The City is creating a program that regulates surface parking lots within Centre City and requires site enhancements, such as landscaping, barrier-free parking and lighting, in order to obtain a development permit. We would like to hear your thoughts on the proposed approach.

Context

Map of Existing Surface Parking Lots in Centre City

The program only applies to parking lots that are currently operating within the boundary of Centre City as shown in the above map. To look at the map in more detail, select the “Map of Existing Surface Parking Lots in Centre City (2023)” file in the documents section below.

Purpose of Project

Planning policies and regulations restrict the creation of new surface parking lots in Centre City and have prevented a large number of legacy parking lots from obtaining a development permit. To balance parking availability in the core with the long-term goal of a dense, vibrant area, the City of Edmonton has created a time-limited program allowing some landowners to apply for a temporary development permit. No new parking lots will be created through this program.

Text Amendment

A proposed text amendment to Zoning Bylaw 20001 is required to introduce the Centre City Temporary Parking Use and associated regulations. The proposed Use will be added to the Medium Scale Residential (RM) Zone, Large Scale Residential (RL) Zone, Mixed Use (MU) Zone and Downtown Special Area Zones.

The following regulations are proposed for this new use to enhance the appearance and safety of parking lots within Centre City:

• Maximum permit length (7-10 years)
• Minimum setback requirements
• Pathway requirements
• Vehicle access and circulation requirements
• Barrier-free parking space requirements
• Site grading requirements
• Lighting requirements
• Landscaping requirements, such as minimum tree and shrub requirements

Direct Control Rezonings

Some existing parking lots are located within Direct Control (DC1) Zones. To allow for the new centre city temporary parking use on these sites, a rezoning of five Direct Control (DC1) Zones within Wîhkwêntôwin (Oliver), Central McDougall, and Queen Mary Park are required. The proposed rezonings include administrative updates to align with Zoning Bylaw 20001’s uses and general definitions. No changes to building height, scale, or intensity are proposed. The Proposed Rezoning Map and Zones can be found under the documents tab on the right.

The role of the public when participating in engagement activities for proposed rezonings and text amendments is at the ADVISE level of the City’s Public Engagement Spectrum. This means that the City will use any feedback you share to:

• Inform the City’s planning analysis and ensure all factors are taken into consideration
• Summarize feedback for City Council so they are aware of the public’s perspectives prior to making a decision at Public Hearing

A What We Heard report that summarises the feedback received is posted online and provided to the Ward Councillor as well as anyone who registers and provides feedback through this page or by contacting the file planner directly.

City planners use the Public Engagement Charter as a guide when determining what type of engagement activities are most appropriate to help inform their projects.

Public Hearing

This project is anticipated to go to City Council for a decision at Public Hearing in Fall 2024. Notices are sent to all property owners within a minimum of 60 metres of the rezoning sites in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw. In addition, notices of Public Hearing are sent to affected community leagues and business associations advising them of the Public Hearing date and how to participate.

Register to Speak to Council or Submit Comments

Public Hearings are an important part of the engagement process for rezonings. Once the hearing agenda is posted, members of the public can register to speak at the City Council Public Hearing to share their views on the proposed rezoning directly with the Council.

Written comments can also be submitted to City Council through the Office of the City Clerk. Edmontonians can also watch the Public Hearing online.

If the project is approved by Council, Administration will implement the program, including reaching out to landowners who operate surface parking lots to notify them of their permit requirements.