LID Garden Design
Sustainable stormwater management through thoughtful landscape
Overview
Built around the realities of your site.
Low Impact Development (LID) garden design manages stormwater at its source — on your lot — rather than sending it straight to the storm sewer. The City of Edmonton encourages LID practices through its stormwater management guidelines, and in many cases LID features are required as part of a development permit. We design rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable landscaping that are functional, beautiful, and code-compliant.
Garden suites — also called coach houses, backyard suites, or laneway houses — are one of Edmonton's fastest-growing forms of gentle density. Following recent zoning changes, many residential lots now permit a garden suite on the rear portion of the lot, independent of the primary dwelling. These compact suites offer an income-generating or multigenerational living option without a second front-facing building.
LID design principles complement garden suite development by minimizing stormwater runoff, maximizing site permeability, and reducing pressure on Edmonton's municipal drainage infrastructure. We incorporate strategies such as permeable paving, landscaped bioswales, and green roofs where appropriate and required by the City.
Our garden suite designs are compact by necessity but never feel cramped. We prioritize ceiling heights, natural light, cross-ventilation, and efficient storage to create suites that are genuinely comfortable for year-round living in Edmonton's climate.
Who This Is For
Homeowners, developers, and builders required to include LID features as part of a development permit, or anyone interested in sustainable landscaping that reduces runoff and supports local ecology.
What You Receive
- →LID garden design and layout
- →Grading plan showing drainage direction
- →Rain garden or bioswale sizing calculations
- →Planting plan with native and adapted species
- →City of Edmonton LID compliance documentation
- →Integration with site and building permit drawings
How It Works
Site Hydrology Assessment
We assess your lot's drainage patterns, slope, soil conditions, and impervious surface area to determine the type and size of LID feature required.
LID Feature Design
We design the rain garden, bioswale, or permeable area — sized for your site's stormwater volume, integrated with the landscaping, and positioned for maximum effectiveness.
Planting Plan
We specify a planting plan using native or adapted species that thrive in Edmonton's climate and support the LID feature's water management function.
Documentation & Permit Integration
We prepare LID documentation for the City of Edmonton and integrate the design into your broader site and development permit drawings.
Common Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Let's talk about your project. Schedule a consultation and we'll take it from there.