City Council votes to keep maximum of eight units in RS Zone, amends Zoning Bylaw to address concerns on size, function and design |
July 9, 2025
After four days of public hearing, City Council has voted to keep the maximum number of units permitted in mid-block in the RS Zone of Edmonton’s Zoning Bylaw at eight as long as the lot is large enough. The proposed amendment to reduce the maximum number of dwellings permitted on an interior site from eight to six was defeated. Instead, Council passed a motion for Administration to conduct analysis on reducing the maximum number to six, including engagement with interested parties.
“The Zoning Bylaw is not a static document. It’s meant to change and evolve through review, evaluation and feedback. It remains important that we continue to hear from residents, developers, community organizations and businesses so we can make adjustments to the bylaw where necessary,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “We heard people’s concerns and we have an opportunity to learn more about the impacts of reducing the maximum number from eight to six units.”
City Council also approved a number of amendments to the RS Zone intended to improve the way mid-block row housing is built to address concerns raised by residents regarding the size, function, and design of infill housing. These include:
- Reducing the maximum building length
- Limiting the number of side entrances
- Increasing interior side setbacks for row housing and multi-unit housing
- Adjusting regulations for stairs in side yards
- Strengthening front and side facade design
City Council also approved District Plan Policy changes to guide rezoning applications for the RSM - Small-Medium Scale Transition Zone, tightening the rules around where more intensive small scale multi-unit housing can take place outside nodes and corridors.
These District Plan Policy changes mean larger three-storey multi-unit housing buildings within mature neighbourhoods will be targeted to corner lots near nodes and corridors, transit and major roadways. These sites are better suited to accommodate the increased scale and density of the RSM Zone.
Next Steps
Council passed a number of subsequent motions directing Administration to:
- Prepare a report on the implications of amending the maximum number of dwellings on an interior site in the RS Zone from eight to six, and explore alternative amendments in consideration of building size, community impact, proximity to nodes and corridors and mass transit stations and anticipated impact on housing supply and City Plan targets, and to engage with interested parties on any proposed changes.
- Prepare Zoning Bylaw amendments for a future omnibus to exempt entrances on the side of a building along interior side lot lines that abut an alley, interior public walkway or in other contexts as appropriate from the regulations related to maximum number of entrances in the RS - Small Scale Residential Zone.
- Provide a memo on how existing infill compliance programming will be adjusted to reflect growth in development activity and trends.
- Prepare an unfunded service package for consideration to reinstate the Infill Liaison team as part of the Fall 2025 Supplemental Operating Budget Adjustment.
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For more information:
Media contact:
Melissa Lovatt
Director, Communications and Engagement
Urban Planning and Economy
780-719-0544
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