Changes to IDEA’s Infill Certification Program

 

IDEA would like to update members on upcoming changes to the Infill Certification Program, specifically regarding the Expedited Infill Review Process.

Under our existing contract with the City of Edmonton, the Infill Certification Program aligns with the current Zoning Bylaw (Zoning Bylaw 12800). With the approval of the new Zoning Bylaw (Charter Bylaw 20001), effective January 1, 2024, the current contract will end, and no new contract will be initiated. IDEA clarifies that this doesn't mean the end of the Infill Certification Program; rather, the pilot Expedited Infill Review Process will be concluded.

Why is the Pilot Ending?

Zoning Bylaw 20001 aims to simplify regulations, streamline services, and support strong infill development outcomes. Changes include:

  • Combining different housing types, such as single detached housing, row housing and supportive housing into a single Residential Use to accommodate a greater diversity of housing types.

  • Reducing the number of residential zones by combining similar zones together. This change is anticipated to reduce the requirement for rezonings. For example, reducing the number of rezonings that would be required under the current bylaw to go from RF1 to RF3. This will reduce the time and cost associated with infill development while freeing up staff resources to focus on more complex applications.

  • Regulating buildings’ physical size and location while allowing for flexibility in how dwellings may be arranged within a building or on a site to enable diverse housing forms and support industry innovation.

  • Allowing buildings up to three storeys in height in small scale residential zones.

  • Retiring the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay (MNO) to reduce barriers to infill development and equalize development opportunities in redeveloping areas.

The City has indicated to IDEA their commitment to improving service delivery, including resource allocation, application portal enhancements, and reviewing of service targets. While there may be some delays as both city staff and developers adjust to the new zoning bylaw, many of the bylaw’s changes are intended to make the development process easier and more efficient.

What to Expect in 2024 for the Infill Certification Program?

The program will continue with its base 5 modules, adapting to the new zoning bylaw in collaboration with the City and industry members. New topics will also be introduced in 2024 (details to come). Finally, IDEA has scheduled further educational programming tied to permitting and approvals through luncheon, webinars and events in Q1 2024. Previous registrants will be contacted for guidance on how these changes affect their certification.

For questions, contact our executive director, Nicholas, at nicholas@infilledmonton.com