Section 623 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires City Council to appoint a subdivision authority to exercise subdivision powers and duties on behalf on the municipality. In Edmonton, City Council has delegated authority to the City Manager who, in turn, has delegated authority to the Chief Subdivision Officer.

The subdivision authority reviews technical matters involved in subdivision proposals, including conformity with statutory and non-statutory plans and the implementation of any public improvements the administration needs to include in associated servicing agreements. Subdivision authority meetings are not open to the public.