NEW ZONING BYLAW FAQ

IDEA has received numerous questions regarding the new zoning bylaw and its implementation. Below is a list of frequently asked questions received thus far. Additional questions will be addressed during dedicated events and activities on this topic, and the most popular ones will be added to this page afterward.

What can the new zoning bylaw let us do?

The new zoning bylaw provides much greater flexibility on what can built in Edmonton and where those types of developments might occur. For example, there are many lots in existing neighbourhoods that have single family homes that would be suitable for redvelopment into row housing. In the past this would require rezoning from RF1 to RF3. The new zoning bylaw offers greater diversification of housing types within a single small scale residential zone based on an approach to land use that prioritizes land use impacts. This means redevelopment could be in the form of detached or semi detached homes with garden and/or secondary suites, row housing, or small apartments all under a single zone. This transition will provide greater consistency and predictability in the development review process for applicants and the general public

How Will the New zoning bylaw affect permitting times?

The expectation, both from industry and at the City, is that permitting times should decrease with the new Zoning Bylaw. Once past the initial implementation period as everyone gets used to the new bylaw, it is expected that the new bylaw’s clearer rules, fewer discretionary uses and broader zones will lead to efficiencies in the development permitting process. The City is also exploring possibilities to automate the development permitting process thanks to the greater simplicity and clarity of the new zoning bylaw.

Appeals Process - are there changes tied to that?

The appeals process for rezonings is unchanged as those requirements come from the Municipal Government Act. However, because the base residential zone (RS for mature neighbourhoods, RSF for developing neighbourhoods) allow for a much broader base of built forms, rezonings will be required less often, especially for the missing middle style developments that our members build.

how do we get updates on process related Changes that occur As the new Zoning Bylaw is implemented?

IDEA will be following developments as the new Zoning Bylaw is implemented starting January 1, 2024, and will continue to advocate for further policy refinement and change that will encourage and support quality infill development in Edmonton. We will provide updates on key developments through our newsletter, so sign up to stay informed. The other way to stay informed is to get involved! We’re always looking for active members of our community to get involved in our advocacy work with the City. Contact our executive director at nicholas@infilledmonton.com or register for IDEAfest on January 25 if you are a member and want to volunteer.

RELATED IDEA EVENTS & CONTENT

 

In Development Episode 44 - Edmonton's Urban Renaissance Unveiled

In this episode, hosts Allison and Lilit are joined by key figures from the City of Edmonton, Darbi Kinnee and Lyla Peter. Together they unravel the city's efforts to create zoning regulations that work for Edmonton, the philosophy guiding the renewal, and the collaborative efforts that engaged diverse stakeholders, including IDEA. Darbi and Lyla delve into the key shifts in the zoning bylaw, the retirement of overlays, the introduction of mixed-use zones, and how the new zoning bylaw allows for more dynamic and equitable city building.

Cityscape luncheon series:

Cityscapes Transformed - unlocking city plan’s potential through zoning bylaw (Feb 6)


Join us for an insightful luncheon as we delve into the dynamic intersection of urban development and civic planning at Idea's Cityscape Luncheon Series. Our upcoming event, "Cityscapes Transformed – Unlocking City Plan’s Potential Through Zoning Bylaw," promises an engaging exploration of the pivotal role zoning plays in shaping the future of our cities.

 

Infill Insights Webinar Series:

Bylaw Breakdown - Decoding Development, Rezoning, and Appeals (feb 15)

Presented by the City of Edmonton's Zoning Bylaw team along with experts from Development Approvals and Inspections, this Members Only webinar aims to continue the zoning conversation started through other Q1 IDEA initiatives such as IDEAfest and our Cityscape Luncheon series.