What is Landscaping?
"Landscaping" means the enhancement of a site by the addition of:
- Soft landscaping - Trees, shrubs, turf, other vegetative plantings, or mulch.
- Hard landscaping - Decorative hardsurfacing elements such as paving stones, landscaping rock, or stamped colored concrete.
- Xeriscaping - A method of landscaping that conserves water and reduces maintenance by using site-appropriate plants which do not rely on frequent irrigation.
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General upkeep
The Land Use Bylaw requires that in low-density residential areas, yards which are visible from the road must be landscaped. For new homes, all landscaping must be completed within two years of occupancy of the home.
A minimum of one tree per dwelling must be planted within the front yard, exterior side yard, or adjacent boulevard. At the discretion of the Development Authority, several shrubs may be planted in lieu of a tree.
Landscaping must be maintained on a regular basis. Dead trees or shrubs must be removed by the property owner within one year of discovery, or within one year of notification by the City.
Boulevard maintenance
Boulevard land is owned by the City, but it is the responsibility of adjacent property owners to maintain it. If there is a boulevard adjacent to your property, keep grass and shrubs trimmed, keep weeds to a minimum and keep it tidy. Boulevards must consist of only soft landscaping.
No trees located on a boulevard may be removed to accommodate a new driveway or off-street parking. Also, clearance must be maintained in the boulevard for automobile doors and around fire hydrants.
- See Boulevard Development and Maintenance Policy
- To learn about permit requirements before constructing a driveway, visit Driveways
Be aware of UROWs
Only soft landscaping is allowed around a utility right-of-way (UROW). Trees or shrubs must be planted at least one metre away. No structures are allowed within a UROW. This includes concrete driveways or patios, buildings of any kind, fences, retaining walls, decks, pools, hot tubs, ponds, fire pits, affixed play structures, etc.
If you are uncertain whether or not there is a UROW on your property, you can check the site plan for your property, you may purchase a Real Property Report or you can contact us.
Keep sight lines clear
Landscaping must not block sight lines for pedestrians and vehicles within 1 metre (3'-3") from the back of the sidewalk (or from the back of the curb if there is no sidewalk). No fence, tree, landscaping element or other obstruction is allowed within 0.9 meters (2'-11") and 2.5 meters (8'-2") from ground level.
View diagram: Corner Visibility Triangle
Watch out for underground lines
Puncturing an underground service line could cause an inconvenient delay, or be life threatening. Check for the location of underground utilities before you start digging. Locates are free of charge but require three days notice.
To obtain line locates, visit Line locates
Moving infrastructure is costly
If you wish to relocate a service line or meter to allow for the development of a structure, you are responsible for the cost. Before applying for a Development Permit, contact the appropriate service department to ask whether the relocate is possible, what costs are involved and timeline.
To submit a request to relocate a piece of City electric infrastructure, visit Electric Applications
Do not remove survey markers
Boundary markers are one-meter long metal pins inserted in the ground at the intersection of property lines. It is illegal to remove or tamper with these markers.
Learn more by visiting Alberta Land Surveyors' Association site Boundary markers
Do not infringe on adjacent properties
It is not allowed to cross any property line with development activities or landscaping. This applies regardless of whether the neighbouring property is privately-owned land or public land.
City trees
The City's Tree Preservation Bylaw #4218 states that you must not disturb, prune or remove any public tree. A request may be submitted for the removal of a tree on City property; such requests are reviewed individually.
Visit: Trees and Gardens
