Lot grading is shaping the earth to allow surface water runoff to flow away from building foundations and follow a predesigned drainage path. Lot grading is necessary to help prevent basement flooding, and take care of the City’s storm and sanitary sewer systems.

Lot grading begins mid-April and closes November 1st. These dates are guidelines only because lot grading is weather dependent.

Email the lot grading certificate to lot.grading@sprucegrove.org. You can also request re-inspections by email (preferred) or call 780-962-7582.

An inspection will occur within ten business days of receiving the request (weather permitting). We will email the report to the email address provided on the grading certificate.

No. The City completes inspections on a first come, first served basis. Inspection requests are put into a queue and completed in the order we receive them.

The lot grading inspector will leave a door hanger at your residence. The door hanger will indicate that the inspection is complete, and whether it has been approved. A detailed report will be emailed to you.

You have 18 months to complete the rough grade (from the date the lot grading permit was issued). The City can issue a six-month extension only with written approval.

No. The City will not accept final grade inspection requests prior to rough grade approval. If you do not receive rough grade approval prior to proceeding to final grade, you may face penalties as per the Surface Drainage Bylaw.

The invoices are mailed to you and can be paid in one of the following ways.

• By phone at 780-962-7582
• In online services
• In person at City Hall, 315 Jespersen Avenue

The City accepts cash, cheque, debit or credit card.

The City inspector will examine the condition of City infrastructure during the rough grade inspection. After the rough grade is approved and no damages have been identified, the City will refund your deposit.

After you complete the final grading, contact an Alberta Land Surveyor to prepare a final grade certificate. Email the final grade certificate to lot.grading@sprucegrove.org. Your request will be placed in a queue for inspection. Include an email address on the certificate, so we can email you the final report.

Correct the deficiencies noted in the report and request a re-inspection at lot.grading@sprucegrove.org. There is no fee for the first re-inspection on a final grade. However, there will be a fee for all further re-inspections as per the  Development Fees and Fines Bylaw.

The City encourages all residents to speak to their neighbours when problems arise. Try to be understanding in areas of construction because these types of problems are usually not intentional. Installing a temporary barricade can help correct the issue until the lot is approved and the sod has been laid.

Swales have an important purpose in the drainage plan of a neighbourhood. Although situated on your lot, the concrete swale remains property of the City of Spruce Grove. In most cases, there is a utility right-of-way protecting the swale. The right-of-way grants the City full access if the swale needs to be repaired.

Architectural guidelines are set by the developer. For more information, contact your builder or the developer of your neighbourhood.

Not all City boulevards are landscaped by the developer. Pursuant to Section 89(15) of the City’s Land Use Bylaw, the registered landowner of a site abutting a City boulevard is responsible for landscaping and maintaining the boulevard at the registered landowner’s expense. For clarification, please contact the City.

Landscaping deposits are held by the builder or the developer. Contact your builder or developer for information.