Urban design guidelines

Urban design guidelines help builders create developments that fit in with Winnipeg neighbourhoods.

Site plan approval

Some developments need approval of a detailed site plan and building drawings (plan approval). It may be required by:

View the submission requirements for plan approvals in the plan approval/design review application form.

Plan approval/design review application form (PDF, 165KB)

Plans are reviewed to make sure the design and following items fit the site and surrounding area:

  • Proposed buildings
  • Building elevations
  • Accessory parking areas
  • Private approaches
  • Garbage enclosures
  • Fencing
  • Landscaping
  • Signage
  • Lighting

 

Downtown

Downtown development is also subject to urban design review.

Further direction is provided by the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines. The principles found in these guidelines provide the basis for design review decisions.

View the submission requirements for a downtown design review application requirements.

Urban (downtown) design review application form (PDF, 172KB)

View more detailed information on the Downtown Design Review process 

 

Small-Scale and Low-Rise Residential Development Guidelines for Mature Communities

These guidelines help builders make multi-family units that fit into older neighbourhoods.

View the guidelines

The guidelines are for more than five units and up to four storeys. This includes:

  • New construction
  • Redevelopment
  • Expansion of multi-development

Guidelines apply to anything that needs a development application. This includes rezoning, subdivision/rezoning, variance, and conditional use. It’s also a good idea to use the guidelines for other types of projects.

 

Other design guidelines

Some areas in Winnipeg have their own design guidelines. These are part of the Winnipeg Zoning By-law.

 

Design options

Applicants may suggest a different design if it still meets the goals of the guidelines. Alternatives are reviewed to allow flexibility for unique site conditions or nearby land uses. They must not reduce the amount or quality of landscaping, fencing, screening, lighting, or other key features.

An alternative design must:

  • meet the intent of the guidelines.
  • provide the same or greater benefit to the community.
  • have no more impact on neighbouring properties than following the original guidelines.
  • achieve the intent of the design standards to the same or better degree.
  • result in benefits to the community that are equivalent to or better than strict compliance with the relevant design standard.
  • impose no greater impact adjacent properties than would occur through strict compliance with the design standard.
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