Residential Infill
New homes in older neighbourhoods
Infill development is the process of developing vacant or underutilized land within existing mature urban areas or the replacement of existing homes.
Why is infill important?
Increasingly, communities are turning to infill as a positive land use strategy to maintain viable populations and revitalize older areas. By refocusing development in mature neighbourhoods, infill projects attract people and businesses back into the heart of the community. Medicine Hat’s Municipal Development Plan has policies which make infill development a priority.
Infill housing may include single family houses, duplexes, townhouses, secondary suites, back yard suites, multi-unit residential buildings and mixed-use developments.
When done well, infill can:
- Revitalize a neighbourhood and give it a facelift
- Diversify the housing stock
- Provide more housing close to existing amenities and workplaces
- Make use of existing infrastructure like roads and utilities
- Increase the City’s tax base
- Decrease overall City costs by helping to minimize urban sprawl
- Encourage more walking, biking and transit use, since infill often develops closer to city cores
Guide for infill development |
Contact us about your project |
There are things to consider before starting a residential infill development. For instance, a project may involve a land use bylaw amendment or a technical review. Before making any costly commitments such as purchasing land, contact Planning & Development Services. We will provide important information and help guide you through the application process. We may set up a pre-application meeting with you to cover specific details about your proposed project. Email: Planning & Development Services Or download the contact list below: |
Apply for development permit |
An approved development permit is required for any infill project. This ensures that the proposed development will not negatively impact the surrounding area and neighbours. We will provide you with information about applying for a development permit when you contact us (step 1). New to ePermit? Need assistance?
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Apply for incentive grants |
Through Medicine Hat Economic Development, incentives are available for eligible infill projects. If approved, grant funding is issued after the project is completed and final occupancy permit is approved.
Learn more |
Apply for construction permits |
Before starting construction, the next requirement in an infill project is to obtain a building permit and related trades permits such as electrical, gas, HVAC and plumbing. This ensures that all work complies with building codes regulations.
Learn more |
Final inspections |
The last step in doing a residential infill project is ensuring the safety of the final construction. City inspectors will check the work for compliance with safety codes and provide you with an occupancy permit. These inspections are an extension of the construction permits in step 4. You do not need to apply separately, simply notify us when you are inspection-ready.
Learn more |