Development Applications - Information Requirements
Policy C-531, the City's Natural Area Systems Policy, outlines certain information requirements that must be met at key points in the development process, including the creation of new plans (Area Structure Plans, Servicing Concept Design Briefs, Neighbourhood Structure Plans, and Neighbourhood Area Structure Plans) and major amendments to existing plans.Information Requirements:
- Natural Site Assessments
- Natural Area Management Plans
- Environmental Review Requirements
Natural Site Assessments
As outlined in Policy C-531, Natural Site Assessments (NSAs) are required for all new plans and major plan amendments that have the potential to affect one or more natural areas identified in the 1993 Inventory of Environmentally Sensitive and Significant Natural Areas. NSAs are completed by an environmental evaluator who uses a site check, background research and his or her knowledge of ecological attributes and the development proposal to complete the assessment. Significant environmental issues are explored, as well as measures to mitigate potential development impacts. The NSA is then used by the Office of Natural Areas and other City departments to make decisions that favour the protection of natural areas to the extent that it is possible. The NSA Guidelines below explain the process in detail.
Natural Site Assessment Guidelines
Natural Area Management Plans
Policy C-467 mandates that Management Plans be developed for natural areas in Edmonton that are to be conserved. Management plans provide a baseline description of the site, as well as site-specific management goals, objectives and strategies. They also identify the parties responsible for management activities. For further information about the development of Management Plans, please contact the Office of Natural Areas at naturalareas@edmonton.ca.
Natural Area Management Plan Guidelines
Environmental Review Requirements in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System (NSRVRS)
The North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (adopted in 1985) identifies a boundary for the river valley and ravine system and a set of policies and development approval procedures for lands within this boundary.
This Guide is a summary of administrative procedures designed to provide project managers and their consultants with some general guidelines for dealing with the environmental review process in the river valley and ravine system.
Environmental Review Requirements in the NSRVRS
Supporting Information
Guidelines for Determining Environmental Reserve Dedication
Background Document for ER GuidelinesThese guidelines have been developed for determining an appropriate buffer zone for wetlands and other water bodies with respect to lands to be dedicated as Environmental Reserve (ER). They are based on several sources of information including a literature review and guidelines from other jurisdictions. For a more thorough explanation of the rationale for these guidelines please consult the accompanying background document.
Please visit the Resources section for additional supporting information, including detailed maps and inventories of Edmonton's natural areas and ecological network, City policies and plans, and provincial legislation.
For more information:
Office of Natural Areas
| Telephone | 780-496-6080 |
|---|---|
| naturalareas@edmonton.ca |
Garth Clyburn
Planning and Policy Services
| Telephone | 780-496-6209 |
|---|
