Privacy Screening
At the April 13, 2015 City Council Public Hearing, the following motion was passed: That Administration provide a report outlining the Zoning Bylaw regulations relating to privacy screening for platform structures and prepare a summary of options for possible amendments to the bylaw, including the results of preliminary consultation with stakeholders.
What's Changing?
Based on public consultation, Administration will be presenting the following options and supporting draft text amendments to Executive Committee on April 26, 2016:
Option 1: Adopt Privacy Screening Definition and Regulations
Currently, there is no definition of privacy screening in Zoning Bylaw 12800. Providing a definition and regulations for privacy screening will outline clear expectations and requirements for applicants, Development Officers and neighbours about what constitutes adequate privacy screening.
Option 2: Adopt Rooftop Terrace Definition and Regulations
Rooftop patios are a growing trend in Edmonton’s infill and greenfield development areas. While these structures provide desirable amenity areas, they can create overlook and privacy issues. Requirements for stepping back rooftop terraces from the face of the building below, can reduce overlook and privacy issues between neighbouring property owners.
Option 3: Address Issues Related to Alignment of Windows
Alignment of windows with amenity areas and windows on adjacent properties can create issues of overlook and a perceived loss of privacy. Requiring applicants to provide the location of windows and amenity areas on neighbouring properties relative to proposed windows in new developments will prompt a proactive approach in considering potential issues of privacy and overlook.
Project Stage
This project is at the draft amendment stage. A report will go to Executive Committee on April 26, 2016. At this time, there is no date set for the amendments to go to City Council Public Hearing.
Stakeholder Engagement
The City of Edmonton is committed to citizen engagement. Administration is compiling a list of persons and/or groups who wish to be part of the public engagement process and receive project updates. Sign up for our email list to receive privacy screening project updates and event notifications.
Residents can also share their views directly with members of City Council by requesting to speak at Executive Committee meeting when the options go forward on April 26, 2016.
The Zoning Bylaw does not currently define privacy screening.
A goal of this project is to define privacy screening and establish rules about the application of privacy screening. This will preserve privacy between neighbours and ensure consistency when determining what appropriate privacy screening is.
The Zoning Bylaw currently requires privacy screening on Platform Structures greater than 1.0 metre above grade on properties within the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay (Reference Section 814.3.8 – Zoning Bylaw 12800).
Common platform structures include: balconies, raised terraces and decks. The Zoning Bylaw defines Platform Structures as structures projecting from the wall of a building that may be surrounded by guardrails or parapet walls. (Reference Section 6.1(74) - Zoning Bylaw 12800).
The Zoning Bylaw contains the rules and regulations for the development of land in Edmonton. For the purpose of land development, the City of Edmonton is divided into zones.
There are 15 residential zones and seven commercial zones. The zone that a particular property is located in determines the way a site can be laid out (lot coverage and setbacks) and shapes the form of buildings (height and size).Guidelines are also in place for developing in mature neighbourhoods; please see the regulations in the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay for detailed information.
All municipalities in Alberta are required to have a Zoning Bylaw.
There is currently no intention to directly change the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay. A review of the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay is part of a different project assigned to the Zoning Bylaw Team’s 2016 work plan.
Currently, the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay (MNO) requires platform structures greater than 1.0 metre above grade to provide privacy screening and because of that there could be indirect impacts on properties within the MNO.
Changes to privacy screening requirements are intended to ensure an agreeable level of privacy is preserved between existing and new development.
A report will go to Executive Committee in January 2016. At this time, there is no date set for amendments to go to City Council Public Hearing.
For More Information
Adam Sheahan
| Title | Planner, Zoning Bylaw Implementation |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-442-2582 |
| adam.sheahan@edmonton.ca |
