Landscape Process Changes
As of January 1, 2027, a landscape security will be collected by the City to ensure that landscaping is completed according to Section 5.60 of the Zoning Bylaw and the approved Development Permit plans.
- Landscape securities will be collected at the time of Development Permit issuance for Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing, Duplex Housing and Row Housing on sites within the city's Redeveloping Areas (within the Anthony Henday), excluding development in Small Scale Flex Residential (RSF), Blatchford Row Housing (BRH) and Griesbach Low Density Residential Flex (GLDF) Zones.
- Landscape Plans will be required for Row Housing city-wide to support better site planning and landscape outcomes. Landscaping must be installed within 12 months from occupancy.
- Landscaping for Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing and Duplex Housing city-wide must be installed within 18 months from occupancy.
View a full summary of changes including the link to the markup and Council Report.
Future Landscape Process Changes
Changes are underway for small-scale residential Development Permits in the city's Developing Areas (outside the Anthony Henday) and sites zoned RSF, BRH and GLDF within the city's Redeveloping Areas.
Stay Up to Date
- Sign up for the Building Edmonton Newsletter for additional information about landscaping process changes.
- As updates become available, they will be outlined on this page.
Landscaping Requirements
New residential developments in the form of Single Detached Housing, Duplex Housing, Semi-detached Housing, and Row Housing, excluding Cluster Housing Developments, must comply with Section 5.60 of the Zoning Bylaw, including Table 3.1 and Subsection 6.
| Table 3.1. Minimum Trees and Shrubs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subsection | Measure | Minimum Tree and Shrub Requirements |
Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing, and Duplex Housing | ||
| 3.1.1 | Where the Site Width is less than 8.0 metres | 1 tree and 4 shrubs |
| 3.1.2 | Where the Site Width is 8.0 metres - 15.0 metres | 2 trees and 6 shrubs |
| 3.1.3 | Where the Site Width is greater than 15.0 metres | 4 trees and 8 shrubs |
Row Housing | ||
| 3.1.4 | Per principal Dwelling | 1 tree and 4 shrubs |
Minimum soft landscaping areas must be provided in accordance with zoning requirements.
Subsection 6. Minimum Plant Sizes and Ratio of Deciduous to Coniferous Plants | |
|---|---|
| Newly installed trees and shrubs must comply with the following requirements: | |
| Deciduous trees | Minimum Caliper of 50 mm |
| Coniferous trees | Minimum Height of 2.0 m |
| Deciduous shrubs | Minimum Height of 300 mm (5 gallon pot) |
| Coniferous shrubs | Minimum spread of 450 mm (5 gallon pot) |
- Deciduous trees and shrubs have leaves that change colour and drop during the fall (example: maple trees).
- Coniferous trees and shrubs have needles that are not dropped during the fall (example: pine trees).
The proportion of deciduous to coniferous trees and shrubs must be as close to 50:50 as possible. For example:
- If your site requires 1 tree and 4 shrubs: the tree can be coniferous or deciduous. You will be required to install 2 deciduous shrubs and 2 coniferous shrubs.
- If your site requires 2 trees and 6 shrubs: you will be required to install 1 deciduous tree, 1 coniferous tree, 3 deciduous shrubs and 3 coniferous shrubs.
Finding Your Zone
When reviewing the regulations in the Zoning Bylaw, you need to consider:
- Section 5.60 - Landscaping
- Zone applied to your property
- Overlays, special areas and applicable plans in effect (for example, The City Plan Development Pattern Areas)
Visit maps.edmonton.ca to find your property’s zone. Select Zoning and search for your property address.
Incentives to Preserve Existing Trees and Shrubs
Existing plant material should be preserved and protected unless removal is demonstrated to be necessary or desirable to accommodate a proposed development. Tree and shrub requirements for a new development may be satisfied by preserving existing trees and shrubs at the rates specified in Table 7.2 of Section 5.60 in the Zoning Bylaw.
| Table 7.2. Substituting Required Trees or Shrubs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subsection | Requirement | Preserved Trees or Shrubs that can be Substituted |
| 7.2.1 | 2 trees | 1 existing deciduous tree with a minimum 100 mm Caliper; or 1 existing coniferous tree with a minimum Height of 4.0 metres |
| 7.2.2 | 3 trees | 1 existing deciduous tree with a minimum 200 mm Caliper; or 1 existing coniferous tree with a minimum Height of 7.0 metres |
| 7.2.3 | 1 shrub | 1 existing deciduous shrub with a minimum Height of 300 mm; or 1 existing coniferous shrub with a minimum spread of 450 mm |
What is a Landscape Security?
A landscape security is a refundable deposit collected as a condition of a Development Permit.
- As of January 1, 2027, landscape securities will be collected at the time of Development Permit issuance for Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing, Duplex Housing and Row Housing on sites within the city's Redeveloping Areas (within the Anthony Henday), excluding development in RSF, BRH and GLDF Zones.
- Until the required landscape security is paid, Building Permits, including Footing and Foundation Only Building Permits, cannot be reviewed or issued. Delayed security payments cause delayed Building Permit reviews.
- Landscape securities are released back to the payor once the City confirms that landscaping has been installed and maintained in accordance with the Development Permit conditions.
- In circumstances where the landscaping requirements are not met, securities may be utilized by City-hired contractors to install required landscaping on the affected property.
Landscape Security Estimator
Row Housing
The security amount is determined based on 100% of the estimated cost of soft landscaping to meet Zoning Bylaw minimums.
Enter the number of items into the table to calculate the estimated landscape security.
All landscape securities include 29% maintenance, 10% contingency and 5% for GST (used in cases where the City must draw on the security).
Unit prices are updated periodically and available on the Landscape Security Cost Rates information sheet.
Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing, Duplex Housing
The security amount is determined based on site width. Security rates are determined periodically based on internal cost analysis.
| Site Width | Security |
|---|---|
| Where the Site Width is less than 8.0 metres | $1,800 |
| Where the Site Width is 8.0 metres - 15.0 metres | $3,200 |
| Where the Site Width is greater than 15.0 metres | $5,700 |
| Item | Unit | Unit Price | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planting Bed Construction ⓘ Includes excavation to 300mm depth, installation of class 'B' topsoil, and 100mm of coniferous shredded bark mulch. | m² | $41.35 | $41.35 | |
| Sod ⓘ Supply and install sod over 150mm class ‘B’ compacted topsoil as per City of Edmonton standards. | m² | $15.00 | $15.00 | |
| Tree ⓘ Supply and install as per City of Edmonton standards. | per | $723.30 | $723.30 | |
| Shrub ⓘ Supply and install as per City of Edmonton standards. | per | $55.84 | $55.84 | |
| Soft Cost Total | $763.49 | |||
| 29% Maintenance | $242.29 | |||
| 5% GST | $53.89 | |||
| 10% Contingency | $113.17 | |||
| Total Estimated Landscape Security | $1244.84 | |||
Estimator Disclaimer
The following information provides an estimate for landscape securities for permits issued on or after January 1, 2027. Unit prices and security amounts are subject to change. This information is not a substitute for a Development Planner's review, and final requirements will be determined during the Development Permit process. The City of Edmonton does not guarantee the accuracy of this information and is not liable for its use.
Landscape Process for Small Scale Residential Development Permits
Infill Sites after January 1, 2027
For Development Permits Approved January 1, 2027 and Onwards Within Redeveloping Areas (excluding RSF, BRH and GLDF Zones)
Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing and Duplex Housing
Most zones require that you submit a Plot Plan listing the following:
- Number, location, type and size of existing trees and shrubs (if applicable)
- Trees and shrubs proposed for preservation
- Number, type and size of proposed trees and shrubs
- Proposed ground cover (e.g., seed/sod or alternative ground cover)
Be sure to look at the specific requirements of your zone to determine whether you need to show landscaping on a Plot Plan or a Landscape Plan when applying for a Development Permit. Some zones require a Landscape Plan prepared by a professional landscape architect.
Row Housing
A Landscape Plan is required for all Row Housing developments. Submit your Landscape Plan for review along with your Development Permit Application.
Collection of landscape securities is required for Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing, Duplex Housing and Row Housing developments on sites in Redeveloping Areas (within the Anthony Henday), excluding the RSF, BRH and GLDF Zones.
As a condition of Development Permit approval, you will be required to submit the landscape security before plans are released for Building Permit review. Delayed security payments will cause delayed Building Permit reviews.
Landscape securities cannot be released unless final lot grading approval has been obtained.
To obtain final lot grading approval, request a lot grading inspection and upload a Lot Grading Certificate through the Lot Grading Inspection Request form.
See Residential Lot Grading for more details about the lot grading inspection and approval process.
Install landscaping based on the approved plan. Ensure that all deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs required by the plan are installed.
Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing and Duplex Housing
- Landscaping must be installed within 18 months of receiving occupancy approval.
Row Housing
- Landscaping must be installed within 12 months of receiving occupancy approval.
If you expect your site’s landscaping to significantly differ from the approved plan, contact the Landscape Securities and Inspections Team prior to installing your landscaping. A revised plan or variance may be required to verify that any changes still meet the City’s requirements.
For more information about choosing plants and installing landscaping, see the following City resources:
Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing and Duplex Housing
Once final lot grading has been approved, and landscaping is fully installed, submit your landscaping proof of installation to the self-serve portal. The proof of installation process will be finalized prior to January 1, 2027, and is tentatively expected to:
- Require submission of photographs or completed landscaping
- Allow submission of receipts or invoices
An inspector will confirm whether installed landscaping matches the most recently approved Plot Plan. Landscape installation verifications are to be conducted between May 1 to September 30 each year, weather permitting.
Row Housing
Once final lot grading has been approved, and landscaping is fully installed, request a landscape inspection through the self-serve portal. An inspector will confirm whether installed landscaping matches the most recently approved Landscape Plan.
Landscape inspections are to be conducted between May 1 to September 30 each year, weather permitting.
Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing and Duplex Housing
If at the time of installation verification, the landscaping is successfully installed, 100% of the landscape security will be released.
Multi-lot (Fee Simple) Row Housing
If at the time of installation verification, the landscaping is successfully installed, 100% of the landscape security will be released.
Single-lot (Condo) Row Housing
If at the time of first landscape inspection, the landscaping is successfully installed, up to 80% of the landscape security may be released. At least 20% will be held by the City of Edmonton for a maintenance period of 24 months.
Once the maintenance period ends, a final inspection can be requested to have the remaining security released. The landscaping must be in good condition for the security to be released.
All landscaping required as a condition of a Development Permit must be maintained in a healthy growing condition.
Greenfield Sites and Pre-2027 Permits
For Development Permits Approved:
- January 1, 2027 and Onwards Within Developing Areas or Zoned RSF, BRH or GLDF; or
- December 31, 2026 and Earlier
Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing and Duplex Housing
Most zones require that you submit a Plot Plan listing the following:
- Number, location, type and size of existing trees and shrubs (if applicable)
- Trees and shrubs proposed for preservation
- Number, type and size of proposed trees and shrubs
- Proposed ground cover (e.g., seed/sod or alternative ground cover)
Be sure to look at the specific requirements of your zone to determine whether you need to show landscaping on a Plot Plan or a Landscape Plan when applying for a Development Permit. Some zones require a Landscape Plan prepared by a professional landscape architect.
Row Housing
January 1, 2027 and onwards (Developing Areas and RSF, BRH and GLDF Zones):
As of January 1, 2027, a Landscape Plan is required for all Row Housing developments. Submit your Landscape Plan for review along with your Development Permit Application.
Before January 1, 2027:
- Redeveloping Areas: A Landscape Plan is typically required
- Developing Areas: A Landscape Plan is typically not required
If a Landscape Plan is required, submit it for review along with your Development Permit Application.
For more information, see the Application Requirements for House Permits.
It is recommended you obtain final lot grading approval prior to landscaping your site.
To obtain final lot grading approval, request a lot grading inspection and upload a Lot Grading Certificate through the Lot Grading Inspection Request page.
See Residential Lot Grading for more details about the lot grading inspection and approval process.
Install landscaping based on the approved plan. Ensure that all deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs required by the plan are installed.
If you expect your site’s landscaping to significantly differ from the approved plan, contact the Landscape Securities and Inspections Team prior to installing your landscaping. A revised plan or variance may be required to verify that any changes still meet the City’s requirements.
January 1, 2027 and onwards (Developing Areas and RSF, BRH and GLDF Zones)
- Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing and Duplex Housing: Landscaping must be installed within 18 months of occupancy of the development.
- Row Housing: Landscaping must be installed within 12 months after the occupancy of a development.
Before January 1, 2027
- Landscaping must be installed within 18 months of occupancy of the development.
For more information about choosing plants and installing landscaping, see the following City resources:
All landscaping required as a condition of a Development Permit must be maintained in a healthy growing condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The security and inspection requirements will only affect new small scale residential Development Permits issued on or after January 1, 2027.
All developments must meet the conditions of their issued Development Permit, including landscaping requirements. All small scale residential Development Permits issued since 2016 include minimum tree and shrub requirements.
See Tree and Plant Complaints for information about improperly installed or maintained landscaping.
The changes coming into effect on January 1, 2027, impact all Row Housing developments that are not part of Cluster Housing or classified as Multi-unit Housing.
- All Row Housing developments will be required to submit a Landscape Plan.
- Row Housing developments in Redeveloping Areas (within the Anthony Henday), excluding RSF, BRH and GLDF Zones, will be required to submit a landscape security.
Acceptable payment types will be finalized prior to January 1, 2027. They are tentatively expected to include:
- Credit card payments for Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing and Duplex Housing.
- Cheque, letter of credit or landscape bond payments for Row Housing. For more information about these payment types, see Landscaping for Multi-Unit, Commercial and Industrial Developments.
No. Plants required as a condition of a Development Permit must be installed on private property.
No. The minimum number of trees and shrubs only has to be stated, not shown. For more information about Plot Plans, see Application Requirements for House Permits.
The City may enforce compliance with landscaping requirements by issuing notices and fines. The City may also seek to procure landscaping for the site by using landscape security funds or charging the cost of installation to the tax roll of the property.
Yes. However, inspectors have some discretion to allow minor changes to planting location or substitutions for similar plant species when inspecting.
- Ensure landscaping is installed according to the approved plan: ensure that both deciduous and coniferous plants are present in the correct numbers and types as outlined in the approved plan. All planting areas shown on the Landscape Plan must be fully installed.
- Maintain landscaping in good health: ensure that dead or damaged plant material is removed and replaced with healthy plants prior to inspection. Ensure plants are watered regularly. Be mindful that different plant species have different maintenance needs. For detailed information, refer to any documentation provided at the time of plant purchase.
- Remove stakes from established plants: to ensure that plants will not be girdled by wires, remove any temporary stakes or supports from plants that have been installed for two or more years.
- Maintain proper mulch depth: ensure mulch is applied at the correct depth and is evenly distributed, covering all areas without exposing dirt or landscape fabric. Install landscaping using shredded mulch, as rock mulch can be damaging.
- Eliminate weeds: inspect the area to remove any weeds and regulated weeds, ensuring they do not interfere with the health of the plants around them.
- Ensure sod is healthy and uniform: replace any patches of dead or damaged sod.
- If your Single Detached Housing, Semi-detached Housing, Duplex Housing or Row Housing development is not in the impacted zones, you will not need to submit a landscape security once the January 1, 2027 changes are implemented.
- All Row Housing developments will be required to submit a Landscape Plan as of January 1, 2027.
- Work is underway to expand landscape security programming to Developing Areas and RSF, BRH and GLDF Zones, with new regulations tentatively expected in 2028. To stay up to date on these changes, sign up for the Building Edmonton Newsletter.
- Depending on the property’s Development Permit, they will have a 12 or 18 month window to landscape the site after the building is completed.
- Please see the Tree and Plant Complaints web page for information on how to submit your landscaping concern.
Landscape Enforcement Process
A Municipal Ticket identifies the Zoning Bylaw violation and the fine amount to be paid.
What to do
- Take actions to correct and resolve the violation. Failure to do so may result in further tickets.
- Make payment of the ticket to the City of Edmonton before or on the due date (see instructions on the ticket). If you wish to appeal the ticket, do not pay the ticket and wait until you are issued a provincial Violation Ticket at which point you will be scheduled a date to appear in court.
The process to issue a Violation Ticket will begin 15 days after the date that the Municipal Ticket is issued. This will give you an option to appear in court to appeal the ticket or payment instructions.
For more information on municipal tickets, please call Ticket Administration at 780-496-5161.
A Violation Ticket identifies the Zoning Bylaw violation and the fine amount to be paid.
What to do
- Take actions to correct and resolve the violation. Failure to do so may result in further penalty.
- Review your options found on the back of the ticket. You must either make payment of the ticket before or on the due date or appeal the ticket to the Provincial Courts. See instructions on the back of the ticket for more information.
For more information on Violation Tickets, please call the Provincial Court of Alberta at 780-427-7868 or visit www.albertacourts.ca.
A Violation Notice is a warning indicating a violation of the Zoning Bylaw and the actions required in order to comply.
What to do
- Read your Violation Notice thoroughly.
- Take actions to correct and resolve the violation.
- Call the Bylaw Officer if you have any questions regarding the Violation Notice. Contact information can be found on the Notice.
- Call the Bylaw Officer once you have resolved the violation and, if possible, take photos to show how you’ve complied with the Violation Notice.
A Municipal Government Act (MGA) Order identifies the Zoning Bylaw violation and the actions required in order to comply. It defines a timeline for when these actions must be taken to avoid further penalties.
What to do:
- Read your Order thoroughly.
- Take actions to correct and resolve the violation.
- Orders must be complied with. Failure to do so may result in fines up to $10,000 and/or remedial action at your expense.
An Order can be formally appealed to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) and must be filed within 21 days after the date on which the Order is made.
Contact Us
Development Services - Landscape Securities and Inspections Team
Email dplandscaping@edmonton.ca
Phone In Edmonton: 311 | Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311