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The City of Edmonton has postponed the implementation of the OSCAM permit changes. 

Part of this postponement includes a commitment from the city to meaningfully consult and engage with the residential construction industry to find a solution that satisfies its goals of safety and accessibility while remaining business friendly.

While we are pleased with this outcome, CHBA-ER remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating against the red tape and potential impact these changes could have on our industry. 

History

On April 6, 2021, the City of Edmonton introduced changes to the requirements for On-Street Construction and Maintenance (OSCAM) permits. Enforcement of these changes comes into effect on November 1, 2021.

Notable changes:

  • $25 daily OSCAM permits are now required for work which obstructs City road-right-of-way (including roads, sidewalks, lanes, and boulevards) for over one hour in duration
    • Previously, OSCAM permits were only required for work over four hours in duration
  • The City introduced a new Manual of Temporary Traffic Control
    • The Manual provides guidance on planning and implementing traffic controls where work interferes with travel on sidewalks, roads, or bike lanes
    • The appropriate level of traffic control is required at all times, regardless of whether an OSCAM permit is required
  • On September 29, the City gave a presentation to CHBA-ER members about the Temporary Traffic Control and the OSCAM Permit Process - click here to view the presentation.

OSCAM Permit Requirements

OSCAM permit requirements will vary depending on work that is required for each project. OSCAM permits are required in both infill and greenfield areas, regardless of whether a Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) has been issued.

To determine whether an OSCAM permit is required for your project, consult the OSCAM Permit Decision Matrix. The Matrix outlines when and where an OSCAM permit is required based on the location, duration, and type of work you will be conducting.


Generally, an OSCAM permit will be required for residential construction activities such as:

  • Demolition and excavation, where equipment obstructs road-right-of-way for over 1 hour
  • Concrete pours, where a concrete truck obstructs road-right-of-way for over 1 hour
  • Deliveries of materials which may require large equipment such as a crane which would obstruct road-right-of way for over 1 hour (ex: delivery of trusses, framing packages, etc.)

CHBA-ER encourages members to adjust work schedules where feasible to limit the number of daily OSCAM permits required for your project.


If you are unsure whether an OSCAM permit is required for your project, phone 780-442-6458 or email roaduse.permit@edmonton.ca.

Additional Requirements

OSCAM permits may also be required for other work reasons, including:

  • Temporary Crossing: A Temporary Crossing Permit (TCP) is required when motorized equipment will be crossing a boulevard or sidewalk to temporarily access the worksite. A TCP is not required where legal access to the property (i.e., a driveway) already exists. There is no fee for a TCP.
  • Tree Shrub Hoarding: If you are working within 5 meters of a City-owned tree, a Tree Protection Plan is also required. More information can be found
  • A Waste Bin, POD, or SeaCan Permit is required to place a commercial waste bin, POD, or SeaCan on City road-right-of-way. Note: As a result of CHBA-ER advocacy, the fee associated with this permit will be paused for 2021 to allow for further engagement with industry.

Applying for an OSCAM Permit

Builders are required to ensure that the necessary OSCAM permits have been obtained for their worksite as the Prime Contractor. However, OSCAM permitting system provides flexibility for Builders so that individual Subcontractors may apply for OSCAM permits based on the scope and scale of the work.


Applicants can apply for an OSCAM permit for a single worksite or multiple permits for worksites across multiple locations through the City’s Self Serve Portal. Separate permits will be issued for each location.


Average processing time is 2-6 business days. CHBA-ER encourages members to apply for OSCAM permits as early as possible.

The City recommends that a Transportation Management Plan be developed for each project. The Plan outlines when and how the work will impact traffic and the types of traffic controls that will be used to address these impacts. The City of Edmonton has created a Transportation Master Plan Template. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I need to change the details of my OSCAM permit due to scheduling changes or weather?       

Alterations to an existing OSCAM permit may generally be completed within one business day, however this is subject to the extent of the change requested and the volume of revision requested received by the City. Daily fees for an OSCAM permit will apply to the extended timelines accordingly.


How will OSCAM Fees be enforced?

OSCAM permits are enforced in response to citizen complaints. A fine of $250 may be issued for OSCAM-related offences under the City of Edmonton Traffic Bylaw 5590. Fines can be issued daily or a portion thereof. The Maximum fine is $10,000.

 

When do I need a $25/day OSCAM permit versus a Temporary Crossing permit?

When work obstructs a sidewalk, bike facility, parking lane, or travel lane for more than one hour, an OSCAM permit is required at a charge of $25/day. If this work also requires crossing a boulevard or roadway to access the worksite, you will also need a Temporary Crossing Permit which has no fee attached. If work requires crossing a boulevard or sidewalk, but does not obstruct City road-right-of-way, only a Temporary Crossing Permit is required.

 

If my worksite has a driveway, do I need an OSCAM permit?

If an existing legal crossing (i.e., a driveway) is present on your worksite, you do not require a Temporary Crossing Permit. However, if you are conducting work which will obstruct City road-right-of-way for more than 1 hour, an OSCAM permit is required.


Do you need an OSCAM permit in infill and greenfield communities?

Yes. OSCAM permits are required in both infill and greenfield communities. OSCAM permits are required regardless of whether FAC has been issued.