Development in McKernan
About development in McKernan
1. The Small Scale Residential (RS) Zone
Most properties in McKernan are zoned RS (Small Scale Residential). This allows:
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Single- and semi-detached housing,
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Backyard housing, such as garage suites
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Row housing and multi-unit housing (for example: small apartments)
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A maximum height of 10.5 metres (3 storeys)
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A maximum site coverage of 45 per cent
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Maximum building length is 25 metres or 50 per cent of the lot depth, whichever is less.
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30 per cent of the site must include soft landscaping, with requirements for trees and shrubs
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Design requirements for window area on the front facade, side entrances, setbacks and facing techniques.
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Up to 8 dwelling units mid-block provided the lot is large enough.
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Each unit requires at least 75 square metres site area.
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A lot must be a minimum of 600 square metres to accommodate 8 units. More units are permitted on corner lots depending on the size of the lot.
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There is no minimum parking requirement.
Get more information at the City of Edmonton's Infill page:
What's happening on a site? You can check the City of Edmonton Development Permit map to find out what developments are planned for a lot:
2. The Small-Medium Scale Transition Residential (RSM) Zone
A number of lots in McKernan have been rezoned from RS to RSMh12.0 or RSMh16.0 to allow higher density with a maximum heigh of either 12 m or 16 m. Changes to the Zoning Bylaw in June 2025 have reduced the number of lots that can be rezoned to RSM.
What rezonings are being applied for? Check the Rezoning Application Map:
Problems with WHAT is being built
If you have concerns that a project is not being built according to a permit — for example, if it is too tall, too close to the property lines, does not have a permit, or contains illegal elements such as extra units — you can ask for a compliance inspection from the city's Development Compliance Team. The information you provide will be used to investigate your complaint, but your name and address will not be made available to the public.
To file a compliance complaint: call 311 OR email: developmentcompliance@edmonton.ca
Problems with HOW a project is being built
Builders and owners must ensure that all construction activities comply with City bylaws, building codes and safety standards. This includes but is not limited to:
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Keeping streets, alleys and sidewalks clean and clear of debris, garbage and materials
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Following hours of construction:
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Monday-Saturday: 7am-9pm
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Sunday and Statutory Holidays: 9am-7pm
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Protecting public property, including curbs, trees and boulevards
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Ensuring stormwater does not cross onto neighbouring private property during construction
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Not damaging neighbouring property
If you are concerned about problems at a construction site, you can:
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Contact the builder first as they may be able to resolve the concern quickly. Contact details are posted on the development site sign.
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Contact the city:
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Use the 311 app on your mobile device, or
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Submit a 311 ticket online using the Construction Site Concerns Request form, or
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Call 311 (Available 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays and statutory holidays.)
Other issues:
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Report unsafe working conditions to Alberta Occupational Health and Safety online. If you are concerned about immediate danger, call 780-415-8690.
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Report any suspicious activity, theft and trespassing to Edmonton Police Services Non-Emergency Line at 780-423-4567 or #377 on a mobile device.
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In case of emergency at an infill development worksite, call 911 immediately.