Site Alterations

Site alteration activities shall be undertaken in compliance with the Town of New Tecumseth’s Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2024-116 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 2024-116 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 2024-116. Section 5.1(c) of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2024-116 provides an Exception provision more specifically related to common site alteration activities for such purposes of property maintenance or minor enhancements which includes adding to flower beds, vegetable gardens, lawn dressing, driveway topping/capping or construction of a fence, pool, pond, landscaping or other accessory structures, provided that:

  • the site alteration does not exceed 50 cubic metres, or approximately 5 dump truck loads on properties located within the urban settlement boundaries;

  • the site alteration does not exceed 300 cubic metres, or approximately 30 dump truck loads on properties located outside the urban settlement boundaries;

  • the existing grade of the lands has not been increased pursuant to Section 5.1(c) of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2024-116 in the previous twelve (12) months; and

  • the minimum standards set out in Section 8. 0 of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2024-116  are complied with.

Refer to the By-law for complete Exemption and Exception details.

When is a Permit required?

Notwithstanding the provisions of Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2024-116, 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 2024-116. 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 2024-116 together with the Site Alteration and Fill Permit Guidelines to determine the feasibility of the site alteration proposal 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 2024-116.

Site Alteration and Fill Permit Guidelines

Guidelines

Site Alteration and Fill Permit Guidelines

 Appendicies

Appendix A - Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2024-116

Appendix A.1 - Schedule A - Town Boundary Limits

Appendix A.2 - Schedule B - Oak Ridges Moraine EP Zones

Appendix B - Fees & Charges By-Law

Appendix C - Application Template

Appendix D - Conditions Template

Appendix E - Plan Template

Appendix F - Submission Details & Requirements

Appendix G - Signage Requirements

Appendix H - Sign Posting Declaration

Appendix I - Public Information Meeting Notice

Appendix J - Order to Disclose Activity Template

Appendix K - Administrative Process Flow Chart

Appendix L - Tree & Natural Vegetation By-Law

Appendix M - MECP Rules for Soil Management and Soil Quality Standards

Appendix N - Town Accessible Information and Communication Policy

Appendix O - Guide to Creating Accessible Documents

Community Engagement

 Complaints

 Any concerns with site alteration and fill activities may be directed to the Town's Engineering and Development Department via email. 

Permit Application Notifications & Public Information Consultation Meetings

As per the provisions set out in Site Alteration and Fill By-law 2024-116, 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