Lot Splitting | City of Edmonton

Lot splitting is the process of subdividing a single property into 2 legal lots. Lot splitting allows 2 separate houses or 2 sides of a semi-detached house to be owned separately.

Subdivision is a two-part process - conditional approval and endorsement. Separate applications and fees are required for each part.

Conditional approval is the process of determining what conditions will need to be met to subdivide lots. The endorsement process confirms that these conditions have been met.

Service Overview

Application Process

Conditional Approval

Application Review

City staff review applications to ensure the parcels created:

Are suitable for their intended use including environmental considerations
Have access to services such as electricity, water and drainage
Have access to a road or a lawful means of access
Conform with all statutory plans and the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw

Decision
A conditional approval letter is sent by City staff, which may include conditions such as payment of property taxes or demolition of existing structures.

If your application is in the following neighbourhoods: Argyll, Avonmore, Bonnie Doon (portions), Hazeldean, Idylwylde (portions) Kenilworth, King Edward Park (portions), Ottewell (portions) and Ritchie, you will also be required to enter into a servicing agreement which details additional charges for drainage servicing.

Appeals

If your application for subdivision is denied, or you disagree with a condition, you can appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board within 14 days of receipt of the written decision of the Subdivision Authority.

Adjacent property owners are notified of applications when received and are invited to comment, but have no right to appeal decisions.

Can my neighbour stop my application?

Your next door neighbours will be notified of your application and are able to provide comments. City staff may consider land use related concerns in their analysis of the application. Only the landowner is able to appeal a subdivision decision.

Endorsement

City staff compare the conditional approval letter with the plan of survey to ensure all the conditions outlined the conditional approval letter have been completed. After endorsement is complete the landowner can register their lots with Alberta Land Titles.

Who Can Apply

Landowners can submit a subdivision application.

Landowners are highly encouraged to engage a land surveyor to submit the application on their behalf to expedite the subdivision process.

Timelines and Fees

It takes an average of 60 calendar days to complete conditional approval. Endorsements are typically issued within 18 calendar days.

Fees are charged based on the number and type of lots created
For 2024 fee rates see page 5 of the 2024 Planning and Development Fee Schedules (effective January 1, 2024)

Endorsement fees are charged once the endorsement review is complete, and must be paid in order for approval forms to be released. You will be notified by email when endorsement fees must be paid.

Payment Options

Online
Payment can be made online during the application process using Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

Over the Phone
To pay with a credit card over the phone, please call 780-442-5054 with the following information:

Address
Application number
Surveyor’s file number

In Person/By Mail

In person or mail payments are conducted via cheque only
Cheques should be made payable to “City of Edmonton”
Cheques can be mailed or delivered to:

Edmonton Service Centre
2nd Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton AB
T5J 0J4

When paying endorsement fees by cheque ensure your payment includes the following:

Checklist for Enforcement Fees Paid by Cheque

Cheque Information	Payable to “City of Edmonton”
Cover letter	Attn: Chief Subdivision Officer Land Development Application (LDA) number Surveyor’s file number Cheque number

Before You Apply

Check Your Zoning

Regulations set out in the Zoning Bylaw restrict the size and locations of new homes.

Check the zoning regulations that apply to your property to ensure that you will be able to build your intended home once subdivision is complete. Zoning restrictions can include maximum height, building size, and required distances for buildings from property lines.

You can check the zoning regulations that apply to your property through the Zoning map:

Search your address at maps.edmonton.ca
In the general tab, scroll down to find the sections called Current Zone and Overlay

If you have more questions about your property, speak with a City planner.

Apply for A Demolition Permit

If an existing structure on the property needs to be demolished, a demolition permit will be required.

A demolition permit application can be submitted prior to or concurrent to the lot split application.

See Demolition for more information.

Submit Your Application

Application Requirements for Conditional Approval

The following documents are required to being a lot split application:

A digital copy of the Certificate of Title issued by a registry office less than 30 days before your application submission
Digital copy of the tentative plan of subdivision in PDF format which includes:
- Dimensions of the proposed lots in metres
- Labels for streets and alleys
- Identify the adjacent lots (legal), for example, Lot 2, Block 3, Plan 123 HW
- North arrow
- Existing buildings (please note whether they will remain or be demolished)
A Geotechnical Report (only required when the proposed subdivision is adjacent to the ravine system, along the top-of-bank and at the discretion of our geotechnical group)

Sample Tentative Plan of Subdivision

Apply Online

Application Requirements for Endorsement

The following documents are required to begin your endorsement application:

Plan of Survey (PDF preferred)
Utility Right of Way Plans (if applicable, PDF preferred)
Current Certificate(s) of Title and all City of Edmonton instruments registered on title
Conditional Approval Letter and Enclosure Maps
Any applicable documentation to support confirmation of conditions
Three (3) hard copies (if required) of any Restrictive Covenants (berm and fence, top of bank and pipeline) that require City staff’s signature to execute
Additional encumbrances registered by the City, as requested by the reviewer

Apply Online
Paper applications are not accepted. For assistance with your application contact a City planner. See the Endorsement Online Submission Guide for help with your endorsement application.

Next Stages of Development

Carefully Read Your Conditional Approval Letter and Enclosures

The enclosures included in your conditional approval letter contain several advisements that you should understand before you apply for the development permit for your new home(s).

Most advisements include making arrangements with utilities companies.