Community Leagues & Citizens Play a Key Role in Monitoring Construction Sites

While the City of Edmonton tries to proactively inspect infill construction sites for compliance to
approved development permits and other regulations, not all developments are visited. If you are
noticing an issue with the infill development next door to you or throughout the community, you have
the ability to flag this for inspection.

Ideally your first step would be to contact the prime contractor or property owner listed on the
development sign situated on the construction site. Expressing your concerns to those in charge of the
construction may be all that is needed. If issues persist, then contact the City.

Below are some tips.

Landscaping Requirements
In the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw (section 55), it indicates that “Landscaping shall be provided on a
Site within 18 months of the occupancy of a development or commence of a Use.” In addition, “Trees
and shrubs shall be maintained on a Site for a minimum of 42 months after the occupancy of a
development or commence of a Use.”

Should you notice that landscaping has not been provided and fulfilled as per the bylaw, phone 311, or
better yet, email 311@edmonton.ca to file a complaint. 311 will then create a ticket for a Development
Permit Inspection Team to investigate further, and to possibly schedule an inspection should they have
reason to believe that construction has not proceeded in accordance to their approved Development
Permit. Please note that landscaping is often not undertaken until approved lot grading is completed.

Damage to public infrastructure (public trees, boulevards, alleyways)
If you notice that boulevard trees within 5m of a construction site are not fenced, or vehicles are
crossing boulevards without plywood or mats being placed on the boulevard, contact 311. Your actions
could prevent serious damage to Edmonton’s treed boulevards.

It would be helpful to take date stamped photos of public infrastructure (and private property) before
construction begins. Once construction begins, if you note damages being done, keep your distance and
take photos of offending vehicles and equipment. Little can be done without proof of who did the
damages. It would be extremely helpful to include your photos when reporting a damage.

Additional Problems to Report to 311
• Sidewalk obstructions
• Foundations too close to the property line or buildings too high (ask for an inspection)
• Washing out of cement trucks onto streets
• Garbage
• Construction before 7 am or after 9 pm on weekdays, and before 9 am on Sundays

• Unsafe conditions such as unfenced excavation site or slumping soil at excavation.
To learn more visit: https://www.cityofedmontoninfill.ca/builders/good-construction-practices