Lot Grading Information

Final Grade Approval Process 

  1. Complete final grading for the entire property (the City of Leduc does not review or approve rough grade). 
     
  2. Employ an Alberta Land Surveyor to survey the property and prepare a Final Grade Certificate.   
     
  3. Request a Final Grade Inspection through the City. To request an inspection (or re-inspection) full payment is required along with the submission of your Final Grade Certificate.  
  • Inspection Fee: $163.00 
  • ​Re-inspection Fee: $110.00 

The City accepts inspection requests between May 15th and October 15th every year. Requests can be made using the following options: 

  1. Prepare for your inspection by ensuring the site is accessible, animals are contained inside, and any materials or objects that might pose a hazard, impede the inspection, or make it difficult to inspect grading are removed. 
     
  2. A Lot Grading Inspector will conduct a site visit within three weeks of your request to ensure compliance with approved Subdivision Grading Plans, the Land Use Bylaw (809-2013), and Engineering Design Standards. 
     
  3. A Final Grade Inspection Report, indicating whether grading has passed (been approved) or failed (deficiencies exist), will be issued via email following the inspection. If the grading passes inspection, the report will include a signed copy of the Final Grade Certificate. If the grading fails inspection, the report will outline the deficiencies to be corrected and include instructions for arranging a re-inspection.  

If you have any questions or require assistance through the lot grading process, please contact 780-980-7124 or planning@leduc.ca for support. 

Additional Resources 

For more information on the City of Leduc's lot grading process, relevant guidelines, and helpful visuals please review: 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is lot grading important? 

Individual Benefits 

  • Property Damage Prevention: positive drainage conveys surface water runoff away from residential structures, reducing the risk of water damage. This helps to preserve the integrity of building foundations, driveways, sidewalks, and other structures. 
  • Compliance with Regulations: most municipalities have lot grading guidelines and regulations in place to prevent drainage problems and protect water quality. Proper grading ensures compliance with these regulations and helps property owners avoid neighbour disputes, fines, and legal issues. 
  • Cost Savings: investing in proper grading upfront can lead to significant cost savings over time by reducing the need for costly repairs and maintenance. It also helps minimize the risk of insurance claims related to flooding and property damage. 
  • Improved Safety: proper grading enhances safety for resident and visitors by eliminating tripping hazards like uneven terrain and slippery surfaces caused by water pooling in low lying areas.  
  • Supports Vegetation: proper grading helps to manage moisture levels in the soil, promoting healthy vegetation growth. Positive drainage supports the establishment and maintenance of lawns, gardens, and trees. 
  • Enhanced Landscaping: positive drainage provides a more aesthetically pleasing landscape by preventing unsightly puddles and waterlogging. This enhances the outdoor environment for residents and increases the value of the property. 

Collective Benefits 

  • Reduced Soil Erosion: by controlling the flow of surface water runoff, lot grading helps to minimize soil erosion. This improves soil quality and reduces sedimentation in stormwater systems and natural waterways. 
  • Groundwater Recharge: proper grading and the use of appropriate final grade materials can facilitate infiltration of rainwater into the ground. This helps to recharge groundwater supplies, maintaining healthy aquifers. 
  • Improved Water Quality: by directing surface water runoff away from paved surfaces, proper grading can reduce the amount of pollutants making their way into stormwater systems and natural waterways.  
  • Flood Prevention: lot grading plays a vital role in managing stormwater runoff during heavy rainfall events, reducing the risk of localized flooding. Positive drainage ensures that water flows away from vulnerable areas and towards appropriate drainage systems.  
  • Climate Resilience: with the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events associated with climate change, proper grading and positive drainage become crucial for enhancing the community resilience. Well designed drainage plans and systems can mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of floods and storm damage. 

How is the grading plan determined for a new subdivision? 

When a new residential development is proposed, the developer is responsible for submitting a grading plan to the City for review. The plan has the direction of drainage established and the proposed elevations identified for all property lines and corners. This ensures the entire subdivision will be graded in accordance with the City’s Engineering Design Standards.  

What am I responsible for as a property owner?  

The property owner is responsible for inspecting and approving the rough grade when it is completed by the builder. If there are any areas of concern, the property owner should contact the builder to have them repaired prior to moving forward with final grade landscaping. 

When hiring private contractors for landscaping or yard alternation, the property owner must ensure they respect the intended drainage design when carrying out work. Together, they should review the rough grade certificate, if provided by the builder, or the approved Subdivision Grading Plan, which indicates the design grade elevations. This will reduce additional costs and other stressors that arise from improper lot grading. 

As per the Land Use Bylaw (809-2013) prior to the submission of a Final Grading Certificate, the property owner shall conduct a review of the site to ensure the site grading effectively conveys drainage to the municipal drainage system and does not negatively impact adjacent site (never assume that the grading of the adjacent property is correct). 

The property owner is responsible to ensure that final grade elevations established by the original Subdivision Grading Plan are maintained and continue to provide effective site drainage throughout the years: 

  • Where maintenance of a common drainage path at the property line is required, the responsibility for maintenance lies with the owners of both sites. 
  • Where a drainage swale is established within an easement/right-of-way on a site, swale grades shall be maintained, and the swale shall be kept free from any obstructions by the owner of the site. 
  • Areas that were excavated or trenched to provide underground services will settle over time and need to be filled to maintain positive drainage and prevent pooling of water that could cause damage to the building and services. 

Does the City review or approve Rough Grade Certificates? 

No, the City of Leduc does not review or approve Rough Grade Certificates. The builder should complete rough grade (clay grade) to within 10 to 20 cm of the design grade to allow for topsoil and other final grade materials. The builder and the property owner should discuss rough grade needs relative to the finished grade material proposed. Although not a requirement, the builder will sometimes provide a Rough Grade Certificates to show the clay grade elevations. It is up to the property owner to approve the rough grade when it is completed by the builder. If there are any areas of concern, the property owner should contact the builder to have them repaired prior to moving forward with final grade landscaping.  

How do I ensure design elevations are met when laying final grade materials? 

Final grade must be completed to within 5 cm of the design grade and provide effective drainage along property lines (2%) and away from the building foundation (2.0 m at 10% minimum slope away from building). There are generally design elevations at four points along each property line (front corner, back corner, front mid-point, and back mid-point). The grade between these points must be constant. 

Contacting an Alberta Land Surveyor for lot grading stakeout services can be a helpful starting point. Qualified surveyors will install stakes to mark the design elevation points. By measuring the existing elevations of the installed stakes, they can then confirm exactly how much soil should be added or removed to meet the design grade. 

Using a string line between the stakes can create a helpful visual, highlighting both high and low spots when placing finishing materials.  With the string set at the design elevation points on your grade stakes, you can use a 2 x 4 wood block as a gauge and slide it under the string to level out your topsoil (the depth of the block is approximately 4 cm, therefore your topsoil should be close to 4 cm below design grade to allow for the placement of sod). 

Can I complete my landscaping before my Final Grade Inspection?  

Yes, landscaping can be completed before the Final Grade Inspection if you choose. However, please keep in mind grading corrections may be more complicated and costly to complete if landscaping materials are already in place.  

Acceptable final grade materials include: 

  • Sod 
  • Topsoil 
  • Road crush (exposed or under decorative materials) 
  • Decorative rock or mulch with a non-porous material underneath (clay, road crush, or topsoil). In these areas, it is imperative that rough grade be raised to within 5 cm of the design grade with the non-porous material before placing decorative materials down. This is especially important for side lot swales.

Your Final Grade Certificate should be an accurate reflection of current grading and finishing materials. If you choose to complete landscaping prior to the Final Grade Inspection, please ensure your survey takes place once landscaping is complete.  

Why does the City require an Alberta Land Surveyor be used to prepare the Final Grading Certificate? 

As per the City of Leduc Land Use Bylaw (809-2013), Final Grade Certificates must be prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor. Design grades in approved Subdivision Grading Plans are established along property lines and, under the Land Surveyors Act, only surveyors are allowed to establish the location of a property line.  

How do I read my Final Grade Certificate? 

Design grades at specific locations for each lot are determined through approved Subdivision Grading Plans. The Final Grade Certificate shows the design grades in brackets and the as-built elevations at the same locations below for easy comparison. 

For rough grade, grades are typically acceptable if constructed within 10 to 20 cm of the final design grade.  

Note: The City of Leduc does not review or approve Rough Grade Certificates. It is up to the property owner to approve the rough grade when it is completed by the builder. If there are any areas of concern the property owner should contact the builder to have them repaired prior to moving forward with final grade landscaping. 

Example Rough Grade Certificate 

Example 1.JPG

For final grade, grades are typically acceptable if constructed within 5 cm of the final design grade.  

Note: It is up to the property owner to conduct a review of the site and ensure the site grading effectively conveys drainage to the municipal drainage system and does not negatively impact adjacent sites prior to submitting the certificate to the City for review. 

Example Final Grade Certificate 

Example 2.JPG

Do I need to book an appointment for an inspection? 

No, an appointment is not necessary. The initial inspection takes place automatically upon receipt of the Final Grade Certificate and payment of the inspection (re-inspection) fee. The inspection process can take up to three weeks, with turnaround times dependent on weather conditions and request volumes. Applicants can expect to see an email notification one week in advance of their pending inspection.  

When does Lot Grading Season start and end? 

Inspections depend on weather conditions. Lot grading inspections are conducted between May 15th and October 15th every year pending the Lot Grading Inspector can see the ground. No new final grade certificates will be accepted after October 15th. 

How do I get my lot ready for a Final Grade Inspection? 

Prepare for your inspection by ensuring the site is accessible (gates are unlocked), all animals are contained inside, and any materials or objects that might pose a hazard, impede the inspection, or make it difficult to inspect grading are removed. You do not need to be present for the inspection. 

I had my grading ready for inspection and then it rained. Am I required to fix the damage/settlement? 

Yes, any settlement should be repaired. However, you don’t need to move the inspection. The Lot Grading Inspector will identify the areas that require your attention. Your grading will not usually fail for minor rain damage, such as erosion channels at the downspout locations. 

What is the c/c valve (water valve) and why is ensuring that it’s visible and accessible at surface level part of my Final Grade Inspection? 

The c/c valve, otherwise known as the water valve, should be visible and accessible at surface level for easy access in the event that an emergency water shut off is required. The valve often ends up being buried under rough or final grade materials during the landscaping process. Other times it is left too high and susceptible to damage. The valve top slides up and down (a large pipe over a smaller pipe). If you require assistance to locate the valve top, raise it, or lower it please contact your builder. 

Why are window well considerations assessed as part of my Final Grade Inspection? 

Window wells help to protect basement windows from rain, snow, and ice build up against the glass, reducing the risk of flooding and property damage. When windows are below grade or too close to final grade, adding a window well also allows for grade to be raised against the building foundation, enhancing slope away and improving drainage. As per the City of Leduc Land Use Bylaw 809-2013, a minimum of 6 inches should exist between the bottom of the window and final grade, otherwise installation of a window well is required. 

I have a utility box at the front of my property on the property line; what should I do to ensure the utility box is not blocking drainage at the property line? 

It is recommended that a trough or “saddle swale” is built around the utility box (elevate the grade at the back of the utility box to facilitate drainage around and away). 

Can the Lot Grading Inspector accept elevations that are not within tolerance if my lot drains well? 

The Lot Grading Inspector has the discretion to accept elevations that are not within tolerance when: 

  • The lot is graded to match an existing lake, park, walkway, sidewalk, curb, road or lane and positive drainage is maintained (in addition to design grades and as-built elevations, the back of walk (b.o.w.) and top of curb (t.o.c.) are also often shown on a grading certificate). 
  • The lot is graded to match a neighbouring lot and has positive on-site surface drainage that works with adjacent properties. 

How do I know if my lot passes inspection? 

A Final Grade Inspection Report, indicating whether grading has passed (been approved) or failed (deficiencies exist), will be issued via email following the inspection. These findings will be sent to the applicants listed on the Final Grade Certificate at the time of submission. If the grading passes inspection, the report will include a signed copy of the Final Grade Certificate. If the grading fails inspection, the report will outline the deficiencies to be corrected and include instructions for arranging a re-inspection.  

If deficiencies are noted during my Final Grade Inspection, how long do I have to correct them?

The City will keep your lot grading file open for 24 months after the original submission date or until all deficiencies are corrected, whichever comes first. After this period has passed, a new submission through the City’s Planning and Development department with an updated Final Grade Certificate is required to re-open the file. 

How do I get my landscaping deposit back? 

Most deposits are held by your homebuilder or developer. A signed Final Grade Certificate is typically required to release these funds. Your homebuilder or developer can provide more information around next steps (City of Leduc Developers Map).  

For infills and townhomes, deposits are occasionally held by the City. In these instances, a signed Final Grade Certificate and successful landscaping inspection are required to release the funds. These inquires should be directed to the City’s Planning and Development department (780-980-7124 or planning@leduc.ca). 

What are the consequences if I don’t submit a Final Grade Certificate for review by the City and resolve any potential deficiencies? 

You may experience delays in house transactions or drainage disputes with neighbours.