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1. I had my grading approved, and the neighbours construction/grading damaged mine. Who is responsible for fixing it?

It is your obligation to maintain the lot grading in perpetuity regardless of natural settlement or activity caused by yourself or damage by a 3rd party. 

Property owners are required to ensure that others do not trespass and damage grading on your private property. The Town of Slave Lake is unable to enforce or police such actions or determine cause or fault. That would require a civil action suit against the offending party or you as the owner should consult with the offending party and advise of the damage. You may also wish to consult with the Builder's Warranty program if damage by a 3rd party is covered.

2. Does the Town of Slave Lake provide Lot Grading Certificates?

No. An Alberta land surveyor and/or an engineer can produce the lot grading certificate.  

3. How much topsoil do I need to get final grade?

As a general rule, the acceptable amount of topsoil that should be placed on top of the rough grade is about 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches), and you should follow the same slopes that your Builder has established for the rough grade.  

4. Can I use washed rock, decorative rock, or bark chips to bring the land up to final grade?

No. If you are placing rock mulch or bark mulch, the clay base (rough grade) should be raised to the final grade level before placing any decorative material. The grade should be raised with clay, topsoil, or compacted “road crush” gravel. This is important for internal swales.

5. Do I need to book an appointment for an inspection?

No. An appointment is not necessary.

6. Do I need to be present for the inspection?

No. A  lot grading letter will be provided to the land owner shortly after the inspection. Should there be any corrective actions noted in the letter, a deadline will be provided to correct the lot grading deficiencies, and another lot grading inspection will be required.  You can call 780-849-8004  to discuss items on the letter.

7. Can I meet the Lot Grading Inspector on site?

Yes. However, workload volumes make it difficult for the lot grading inspectors to schedule meetings, since they're usually arranged on short notice. If arranged in advance, the inspector may be able to call a half-hour before arriving on site. You can request a meeting by calling 780-849-8004. 

8. Can I plant flowers and flower beds before the inspector comes out?

It is the recommendation of the Town of Slave Lake Lot Grading Inspector, that you do not plant flowers, or install flower beds until after the inspector has conducted your lot grading inspection.

9. How long do I have to fix the deficiencies?

In your Lot Grading Letter a timeline will be outlined for the correction of any outstanding deficiencies.. If an inspection occurs late in the season, the due date for correction is automatically adjusted to the following year.

10. How do I fix the deficiencies?

You need to adjust the grade levels where indicated on the lot grading letter. You can call 780-849-8004 for an explanation, or inquire in person at the Town of Slave Lake Office (Located at 10 Main Street S.W.) or refer to the Guide to Lot Grading handbook.

Some repairs may be as simple as adding some topsoil to a low area, or as complex as removing sod and lowering the soil to repair a high area.

You may also wish to consult a lot grading specialist. 

11. What happens if I have laid down sod and the Inspection fails? Do i have to rip up all the sod?

No. If the inspector finds a concern or problem with the final grade, he or she will identify the deficiency and specify the location on the lot grading inspection letter.. Only the specified location requires improvement, and may require the removal of sod to correct the deficiency. 

12. Is there a charge for lot grading inspections or re-inspections?

No there is no costs for the first two lot grading inspections. However any lot grading inspections thereafter are at a charge of $125.00 per inspection.  

13. I have my grading ready for inspection, and then it rained. My grading is damaged/settled. Am I required to fix it?

Yes. Any settlement should be repaired. However, you don't need to reschedule the inspection. The inspector will identify the areas that require your attention. Your grading will not usually fail for minor rain damage, such as erosion channels at the downspout locations.

14. How early or late in the season does the Town of Slave Lake do lot grading inspections?

The Town must be able to inspect the lot grades and compare the Lot Grading Certificate with the physical site conditions before we can issue a letter with respect to compliance. 

As such, inspections will not be conducted during winter months due to frost and snow i.e. Nov 1st to May 31st . The process of frost heaving can alter the overall appearance of your lot, therefore leading to a misrepresentation of your actual grades.