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Starting today, the City of Edmonton will begin sending letters to neighbours adjacent to and across the lane from properties in mature neighbourhoods where demolition of a home or new residential construction has been approved. The new policy marks a move away from the City's prior notification process, which was only invoked when a variance to the zoning bylaw was granted, or the proposed development was a discretionary use. The new system expands notifications to ensure residents will be notified of nearby development that adheres to the zoning bylaw.
Colton Kirsop, a senior planner for zoning bylaw implementation at the City, says Edmonton is now the first and only major city in Canada to provide notification letters to neighbours for approved developments that meet all zoning regulations.
The notification letters will be similar to the development permit notification signs that pop up around the city. The letters will also be accompanied by a 'Neighbours of Infill brochure' that details the roles and responsibilities of builders and the City, and includes information about the avenues available to neighbours who have concerns. The City says the letters and the attached brochures will better prepare neighbours for the gradual physical change of their community, while also facilitating effective communication and information sharing between neighbours and property owners.
The initiative is one of several recent pushes by the City to keep Edmontonians informed about infill development, which the City says is key to limiting urban sprawl and keeping neighbourhoods healthy. A website dedicated to infill development has also been launched, a central resource that contains relevant information for residents, home buyers and builders. The City will monitor and evaluate outcomes of the notification letter and brochure over a six-month period to determine if changes are warranted.
What do you think of the enhanced notification system? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page.
