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The OSCAM Permit Program Review project aims to enhance the permitting program and processes, expand resources for applicants and establish efficient enforcement mechanisms to increase compliance.
The project also includes a review and updating of the fee structures associated with the OSCAM Permit Program. Engagement was conducted to gather feedback on the project and the results have been compiled in a What We Heard report which is now available.
On-Street Construction and Maintenance (OSCAM) permits are required for most work on City road-right-of-ways, including roads, sidewalks and boulevards.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
|
| 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 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 |
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.
Vehicles and pedestrians can move freely.
Temporary traffic control and OSCAM permit required if over minimum duration.
Pedestrians and motorists know how to pass safely.
Use the 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 or format, to ensure your plan has all the required information.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Commonly used definitions like duration of work and work zone principles are defined in 1.1 Background.
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 notification to citizens and businesses is required for some construction activities. Review 1.4 Public Notifications to determine the needs for your project.
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:
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.
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.
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 should be utilized where required and shall have the proper training and certification as identified in 2.2 Flagperson Duties of the MTTC.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Up to four OSCAM permits with the following work reasons may be expected for infill development projects:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The mandatory minimum for Traffic Bylaw 5590 related offences related to obstructions along road right-of-way is $250 per offence/occurrence.
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.
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.