PROJECT DETAILS

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

The City is creating a program that regulates surface parking lots within Centre City which 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 on the proposed approach.

Context

Black boundary of Edmonton’s Centre City with existing surface parking lot sites highlighted in yellow


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.

Engagement has concluded