Lot Development

Lot Grading & Drainage Bylaw

(Bylaw 02-2023)

One of the most critical parts when designing a neighbourhood (subdivision) is the surface works and lot grading plan. This plan, or drawing, shows how rainfall should run off the lots for the entire subdivision, mostly by showing how shared lot slopes work, guided by the Municipal Development Standards. Through the lot development regulations, the City aims to reduce the potential for standing water, flooding and property damage during heavy rainfall.

A rainfall event that produces 6 to 10mm of rain would send almost 1,000 litres of water from a typical residential roof to the ground through eavestroughs and downspouts. Proper lot grading ensures this water as well as surface drainage flows away from buildings, which reduces the risk of stagnant ponding, basement dampness, flooding to the homeowners’ basement or drainage disputes between neighbours.

As part of the permitting and documentation process, the City of Lloydminster requires a Lot Grading Certificate completed by a licensed Land Surveyor to be submitted. This certificate is required after the initial clay shaping as well as after landscaping is completed, and will document the lot's constructed elevations and surface slopes. Once the initial clay shaping is complete, the City will issue the Rough Grade Certificate which transfers responsibility for grading and landscaping to the lot owner.

Once the final landscaping is complete, the lot owner must submit an application for a final inspection prior to the final Grade Certificate being released.

Within the proposed adjustments, the City of Lloydminster is recommending the following process/policy adjustments:

• Fee increase of $155 for single family residential development (single detached, semi detached and duplex) (current fees are roughly $2,530)
• Requirement to engage a Land Surveyor both after initial grading and after final landscaping to create a Lot Grading Certificate.
• Final landscaping requirements must be completed within two years of the occupancy
• Addition of a City led inspection following the completion of all work

Development Security Policy & Land Use Bylaw Amendment

Bylaw (05-2023)

Prior to beginning work on any site, the owner/contractor must complete a site inspection of City of Lloydminster property. This inspection must include but is not limited to road surface, curb, gutter/sidewalk, water shut off, fences and boulevard trees. If existing damage is found, the individual must provide photo evidence of the state to the City of Lloydminster through the Site Condition form. Undocumented damages and any other damages which occur throughout construction will be the sole responsibility of the owner/constructor. The City of Lloydminster will complete a formal inspection of the site for damage prior to releasing an Occupancy Permit.

Within the proposed adjustments, the City of Lloydminster is recommending the following process/policy adjustments:

• Owner's responsibility to inspect the surrounding City property prior to starting work.
• Property owner is liable for repairing damaged property to original, or better, state. This typically is the builder during residential construction and the purchaser during landscaping.
• If lands are not restored following the deadline, the City will repair damages and provide the owner an invoice. If this invoice is not paid in full, the total will be added to the property tax roll.
• For commercial/industrial/institutional development, the Letter of Credit provided to the City may be used to pay the cost of repairs.

Excavation Bylaw and Permitting Policy

Bylaw (03-2023)

An Excavation Permit is issued by the City to companies or land owners/applicants whose work will, or might, cause damage to the surface of land that is owned or controlled by the City. Often, these projects include digging, hydrovac excavations, directional drilling, temporarily using the City’s land for parking, laydown, or storage, or crossing any surface that is not a road with vehicles or equipment.

When applying for the Excavation Permit, the applicant must provide drawings of the expected work, insurance certificates and if within a utility right-of-way, written acknowledgment from property owners. By signing the application, the Applicant becomes responsible for all conditions of the Excavation Permit. This includes repairing surface damage after the work is done, and any maintenance or repairs during the warranty period. The permit and additional conditions can be found at lloydminster.ca/Permits. Permits must be submitted a minimum of two business days before starting the project. Once the work is complete, surface repairs must be completed within four weeks. Temporary repairs are approved due to seasonal limitations (October to May), but must be permanent within four weeks following June 1 of that year.

Prior to beginning work on any site, the applicant must complete a site inspection of City of Lloydminster property. If existing damage is found, the individual must provide photo evidence of the state to the City of Lloydminster. Undocumented damages and any other damages which occur throughout construction will be the sole responsibility of the applicant.

Within the proposed adjustments, the City of Lloydminster is recommending the following process/policy adjustments:

• Addition of an $80 administration fee on all
• Permit deposits (refunded upon satisfactory inspections) of $5,000 for road excavations and $400/100m of utility alignment
• Proof of insurance requirement
• Requirement to inspect work sites prior to work and report any damage found

Public Engagement

The City of Lloydminster hosted a Lot Development Open House on February 28, 2023 at LloydMall (5211 44 Street). This session will provided residents with an opportunity to review the proposed processes and regulations with subject-matter experts. View the What We Heard Report to learn more about the feedback received during this event.