FAQs
- Fines (per offense or per day of violation).
- Corrective action orders to restore altered sites.
- Legal enforcement for severe cases.
- O. Reg. 406/19 (Excess Soil): Ensures proper soil quality and prohibits contaminated fill. Conservation Authorities Act:
- Requires permits for work near watercourses and wetlands.
- Environmental Protection Act: Prevents illegal dumping and soil contamination.
What happens with alterations that were done before the implementation of the proposed by-law?
The site alteration by-law will not apply to modifications made before its implementation. However, this exemption does not extend to other applicable by-laws or regulations.
What projects will require a permit?
Category | Volume | Area | Grade Change | Examples |
Exempt | Less than 10 m³ | Less than 500 m² | Less than 0.15 m | Gardening, topdressing |
Minor Alteration | 10–30 m³ | Up to 500 m² | Greater than 0.15 m | Pool installation, landscaping |
Intermediate | 30–500 m³ | 500–5,000 m² | Greater than 0.15 m | Parking lot construction, commercial |
Major | Greater than 500 m³ | Greater than 5,000 m² | Any | Subdivisions, large development sites |
How will I know if my proposed landscaping project or shed location is blocking a drainage route?
Subdivisions are designed with engineered swales, typically along property lines, to direct water away from building foundations. To preserve these drainage systems, the proposed by-law would require a permit for any grade alterations exceeding 0.15m in elevation or occurring within 0.60m (2 feet) of a property line. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, consulting with city staff is recommended for clarification.
How would the by-law be enforced?
For exempted works, it remains the property owner's responsibility to ensure compliance with the by-law. If a violation is identified, city staff will notify the property owner of the required corrective action and/or issue an administrative order in accordance with the Administrative Penalty System (AMP) By-law 20-073.
How much will permits cost?
Category | Base Fee | Per Hectare Rate | Per Hectare Cap |
Minor | $300 | N/A | N/A |
Intermediate | $1,000 | $1,000 | N/A |
Major | $1,500 | $1,000 | $20,000 |
How will compliance be monitored and enforced, and what are the penalties for non-compliance?
Compliance will be ensured through permit conditions, bylaw officer inspections, public reporting of violations, and collaboration with conservation authorities.
Penalties for non-compliance may include:
These measures deter unauthorized site alterations, ensure environmental restoration, and allow municipalities to act at the violator’s expense if necessary.
Will this bylaw create duplication of submission efforts for developers?
No, the documentation required for a Site Alteration Permit is the same as what is already needed for Development Approval. There is no duplication of submission efforts; however, some documents may need to be submitted earlier if rough grading is desired before full development approvals are issued.
Does this bylaw add unnecessary red tape? With the housing shortage, could it slow development or deter investment?
No, this bylaw can in many cases speed up development by allowing rough grading to begin before full approvals are issued. By ensuring all developers, consultants, and contractors follow the same clear standards, it creates a more predictable and efficient approval process. It also helps prevent costly environmental issues that could lead to project shutdowns, and remediation efforts, promotes fair competition, and provides consistent project planning guidelines. Rather than hindering development, this bylaw streamlines the process, significantly reduces risks, and helps projects move forward faster and more smoothly while safeguarding the City's environmental and infrastructure interests.
How does this bylaw interact with existing municipal and provincial regulations?
This bylaw complements, rather than replaces, existing regulations. It fills gaps in oversight on grading, infill, and excavation while aligning with provincial laws such as:
It strengthens local enforcement, ensures compliance with environmental protection laws, and promotes consistency across the municipality.