Site Alteration
The new Site Alteration By-law 031-2024 authorizes the City to create a new regulatory framework to address and monitor site alteration and the movement of fill, including excess soil.
Applicant resource page for site alteration permit requirements and processes.
Site Alteration By-law 031-2024
The new Site Alteration By-law 031-2024 authorizes the City to create a new regulatory framework to address and monitor site alteration and the movement of fill, including excess soil. This modern framework includes:
- New permit administrative processes to ensure timely issuance and completion of work.
- Permit requirements that incorporate provincial excess soil regulations.
- Enhanced monitoring, inspection, and enforcement authority to address non-compliance, including Administrative Monetary Penalties.
- New financial measures to provide the city with better cost recovery for repeated and continued non-compliance.
A site alteration permit is required for any site alteration that will alter the grade of land through the removal or placement of topsoil, fill or excess soil. The site alteration must follow all applicable municipal by-laws, including the Zoning By-law 001-2021, as amended. Please refer to the Site Alteration By-law 031-2024 for permit exemptions.
Site Alteration Complaints
Please contact the Development Engineering Department to report a site alteration complaint or concern.
Residential Properties
The Site Alteration By-law is not applicable to individual residential properties as it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the grading of their property. Landscaping and construction projects on residential properties are to be carried out by homeowners without disrupting the grading of their property. Most residential construction projects require a grading permit to ensure compliance with city’s grading criteria. Any adverse impacts to adjacent residential properties are a civil matter, which the City does not get involved with.
Site Alteration Permit Requirements
Listed below are resources and submission requirements for site alteration permit applications. Should you have any questions regarding the permit requirements, please contact the Development Engineering Department.
- Applicant Guide for Site Alteration Permits: Resource for Permit Requirements & Processes
- Online Portal Permit
- Agent Authorization Form
- Landowner Authorization template letter
- Landowner Authorization template letter - Temporary
- On-Site and Excess Soil Regulation O.Reg.406 Acknowledgment
- Tree Protection and Removal Requirements
- Erosion and Sediment Control Measures & Grading Plan Checklist
- Letter of Credit template
Standard Certificate of Insurance template