On-Street Construction & Maintenance Permit

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If you or your business applied for an On-street Construction and Maintenance (OSCAM) permit in the past year, the City invites you to share your experiences. Please complete this short and confidential survey by July 31, 2025. Your feedback is important to us and will help make improvements to the program.

We are experiencing a high volume of inquiries and are taking longer than usual to process permits. We appreciate your patience and we will get back to you as soon as we are able.

On-Street Construction and Maintenance (OSCAM) permits are required for most work on City road-right-of-ways, including roads, sidewalks and boulevards.

OSCAM Permits

OSCAM Permit Application

Use the OSCAM Permit Decision Matrix and the OSCAM Permit Reference Map to determine whether your project needs a permit.

Average processing time for an OSCAM permit application is 6 business days. Unless it’s an emergency, allow time for processing and public notification, especially for major impacts.

During high peak construction season (March to October), expect longer processing and approval times. Please apply as early as possible.

Restoration

Restoration Guidelines

The City of Edmonton does not provide utility restoration services. Utility contractors are required to complete their own restoration according to the specifications outlined in the City's Design and Construction Standards (17MB) as well as any other applicable regulatory requirements.

If restoration impacts any City of Edmonton engineered asset, or for any other general inquiries, please email Infrastructure Maintenance at parsimreview@edmonton.ca.

Temporary Traffic Control

Manual of Temporary Traffic Control

The 2023 Manual of Temporary Traffic Control provides guidance on planning and implementing temporary traffic control when work sites or special events interfere with travel on sidewalks, bike infrastructure or roadways in Edmonton. It provides the minimum safety precautions that should be taken at work sites to protect workers and the travelling public.

As part of the legislated APEGA requirements, Traffic Accommodation Plans (TAPs) submitted through the OSCAM permit process for roadways with a speed limit of 70 km/hr or higher, the City requires authentication and validation by a licensed professional registered with APEGA, in accordance with APEGA's Authenticating Professional Work Products standard, as outlined in the Authenticated Traffic Accommodation Plan Flow Chart.

Projects impacting roadways with speed limits lower than 70 km/h may also require authenticated TAPs, depending on the complexity of the project.

General Information

When is an OSCAM Permit Required?

On-Street Construction and Maintenance (OSCAM) permits are required for all work on City road-right-of-ways, as outlined in the OSCAM Permit Decision Matrix and the OSCAM Permit Reference Map.

If you’re unsure if you require an OSCAM Permit, phone at 780-868-2878 or email roaduse.permit@edmonton.ca.

What other permits, regulations or information may be applicable?

Temporary Crossing Permit A type of OSCAM permit required when motorized equipment will be crossing a boulevard or a sidewalk to temporarily access private property from the public road right-of-way.	OSCAM Application Process
Waste Bin, POD or SeaCan Permit A type of OSCAM permit required to place a Waste Bin, POD or SeaCan on City right-of-way.	OSCAM Application Process Waste Bin, POD or SeaCan
Utility Line Assignment (ULA) Permit	ULA Permit 780-496-2824
Hoarding Permit	Construction Permits
Road Restoration Request	Road Restoration Request
Noise Bylaw Waiver Needed when work is being planned outside of allowed hours in Edmonton’s Noise Bylaw.	Noise Bylaw
Tree Protection Needed when work happens within 5 metres of a tree. This includes Temporary Crossings. Note: In June 2022, a new permit process for tree protection and preservation came into effect. The Public Tree Bylaw requires a permit and a tree protection or preservation plan for any work done within five metres of a City-owned boulevard and open space tree or within 10 metres of a natural stand on City property.	Trees and Construction
Residential Infill	Residential Construction Guide
Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) ETS must be contacted if work is being proposed on a bus route and impacting transit	copsetsplanningtechs@edmonton.ca
Alberta One-Call Utility Locates	1-800-242-3447

Emergency Work

In the event of emergency work, 311 should be contacted immediately.

What is an obstruction?

An obstruction is the static placement of an object occupying and interfering with the normal function of a space, including a sidewalk, bike facility, parking or travel lane.

Any obstruction on road right-of-way requires the appropriate level of temporary traffic control, regardless of the work duration.

No Obstruction

Vehicles and pedestrians can move freely.
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OSCAM Permitting - Example of no obstruction

Obstruction

Temporary traffic control and OSCAM permit required if over minimum duration.
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OSCAM Permitting - Example of an obstruction

Obstruction with Temporary Traffic Control

Pedestrians and motorists know how to pass safely.
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OSCAM Permiting - Example of an obstruction with temporary traffic controls in place

Work in Residential Areas

Use the On-Street Work on Residential Roads flowchart to determine if you need an OSCAM permit for a particular work activity and learn about the OSCAM permit process.

Industry partners doing work on residential roads may be able to save time by applying for multiple OSCAM permits for a single project location through one OSCAM permit application with a thorough transportation management plan covering all obstructions during the project. A transportation management plan is a short document that shows what type of temporary traffic control will be used to address the impacts of each obstruction during a project.

See the Transportation Management Plan, available in PDF or Microsoft Word format, to ensure your plan has all the required information.

Application Process

Prior to submitting an OSCAM Permit Application, please review 1.9 Summary Checklist for Planning your Temporary Traffic Control to assess whether your application is ready to be submitted.

Apply for OSCAM Permit

Do you have a Customer ID Number?

The Customer ID Number makes the application process faster as it auto-fills portions of the form. The Customer ID Number can be found on a previously approved OSCAM Permit.

If you don’t have a Customer ID number, complete the application and one will be provided with the approval of your OSCAM permit.

What documents need to be submitted?

A Traffic Accommodation Plan (TAP), Traffic Accommodation Request (TAR) or Traffic Accommodation Strategy (TAS) is required for a traffic lane, bike lane, sidewalk or road closure. If your project involves a closure, a TAP, TAR or TAS should be submitted with your OSCAM Application. These documents are defined further below.

Traffic Accommodation Plan(s) or Traffic Control Plans (TAP or TCP), are drawings that illustrate the proposed set-ups and generally include the:

Existing road configuration
Work area location(s)
Proposed types and locations of temporary traffic control devices
Proposed time of day and duration of the set-up
Permit number

Traffic Accommodation Requests (TARs) can be submitted to ask the City of Edmonton to develop the Traffic Accommodation Strategy for a project. TARs should include project details such as proposed work activities and locations and project duration.

For complex set-ups or projects with long timeframes, a Traffic Accommodation Strategy (TAS) or Transportation Management Plan (TMP) may be needed for the project. The City of Edmonton will identify if a TAS or TMP is needed.

How do I develop the Traffic Accommodation Plan?

If you have not yet created your TAP or are unfamiliar with the process, please use the online tools located in the Planning your Temporary Traffic Control section.

When should you submit an application?

High impact to traffic - minimum 10 working days prior to start of work, request an OSCAM permit
Low impact to traffic - minimum 6 working days prior to start of work, request an OSCAM permit

Processing Time

Average processing time for an OSCAM permit application is 6 business days. Unless it’s an emergency, please allow time for processing and public notification, especially for major impacts.

You’ll receive notification by email with a reference number in the event you need to follow up with the OSCAM permit office.

Method of Payment

If you are required to pay fees for your OSCAM permit, you may select your preferred method of payment during the application process. Based on your selection, you will receive an email to pay by credit card or an invoice in the mail.

Planning your Temporary Traffic Accommodation

The Manual of Temporary Traffic Control’s (MTTC’s) 1.0 Planning your Temporary Traffic Control outlines the policies, procedures and performance requirements for planning temporary traffic control. It should be used to guide the planning process and develop Traffic Accommodation Plans.

The Summary Checklist for Planning your Temporary Traffic Control provides a high-level overview that can be referenced to assess whether your OSCAM permit application is ready to be submitted.

A Traffic Accommodation Plan, authenticated and validated by APEGA licensed professionals, may need to be submitted depending on the roadway and the complexity of the project.

Definitions and Principles

Commonly used definitions like duration of work and work zone principles are defined in 1.1 Background.

Accommodation of All Travel Modes

All travel modes must be considered and accounted for when planning your temporary traffic control. Edmonton’s City Plan prioritizes the accommodation and access of pedestrians, cyclists and transit when planning construction detours.

If you are impacting pedestrian or cyclist facilities, 1.3 Pedestrian and Cyclist Obstructions provides guidance.

If you are completing work on a bus route and impacting transit, you must notify Edmonton Transit Service at copsetsplanningtechs@edmonton.ca.

For impacts to vehicle traffic, refer to 1.2 Impacts to Traffic.

Public Notifications

Public notification to citizens and businesses is required for some construction activities. Review 1.4 Public Notifications to determine the needs for your project.

Temporary Traffic Control Devices

Review the City’s requirements for temporary traffic control devices and signage used in a set up. The following may be used depending on the situation:

1.5 Temporary Parking Bans
1.6 Work Zone Speed Reductions
1.7 Temporary Traffic Control Devices - such as signs, barricades, cones

Example Drawings

The Series A, B and C drawings are examples of traffic situations where the use of signs, barricades, protective devices, cones and/or flag persons are necessary. The examples shown are not an overall guide to every possible traffic situation where signs or other devices are needed. Rather, the illustrations show a few of the more common everyday situations and they are to be used as a guide only.

When developing your Traffic Accommodation Plan, it may be helpful to use symbols to represent the proposed temporary traffic control devices. Section 1.8 Symbols Used in Traffic Accommodation Plans provide some options for using symbols on your plan.

The Alberta Construction Safety Association offers training and resources on temporary traffic control.

During the Project

Once a Traffic Accommodation Plan has been accepted and the OSCAM Permit is issued, work may commence beginning with properly setting up temporary traffic control. Section 2.0 Requirements During Set-Up, Construction, and Takedown of the Manual of Temporary Traffic Control (MTTC) provides information and guidelines on the minimum worksite requirements during the project.

Refer to 2.8 Summary Checklist for Requirements during Set-up, Maintenance, and Take-down to familiarize yourself with the requirements before starting your work.

All work within road-rights-of-way must be completed within City of Edmonton Design and Construction Standards. City lands must be restored to the same state and condition in which it existed prior to work commencement.

Setting Up Temporary Traffic Control (TTC)

2.1 Background of the MTTC identifies the responsibilities and minimum safety precautions that should be taken by the applicant when setting up the worksite. The City of Edmonton has the final authority when setting up the TTC devices to ensure proper placement in the road right-of-way.

Guidelines for setting up traffic control and proper sign placement are described in 2.4 Traffic Control Setup and Sign Placement of the MTTC.

Flagpeople

Flagpeople should be utilized where required and shall have the proper training and certification as identified in 2.2 Flagperson Duties of the MTTC.

Record Keeping

Records should be kept by the job site supervisor for any work which is interfering with traffic. Refer to 2.5 Record Keeping for more information.

Site Maintenance and Upkeep

Once the TTC devices have been set up and the work is proceeding, it is important that the work site be kept clean and clear of debris. Any temporary traffic control devices should be kept clear and visible when in use and materials not in use should be stored safely. Refer to the following links for more information:

2.6 Material Storage

2.7 Site Upkeep

Extensions or Start Date Change Requests

If you can no longer complete your project within the dates shown on the OSCAM Permit or you need to change your start date, please contact:

Road Use Permits Office
roaduse.permit@edmonton.ca
780-868-2878

Any additional fees associated with the extension will be added to your balance owing.

Project Completion

A warning email will be sent 2 days prior to the OSCAM end date. Please contact the Roaduse Permit Office at 780-868-2878 immediately if you require an extension.

All materials must be removed from the road right-of-way by the end date and time shown on the OSCAM Permit.

Fees

Depending on the scope and duration of your project, there may be fees associated with various permit applications, and traffic accommodation plan design and reviews. OSCAM Permits associated with Temporary Crossing, Tree Shrub Hoarding and Waste Bin, POD or SeaCan work reasons currently have no fees associated with them. Refer to the fee structure below for more information:

OSCAM Permit Fee Structure

Note: A daily permitting fee related to the placement on street of commercial waste bins, PODs or SeaCans is planned, however this fee is currently on hold until further notice. Further information regarding the upcoming fee will be provided in advance of its implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a fee associated with the OSCAM Permit?

The daily permit fee is intended as an incentive for contractors to occupy road rights-of-way when necessary by ensuring the permit application aligns with the actual number of work days, as opposed to estimated work days. This will reduce obstruction and provide the public more opportunity to access and use these spaces.

The application of daily permit fees aligns with other Canadian municipalities such as Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and Toronto.

Please note that the permit fee does not apply to Temporary Crossing Permits or Tree Protection Permits.

Why is an OSCAM Permit needed for infill projects?

Up to four OSCAM permits with the following work reasons may be expected for infill development projects:

Temporary Crossing Permit (TCP)
Tree Shrub Hoarding (City Tree Protection)
Storage of materials or extended use of City property to accommodate a work site
Placement of Waste Bins or PODS on City Property

Who applies for the OSCAM permit?

The OSCAM permitting system provides flexibility to industry to allow for either the prime contractor, owner or individual subcontractors to apply for the permit.

The prime contractor, owner and subcontractors are responsible for the safety of the work site and are provided the flexibility within the OSCAM permitting system to make a determination based on the scope, scale and subcontractors participating.

What if I need to change my approved OSCAM permit?

To alter an existing OSCAM permit, send the changes to roaduse.permit@edmonton.ca. A clerk will update the permit and place it back in the queue to be processed in the order that they are received.

Alterations to an existing OSCAM permit can be completed within 10 business days, subject to the degree of change requested and the volume of permit application requests.

There are currently no administrative fees for adjustments to approved OSCAM permits.

How long will it take to get my permit from the time I apply?

The average processing time for an OSCAM permit application is 6 business days based on the typical volume of OSCAM Permit applications received by the City.

Processing time is also influenced by the quality and completeness of the information provided by the applicant. Lack of detail on an OSCAM permit application often requires follow-up, which is the primary driver for delayed processing.

Do you need a OSCAM permit for work where crossing the boulevard is required periodically throughout the day?

An OSCAM permit with a Crossing Temporary TCP work reason is required to allow a motor vehicle to cross a boulevard or sidewalk to temporarily access private property from the public road right-of-way when there is no legal access.

There is no fee associated with this permit at this time and it may be issued for the duration of the project.

Individual OSCAM permits may be required for other work on the site. Regardless of the work duration, the appropriate level of temporary traffic control is required.

What is the fine for non-compliance?

The mandatory minimum for Traffic Bylaw 5590 related offences related to obstructions along road right-of-way is $250 per offence/occurrence.

Who will be fined for infractions?

In general, the person in violation may be issued the ticket for an infraction related to an obstruction along road right-of-way or the crossing of a sidewalk or boulevard.

If an OSCAM permit is required, it is good practice to have a copy of the permit before proceeding with the work. We encourage you to display the permit at your work site.

At a minimum, the applicable OSCAM permit number will need to be provided to an enforcement officer on-site, if requested. Regardless of the work duration, the appropriate level of temporary traffic control is required.

No Cut Exemption Request

A moratorium exists where a roadway or alley has been classified with a VCI (visual condition index) greater than 6, or where special restoration requirements are needed.

Utility Line Assignment

Authorization of utility and monitoring well installations within public road-right-of-way by external agencies and private utilities must first enter into an agreement with the City of Edmonton.

Contact Us

OSCAM Permitting

Traffic Operations

Email	roaduse.permit@edmonton.ca
Phone	780-868-2878