Lot Grading Surveys in Edmonton

If you are a property owner in Edmonton or looking to become one, you may have heard about lot grading certificates or lot grading surveys. These certificates are an important part of the construction process and are required to ensure that your property’s grading meets the standards set by the city. In this blog post, we will discuss what lot grading certificates are, why they are important, and the steps involved in obtaining one through a grading survey.

What is Lot Grading & Lot Grading Certificates?

Lot grading refers to the shaping of the ground surface around a property to ensure that surface water flows away from the building and towards the appropriate stormwater management systems, such as storm sewers or retention ponds. This helps prevent water damage to the building’s foundation, basement, or crawl space.

A lot grading certificate is a document that certifies that your property’s grading meets the requirements set forth by the city of Edmonton, typically issued by a qualified engineer after they’ve completed the necessary grading work. It indicates that the grading of the land has been properly done to prevent issues like flooding or erosion, this is obtained through a grading survey.

What are Lot Grading Surveys?

A grading survey is an essential step in the lot grading process. It involves the surveying of the property in question to determine the existing grades and elevations. This information is then used to design the grading plan for the home, which outlines how the land around the dwelling or building will be shaped to ensure that surface water flows away from the building and towards the appropriate water systems.

During lot grading surveys, the surveyor will take measurements of the property’s contours and elevations, these measurements are then used to create a detailed topographic map of the property. The grading survey will also take into account any relevant city bylaws, such as setback requirements, and any potential obstacles or challenges on the property, such as large trees or steep slopes.

After the lot grade survey is completed and the grading plans are completed, a city of Edmonton inspector will visit the property to perform a final grade approval inspection. During this inspection, the inspector will verify that the grading work meets the city of Edmonton’s requirements. If the grading work meets the requirements, the city will issue a final grade approval.

Once the final grade approval is issued, the property owner can apply for a lot grading approval. This approval certifies that the grading work has been properly completed, and the property meets Edmonton’s standards. The application for lot grading approval must include a final lot grading certificate, a grading plan, and a completed lot grading application form.

Lot grading surveys are required for all new construction projects in Edmonton, as well as for major renovations or additions that involve changes to the property’s grading. The results of the grading survey must be submitted to the city for approval before any grading work can begin.

Why are Lot Grading Certificates Important?

The final lot grading certificate is typically required as part of the real estate transaction process. When a property is sold, the buyer’s lender will typically require a final lot grading certificate to ensure that the home has been properly graded and is less likely to experience water damage or erosion. The certificate generally contains information such as the legal description of the property, the date the grading work was completed, the name of the grading contractor, and any relevant information about the grading plan or the lot grading approval process.

It’s important to note that a final lot grading certificate is only valid for a certain period of time, typically five years. After that time, the property owner may need to obtain a new lot grading certificate through a grading survey if there have been changes to the property or if the certificate has expired.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Edmonton lot grading certificate is an essential step in the construction process. It ensures that your property’s grading meets the standards set by the city and helps prevent major issues that flooding or erosion can cause. To recap, you must obtain a lot grading certificate through a lot grading survey, final grade approval, lot grading approval, and the issuance of a final lot grading certificate. By following these steps, you can either ensure that your property is well protected or have peace of mind when purchasing a new home.

Have any questions or concerns about Edmonton Lot grading certificates? Give us a call (780-800-1260) or send us an email, or get a FREE quote! We’re always happy to help.