Residential Lot Grading Approval

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A lot grading inspector

General information about residential lot grading approvals.

Inspections and Approval Stages

Lot grading inspections and approvals occur at two stages: Rough Grade and Final Grade.

Rough Grading

This stage occurs after a building is constructed and consists of shaping the lot, with clay or other equivalent material native to the site, to conform to the approved Lot Grading Plan. A properly rough graded lot provides a solid base and template to place the final grade material. Completion of this stage is the responsibility of the property owner, however, it is often completed by the developer or home builder.

Final Grading

This stage includes the placement of topsoil on top of the rough graded lot to conform to the approved Lot Grading Plan. This provides the final layer before landscaping materials are placed. Completion of this stage is the responsibility of the property owner, however, it may be completed by the developer or home builder.

Inspection Fees

Lot grading inspection fees are available in the 2023 Development Permit and Compliance Certificate fees .

Property Owner's Responsibilities

It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that lot grading approval is achieved in a timely manner. Drainage Bylaw 18093 establishes these time frames for single-detached, semi-detached, duplex and row house developments as follows:

Rough Grade must be approved within:
- 18 months of the building permit being issued for the premises
Final Grade must be approved within:
- 12 months of the Rough Grade Approval; or
- 30 months of the building permit being issued for the premises

The property owner may choose to bypass the rough grade approval and go directly to final grade.

All exterior construction, including buildings, concrete driveways, walkways and drainage systems must be completed before applying for rough or final grade approval.

It is the builder's responsibility to ensure that roof leaders (downspouts) and foundation drainage systems are installed according to the approved engineering drawings and servicing requirements.

Grading Approval Process

The grading approval process for both rough and final grade is as follows:

Step One

The applicant completes the grading work and has an Alberta Land Surveyor prepare a Rough or Final Residential Lot Grading Certificate.

Step Two

The applicant submits the Residential Lot Grading Certificate to the City of Edmonton online at selfserve.edmonton.ca/residentiallotgrading to request the lot grading inspection.

Preparing for Inspection

Before the inspection, please ensure the site is accessible (gates are unlocked), dogs and other animals are contained inside and any materials/objects that would impede the grading inspection or make it difficult to inspect the grading are removed.

For final grade inspections, please ensure the topsoil is smoothly spread out, compacted and ready for sod, liners, rocks, and other materials.

Step Three

A Lot Grading Inspector will conduct a site inspection to verify that the lot is graded in accordance with the approved Lot Grading Plan, Lot Grading Requirements and Drainage Bylaw 18093.

Step Four

The applicant will receive an Inspection Report indicating whether the inspection has Passed (approved) or Failed (deficiencies exist).

If the inspection has passed:
- The inspection report will indicate approval and a copy of the lot grading certificate will be included. This approval is based on the site conditions observed at the time of the lot grading inspection.
If the inspection has failed:
- The Inspection Report will indicate the list of deficiencies to be corrected. Deficiency item locations are labelled “left”, “right”, “front” and “back.” The “front” of a lot is defined when facing the property from the City street. In the case of a corner lot, the front property line is the shorter of the two property lines that are adjacent to the City street.
- The applicant must correct the deficiencies within 60 days (unless otherwise noted) and book their re-inspection online. If resubmission of a Lot Grading Certificate is indicated or reinspection fees are outstanding, the reinspection cannot be successfully booked until these are resolved.

To initiate a Rough or Final Lot Grading Inspection (or Reinspection) and submit the Lot Grading Certificate or pay a re-inspection fee, go to selfserve.edmonton.ca/residentiallotgrading.

Drainage Bylaw Regulations

Regardless of who applies for grading approval, Drainage Bylaw 18093 states that the property owner is ultimately responsible for all activities and approvals related to their property.

After Final Grade Approval has been issued, it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain the surface grades in perpetuity. The City of Edmonton may at any time require maintenance or enforcement of repairs on the lot grading if alterations or settlements result in lot grading problems.

If there is a discrepancy between the Residential Lot Grading Guidelines and Drainage Bylaw 18093, the Drainage Bylaw 18093 will prevail.

For More Information

Development Services, Lot Grading

2nd Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB
T5J 0J4

Telephone	311
Fax	780-496-2865
Email	lot.grading@edmonton.ca