New Homes St. Albert to Face New Land-Use Bylaws

St. Albert is experiencing a shift in its real estate market, especially with the recent land use bylaw updates affecting new homes. With Pacesetter Homes leading the charge as Alberta’s top producer of single-detached homes, the demand for designs like zero-lot line (ZLL) properties is skyrocketing. This blog post goes over what zero-lot line homes are, the opportunities they present, and the implications of the city’s recent regulatory changes for prospective homeowners.

What’s a Zero Lot Line? And, What New Bylaws Are Being Introduced?

Zero-lot line homes are those where one side of the house is placed directly on (or near) the property line, eliminating the side yard setback on that side. This configuration allows builders to maximize the lot’s width, creating more space inside the home. Designing homes like this means building and buying bigger homes costs less. A ZLL property, typically around 22 feet wide, offers St. Albert families a more affordable option compared to standard lots. In Alberta, most standard lots require side setbacks of about 24 feet wide. This small change in lot width can reduce the home’s cost by nearly $30,000!

St. Albert’s new land use bylaw, which passed its second and third readings in October 2024, maintained its old regulations that limit zero-lot line homes to no more than 25% of properties in any new neighbourhood. This ruling received push-back as developers believe that the cap restricts consumer choice. According to Pacesetter Homes and Sparta Developments, this decision may drive some buyers to neighbouring communities where ZLL options are more available. Dave Armstrong of Pacesetter Homes argues that the cap could be detrimental to affordability and accessibility.

Developers are advocating for increased flexibility in home widths to meet demand better. While a 24-foot lot may be standard, a slightly narrower 22-foot zero-lot line lot can better accommodate various budgets without compromising functionality. There’s also a call to permit narrower townhomes, with some builders suggesting a reduction in minimum home width from 16 feet to 12 feet.

Contact us About New Homes St. Albert, Today!

If you’re considering a move to new homes St. Albert, now is an ideal time to explore the options available. Zero-lot line homes and townhouses are popular choices for first-time homebuyers looking to get their feet on the property ladder with affordable, new real estate. Contact a local REALTOR® to discuss available properties and see how St. Albert’s innovative home designs can fit your lifestyle and budget. Be sure to check out my social media for the latest updates and more.