Please choose between the following three options:

Skip to main menu Skip to site search Continue to current page menu and content

Urban Form Business Transformation

Choose between the following two options:

Current page navigation Skip to content

Main page content begins here

The Urban Form Business Transformation Initiative (UFBT) is a 2-year initiative, ending in 2019, that is dedicated to transforming planning and development services through 6 major projects.

The building and development industries are important city-building partners that help us create economic vibrancy and support quality of life for all Edmontonians. We work with these industries to build homes and new neighbourhoods, build commercial office towers and develop industrial areas.

Project Updates eNewsletter

Stay Informed

Sign up for our project newsletter to stay connected and hear about project progress.

Subscribe Now

Archived Project Updates

Previous project updates were included in the Building Edmonton eNewsletter.

Project Overviews

Subdivision Process Improvements

Subdivision Process Improvement

Subdivision is the process of taking a large parcel of land and dividing it into smaller legal parcels of land. The subdivision planning process ensures that new infrastructure like roads, sewer pipes, and gas lines, reach all properties and that existing infrastructure can handle the additional volume.

The Subdivision Process Improvement project will implement improvements that enable an efficient and effective process. We are currently working with staff and industry to:

  • Develop a pre-application meeting service and application checklists to support industry in submitting complete applications
  • Improve collaboration, predictability and accountability in the circulation process
  • Improve the plan endorsement process to simplify the final stages of the subdivision process
  • Set target timelines to build accountability and transparency

Rezoning Redesign

Rezoning Redesign

Rezoning is the process of changing the land use zone from one zone to another. The Rezoning Redesign project is aimed at improving predictability and transparency within this process.

Project teams of staff and industry are working together to complete 3 improvements:

  1. Tier Framework and Data Measures: Creating tiers for applications will mean that non-complex and complex applications will be treated differently, but appropriately. Setting target timelines for each tier will build accountability and transparency. Reporting on these metrics will increase transparency and find bottlenecks to help with continuous improvement.
  2. Pre-application Process and Submission Requirements: Developing a standardized pre-application meeting service and clear submission requirements will support industry in submitting complete applications. This will lead to better applications and a smoother process for everybody.
  3. Circulation Process and Conflict Resolution Framework: A redesigned circulation process will improve integration, collaboration and streamline our work. A clear escalation process will ensure that differing opinions are resolved in a transparent way that moves applications forward.

Building Better Together

Building Better Together

Our goal is to provide better customer service across the planning and development services for complex and non-standard projects.
This includes:

  • Establishing a single point of contact that provides exceptional customer experience for select complex, atypical commercial, industrial and large site infill projects
  • Helping speed to market through navigation of planning and development services focused on outcomes
  • Using a proactive project management approach to support integration and continuity across services

Safety Code Inspection Efficiencies

Safety Codes Inspection Efficiencies

There are 8 mandatory and 8 discretionary safety codes inspections to ensure that buildings meet safety code standards. The Safety Codes Inspection Efficiencies project is working to identify and reduce low-risk, non-mandatory inspections, allowing inspectors to focus more time on the mandatory ones.

 


Data scientists from the Analytics Centre of Excellence have designed a risk-based tool to evaluate whether a building inspection would routinely pass the first time around. This data will help us predict which discretionary inspections will have a high probability of passing which will allow us to remove them.

Customer-Oriented Website Enhancements

Urban Form Transformation Customer-Oriented Website

We’ve heard from customers that improving information on the City’s website is important, particularly as we shift to online self-service. Customers of all types should be able to easily find basic planning and development service information online, without having to call, email or ask questions in person.

The Customer-Oriented Website Enhancements goals are to:

  • Help customers find information required to apply for common permits
  • Ensure website content is well-organized, easy to find, easy to understand, and up-to-date

Knowledge Library

Urban Form Transformation Knowledge Library

The Knowledge Library project will use knowledge management software to house information like procedures, policies, and process maps so that employees have a one-stop shop for information to check when doing their work.

This will help staff and customers feel confident that they are giving and receiving the most up-to-date information.

Project History

November 13, 2018: Urban Planning Committee Report

CR_6037 Urban Form Business Transformation Update 2
    Attachment 1
    Attachment 2
    Attachment 3
    Presentation

July, 2018: Quick Wins - Home Improvement Permits Online

A number of home improvement permits for common residential improvements or construction including decks, accessory buildings (garages, sheds, etc) and basement development were moved online. These applications are processed differently to increase efficiency and reduce processing time. This process change:

  • Increases convenience for applicants as they can apply from anywhere
  • Reduces barriers to obtaining permits while still ensuring projects meet all legislative requirements
  • Enables consistent and timely decisions
  • Allows more experienced staff to focus on complex applications
June 22, 2018: Quick Wins - Footing and Foundation Inspection Changes

The improved footings and foundation program rewards applicants that have a good track record by allowing them to have inspections scheduled five percent of the time instead of 100 percent of the time. There is no change to how a footing and foundation is built or how an inspection is requested. As outlined in the Alberta Building Code, builders remain responsible for ensuring that the footing, foundation, dampproofing, and weeping tile meet all applicable codes, guidelines, standards, and requirements. Read more in the June 2018 Building Edmonton Newsletter.

The footing and foundation inspection changes had a number of benefits:

  • A reduction in footings and foundations inspections each year allows inspectors to focus their time on higher-risk inspections
  • Fewer inspections allow builders to move more quickly to the next phase of construction
  • Allowing the excavation to be backfilled more quickly, reducing the risk of damage or collapse
June 19, 2018: Urban Planning Committee Report

CR_5731 Urban Form Business Transformation Update 1
    Attachment 1
    Presentation
 

May 7, 2018: Quick Wins - Expedited Development Permit Expansion

The Expedited Development Permit program rewards applicants that have a good track record, allowing City staff to focus on applicants that need more support. Last year, the program was expanded to encourage more participation. It allows applicants to assess their own applications to obtain a development permit for single detached dwellings in Residential Small Lot (RSL) and Planned Lot Residential (RPL) zones. The applicant provides the technical Zoning Bylaw review, such as setbacks and site area, as part of their application and the approval is provided within two business days. Read more in the May 2018 Building Edmonton Newsletter.

The Expedited Development Permit program was expanded to include more builders and allow them to apply for zero lot lines and secondary suites. As a result, expedited development permits in RSL and RPL zones increased from 19% in 2017 to 23% in 2018. Of those issued, 78% were because of the changes to the program.

February 20, 2018: Urban Planning Committee Report

CR_5664 Urban Form Business Transformation Report
    Attachment 1
    Attachment 2
 

Building Edmonton Newsletter

Stay connected and get the latest Development and Safety Codes, Permits and Inspections policy and process  updates sent right to your inbox.

Sign Up

Related Links

Monthly Building Permit Summary - City of Edmonton

The Monthly Building Permit Summary provides current information on construction trends in Edmonton.

Development Services Performance Reports

Development Services provides quarterly progress and activity reports to stakeholders and the public.

For More Information

Title Urban Form Business Transformation
Email uftransformation@edmonton.ca

End of page content. Please choose between the following five options:

Back to main menu Back to current page menu and content View current page breadcrumb Back to site search Continue to page footer content