Site Alterations
Site alteration activities shall be undertaken in compliance with the Town’s Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007 which prohibits and regulates site alterations on lands within the Town’s boundary limits that includes areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007 defines Site Alteration, as any activity that involves the dumping, grading, removing, movement or excavating of fill or soil.
When is a Permit not required?
A Site Alteration Permit is not required for any Site Alterations undertaken for the activities provided under the provision of the Exemption and Exception set out in Sections 4 and 5 of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007. Section 5.1(c) of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007 provides an Exception provision more specifically related to common types of site alteration activities for such purposes of lawn dressing, constructing a fence, pool or other accessory structure, landscaping or adding to flower beds or vegetable gardens, provided that:
-
the site alteration does not exceed 150 cubic metres, or approximately 15 dump truck loads;
-
the existing grade of the lands has not been increased pursuant to Section 5.1(c) of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007 in the previous twelve (12) months; and
-
the minimum standards set out in Section 8. 0 of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007 are complied with.
When is a Permit required?
Notwithstanding the provisions of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007, a property Owner may apply for a variance or exception to the prohibitions set out in in Section 3 of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007. The property Owner shall follow the application process and requirements based on the size and category of site alteration as follows:
|
Application Category |
Permit |
Agreement |
|
| 1 | Small Scale Site Alteration (less than 1,000m3) | Required | Not Required |
| 2 | Large Scale Site Alteration (1,000m3 or more) | Required | Required |
| 3 | Replacement of Topsoil for Agricultural Purposes | Required | Not Required |
It is recommended that property Owners review and become familiar with the Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007 together with the Site Alteration and Fill Permit Guidelines to determine personal and financial obligations when considering an Application for Site Alteration and Fill Permit. The Guidelines provide a greater overview to better understand the requirements of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007.
Site Alteration and Fill Permit Guidelines
Community Engagement
Complaints
Any concerns with site alteration and fill activities may be directed to the Town's Engineering Department via email.
Permit Application Notifications & Public Information Consultation Meetings
As per the provisions set out in Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2020-007, Applicants are required to post notice and signage on the property, distribute hand delivered notices and where applicable, host a Public Information Consultation Meeting. These provisions are intended to adequately notify neighbours and the general Community of application and an opportunity to provide input based on the size and category of site alteration as follows:
| Application Category | NOTICE Signage | NOTICE Hand Delivered | Public Meeting | |
| 1 | Small Scale Site Alteration (less than 1,000m3) | Required | Required | Not Required |
| 2 | Large Scale Site Alteration (1,000m3 or more) | Required | Required | Required |
| 3 | Replacement of Topsoil for Agricultural Purposes | Required | Required | Required |
Current Permit application notifications and scheduled Public meetings can be viewed on the Town’s Public Notices webpage.
| Site Alteration Permit Applications |
| 2022 Applications |