Welcome to The Landscape Buddy
The Zoning Bylaw requires that residential property owners landscape any front or side yards that are visible from a public street. For new homes, this must be done within 18 months of occupancy.
Having common landscaping standards that all property owners must meet helps make sure Edmonton is an appealing, safe and livable city for everyone.
Zoning Regulations
According to the Zoning Bylaw, there are only certain materials that homeowners can use to landscape.
These are:
- Grass seed or sod
- Washed gravel or shale
- Flower beds or cultivated gardens
- Trees, shrubs or other plants
- Outdoor furniture or sculptures
- Fences or walls
- Decorative bricks, pavers or stones
It is also important to remember that in front and side yards visible from a public street, only a driveway and a walkway to the door can be paved with continuous asphalt or concrete.
While planning your landscaping, it may be helpful to remember that landscaping regulations mainly apply to front and side yards. Backyards can be used more easily for things like patios, hot tubs, fire pits, basketball courts and decks.
Permits
No permits are required to landscape your property, however you may require a permit if you are building a fence or want to include a deck, shed, gazebo, hot tub or water feature in your yard.
Reporting Your Concerns
If you have a concern about landscaping you see in your neighbourhood:
- Discuss the concern with the property owner
- Record the address of the improper landscaping and a description of the problem if you can't resolve it directly with the property owner
- Call 311 and provide your name, address, phone number, and the details of your concern
Responding to Your Complaint
After you call 311, the City takes these steps to help with your issue:
- A file is created specifying your concerns
- A Development Planner opens an investigation
- If a violation of the Zoning Bylaw is found, the Development Officer will have the owner remove the problem and landscape the yard properly
Protecting Your Privacy
When you contact us, personal information may be collected under the authority of Section 33(c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Section 642 of the Municipal Government Act and/or Section 63 of the Safety Codes Act. The information will be used to process your application(s) or process your complaint. Your name and address may be included on reports that are available to the public. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
For more information:
Customer Information and Support Services
Sustainable Development
5th floor, 10250 - 101 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 3P4
In Edmonton: 311
Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Fax: 780-496-6054
Beaumont Rough Grade
What is Lot Grading?
Lot grading consists of sloping the land within a lot to direct the flow of surface water away from a building’s foundation. The sloping helps direct the water towards a suitable outlet where it can be discharged safely and according to the approved lot grading plan without negatively affecting abutting properties.
Rough Grading Process
The Town of Beaumont requires homeowners to have rough grade certification before proceeding with topsoil.
Rough grade is achieved by the homebuilder. Once it has been completed and approved by the Town inspector, the homeowner will be mailed an approved rough grading certificate along with a letter of approval. This certificate needs to be used as a guideline when applying topsoil and cannot be deviated from.
Final Grading Process
Effective 2009, the Town has implemented a two-stage grading process:
Rough grade continues to be the responsibility of the homebuilder.
Final grade approval on any permit taken out after January 1, 2009 has become the responsibility of the homeowner.
Within 12 months of the homeowner receiving the approval letter and approved rough grading plan for their lot, topsoil can be put down. The approved rough grading plan must be maintained.
Once topsoil has been put down, a final grade certificate must be submitted to the Town for approval and a $150.00 inspection fee paid at the Town Office in order to have the final grade inspection completed. Failure to do so will result in fines according to Surface Drainage Bylaw 732-08. Any certificate endorsed by either an Alberta Land Surveyor or Professional Civil Engineer is accepted for final grade.
Lot Grading Inspections and Soil
The Town of Beaumont is providing the following free services to Residents: Lot Grading Inspections (excluding new home construction)
The Town will come out and inspect your lot for proper drainage patterns. We will compare your lot now to its original design. We will provide you with steps to improve your lot drainage, and provide you with free soil if required. The homeowner must be present during the lot inspection, as you will gain first hand knowledge of your drainage problems.
Soil (excluding new home construction)
The Town will provide you with soil, if the inspection shows a need, to correct drainage problems. Loading and transportation of soil may be provided, depending on the availability of Public Works equipment and manpower.
