Edmonton Secondary Suites: Permits, Zoning & Data

Edmonton Secondary Suites: Permits, Zoning & Data
Edmonton Secondary Suites: Permits, Zoning & Data

This dataset of Secondary Suites Permits offers a comprehensive view of approved secondary suite developments in Edmonton, crucial for urban planning, housing policy analysis, and real estate development. This data illuminates the growth of secondary suites, a key component of Edmonton’s housing strategy, and provides insights into the city’s efforts to increase affordable housing options. It facilitates in-depth analysis of affordable housing expansion, neighborhood densification, and compliance with city regulations, fostering a more informed and engaged community.

This dataset details essential permit information, including permit numbers, issuance dates, project addresses, work descriptions, contractor names, and permit statuses. These attributes enable detailed analysis of secondary suite construction trends, allowing stakeholders to understand the spatial distribution and regulatory compliance of these housing units. As outlined in the City of Edmonton's Secondary Suite Design Guide, obtaining a permit ensures that suites meet safety and building code standards, providing secure and legal housing options. The permit data reflects adherence to these standards, offering transparency into the quality and safety of secondary suites in Edmonton.

Understanding zoning regulations is vital for secondary suite development. This dataset helps to analyze the impact of zoning changes on secondary suite construction. It highlights areas where new suites are being developed, indicating where zoning allows for increased density and diverse housing options. By examining permit trends, users can assess how effectively the current zoning framework supports the creation of legal and safe secondary suites, contributing to the city’s efforts to expand rental housing.

Statistics

The dataset includes a total of 11,200 secondary suite permits, providing a broad overview of Edmonton’s secondary suite development. The most common permit types are Home Improvement Permits (about 34%), House Building Permits (28%), and Other Miscellaneous Building Permits (27%). These categories highlight the mix of renovations and new suite construction across the city.

Building Type Distribution

Most permits are for Single Detached Houses (about 80%), with Semi-Detached Houses (12%) and Backyard Houses (5%) making up smaller shares. Row houses and duplexes account for a minor portion of the dataset, reflecting the preference for secondary suites in standalone homes.

Yearly Permit Trends

Recent years have shown steady permit activity, with 12% of permits issued in 2024 and 10% in 2023. Permit numbers have been relatively consistent over the last decade, with peaks in 2022 (11%) and 2021 (10%). Older permits from before 2010 represent a small fraction of the dataset.

Neighbourhood Hotspots

The top neighbourhoods for secondary suite development include Chappelle (5%), Laurel (5%), and Keswick (3%). Other growing areas, such as Rosenthal (3%) and The Orchards at Ellerslie (3%), reflect Edmonton’s expanding suburban communities.

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Stats on Permits by Permit Type

Permit TypePermitsPercent
Home Improvement Permit3863
34.39%
6. House Building Permit3166
28.19%
7. Other Misc. Building Permits2997
26.68%
House Combo Permit1136
10.11%
Minor Development Permit36
0.32%
7. Other Misc. Building Permit19
0.17%

Stats on Permits by Building Type

Building TypePermitsPercent
Single Detached House (110)8950
79.68%
Semi-Detached House (210)1382
12.30%
Backyard House (110)546
4.86%
Row House (330)304
2.71%
Duplex (210)24
0.21%

Stats on Permits by Year

YearPermitsPercent
20241371
12.21%
20231154
10.27%
20221288
11.47%
20211068
9.51%
2020938
8.35%
20191027
9.14%
2018629
5.60%
2017582
5.18%
2016588
5.24%
2015551
4.91%
2014502
4.47%
2013343
3.05%
2012353
3.14%
2011324
2.88%
2010282
2.51%
2009108
0.96%
200841
0.37%

Stats on Permits by Neighbourhood

NeighbourhoodPermitsPercent
Chappelle579
5.15%
Laurel511
4.55%
Keswick316
2.81%
Rosenthal292
2.60%
The Orchards At Ellerslie288
2.56%
McConachie236
2.10%
Edgemont207
1.84%
Walker206
1.83%
Glenridding Ravine204
1.82%
Secord194
1.73%
Alberta Avenue178
1.58%
McKernan163
1.45%
King Edward Park146
1.30%
Charlesworth141
1.26%
Bonnie Doon125
1.11%
Allendale125
1.11%
Maple118
1.05%
Aster115
1.02%
Ritchie114
1.01%
Forest Heights113
1.01%

Dataset

Explore Edmonton's secondary suite data. Find permit information, zoning regulations, and statistics. Access comprehensive data for real estate, development, and planning.

Dataset Information

SubjectPermits and Licenses
JurisdictionCity of Edmonton, Province of Alberta
Data ProviderEdmonton Department of Urban Planning & Economy
Sourcedata.edmonton.ca
AttributionContains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Edmonton.