Mature Neighbourhood Overlay Review and draft amendments to Zoning Bylaw 12800

MNO map

On February 1st, Sustainable Development presented their report to the Urban Planning Committee on the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay (MNO) Review and proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw 12800. You can read the full report here (attachment 1) but I will provide a brief overview for you in the meantime.

The review was identified in the Edmonton's Infill Roadmap as an actionable item to “Revise the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay of the Zoning Bylaw in order to make it a more effective tool to support infill in our mature neighbourhoods, reduce the need for variances and ‘Class B’ development permits, and improve the approvals process.

”After analyzing this input, Administration identified key themes in the data that included:- Walkability- Setbacks- Height- Rear attached garages- Design and appearance- Contextuality- Consultation- Certainty- Privacy

You can read about these key themes here (attachment 4)

The review process included extensive consultation with over 7,800 stakeholders. You can find the results of the public engagement portion here(attachment 5).

Based on this feedback, the proposed amendments to the MNO were developed.  Committee members also requested a follow-up report to provide information about the number and types of variances in the MNO in recent years, as well as outcomes of appeals to the SDAB-Subdivision and Development Appeals Board. You can read this data here(attachment 1)

 Interesting to note that of the 6,419 development permits issued within the Mature Neighbourhood (2011-2015) 19% contained a variance. Garage and garden suites had the highest number of permits issued with a variance. The SDAB upheld 40 and overturned 2 development permits approved with variances that were appealed between 2013-2015.A major theme found throughout the engagement process was that residents and applicants were frustrated over the uncertainty within the development process. Part of these amendments are meant to address this issue and provide consistent and reliable outcomes for all stakeholders involved. Residents will have an opportunity to provide additional feedback on the draft changes including the amendments made at the meeting on February 1st at a public hearing in spring of this year. 

Co-authored by K. Machin and A. Knack