructure already exists.

Edmonton’s new Zoning Bylaw takes direction from The City Plan. The bylaw, implemented on January 1, 2024, modernized our planning rules to allow for a greater variety of housing, such as single-detached homes, duplexes, row houses, backyard homes, multi-unit homes (four- and eight-plexes), in all neighbourhoods so that people have access to homes that meet their needs at price points they can afford. This also helps maintain housing affordability. A greater supply of homes to buy slows the rising cost of buying a home.

Residents in existing areas are seeing new kinds of housing transform their neighbourhoods. The result is more people at different stages of life and income levels can have access to the parks, playgrounds, schools and other amenities these neighbourhoods have to offer.

We know this growth means change and that many residents have questions about the development process and what it means for their community. The City is committed to helping Edmontonians understand why we grow.

The City’s Role:

The City is responsible for ensuring that developments comply with applicable City requirements and are constructed in accordance with city bylaws, applicable minimum safety standards and the issued permits.

Development Permits

The City issues Development Permits, documents which confirm that developments comply with the Zoning Bylaw. There may be other requirements, like restrictive covenants or caveats on title or property, that the applicant must consider when developing their land, but these do not inform Development Permit decisions.
If the development does not comply with one or more regulations, the Development Planner may grant a variance in accordance with the processes specified in the Zoning Bylaw.
Development Permits for new principal buildings, substantial redevelopment and demolition in redeveloping neighbourhoods require that signage be posted on the site within 14 days of the permit becoming valid.
- Development signage requirements

Building and Trades Permits

The City issues Building and trades permits documents after processing an application. During the permit application process, the City audits the design of a project. It confirms that the construction intentions comply with minimum safety standards enacted under the Alberta Safety Codes Act.

Building Inspections and Compliance

Residential and Commercial inspections are an essential part of the permit process. City inspections do a point-in-time audit to ensure the work meets the minimum safety standards.
City inspectors enforce the rules and regulations applicable to the construction.

Lot Grading and Landscaping Inspections

Where required by the Drainage and Zoning Bylaws, City inspectors determine the proposed development is graded and landscaped in accordance with its approved plans.

Tree protection

Administer the Public Tree Permit process which helps people working near City-owned trees work with the City’s Urban Forestry team to preserve and protect public trees near their worksites.

Construction practices

Enforce city bylaw requirements including the hours of construction and keeping streets, alleys and sidewalks clean and clear of debris, garbage and materials.

Contact the City of Edmonton

Download the 311 App, call 311, email 311@edmonton.ca, or submit a request through 311.edmonton.ca to be connected with the City group that can resolve the issue or provide you with more information.

Builders and Owners Must:

Builders and Owners must be familiar with their responsibilities, best practices and guidelines associated with a construction project including:

Prepare and maintain a Project Implementation Plan (PIP) to safeguard the health and safety of the public, adjacent properties and infrastructure
Build in compliance with minimum safety standards and issued permits
Install Development Permit notification signs for the duration of construction
Limit excavation and construction to within the property line
Keep streets, alleys and sidewalks clean and clear of debris, garbage and materials
Follow hours of construction:
- Monday-Saturday: 7am - 9pm
- Sunday and Statutory Holidays: 9am - 7pm
Protect public property including curbs, trees and boulevards
Ensure stormwater is directed towards an alley or street and does not cross onto neighbouring private property during construction

Contact the builder

To share any concerns or inquire about the builder’s responsibilities, contact the builder directly. Contact information is available on the Development Permit notification sign posted on the site.

Neighbours Should:

Access available resources and tips below to learn more on how to prepare for neighbouring redevelopment.

Resources

Search maps.edmonton.ca to see what type of development is allowed on your property through the Zoning Bylaw and to see nearby development applications.
Explore the available resources related to the new Zoning Bylaw.
Review the City’s Lot Grading Guidelines:
- Small scale residential
- Non-residential and Multi-unit residential
Visit the New Home Construction page for application requirements.

Tips

Connect with the builder early in the development process to learn more about the housing project, discuss concerns, and provide feedback. The builder can share information like the plot plan and elevation (the design plan for the exterior of the house), project timelines, lot grading and how they plan to protect trees.
Consider documenting the current state of your property prior to construction as outlined in the “Plan” section of the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) Guide (such as photos of your yard, house exterior and fence).
Consider contacting your property insurer for advice.
Look into options to assess your foundation and to document its current condition, if you have concerns about the effects of excavation or vibration.
Report unsafe working conditions to Alberta Occupational Health and Safety at 780-415-8690 or online at alberta.ca.
Consider obtaining a Real Property Report (RPR) through any Alberta Land Surveyor. An RPR is a legal drawing that clearly indicates the location of physical features such as the house footprint, driveway and fences relative to property lines Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association.
Book a free flood prevention home check-up by EPCOR by visiting epcor.com.

Zoning Bylaw

The Zoning Bylaw is the primary regulatory tool required to implement The City Plan and determines what can be built where. It sets the rules for where new buildings should go, what types of buildings they can be and what types of businesses and activities can happen on a property.

Housing Redevelopment: What to Expect

The City’s Role:

Builders and Owners Must:

Contact the builder

Neighbours Should:

Planning Policies and Permitting Processes

Urban Planning and Design

Development Process

Development and Building Permits

Zoning Bylaw

Public Notices

Daily List of Development Permit Applications

Contacts

Connect with Communities

Development Approvals

Construction and Safety Complaints

Trespassing Complaints