Excavation

A permit is required to excavate land on private property. 

When do I need an excavation permit? 

An excavation permit is required for any work involving the digging or disturbing the ground. Common examples including installing a French drain, replacing or repairing water/sewer lines, and the construction of a retaining wall. 

How to apply for a permit 

1. Check the applicable regulations 

1. Construction work where excavation is needed with a permit is listed in Article 5.1.1., para. 1, subpara. 4, as well as Article 5.1.3 of the Construction By-law #2593 (PDF).  
2. Costs of permits and fees, including the damage deposit for public property, are listed in the Fee Schedule. 

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list and other regulations may apply. If you have any questions pertaining to these regulations, please book an appointment (link) to meet with a member of the Urban Planning Department. 

2. Required documents (all items in this list are mandatory) 

1. An itemized contractor’s cost estimate, listing the associated costs of all materials and labour for the project. 
2. If applicable, a structural report may be required (e.g., digging boreholes or driving of piles). 

NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by the permit agent. 

3. Submit a permit application 

1. After preparing the necessary documents, the permit application can be easily completed and submitted online.  
2. You will be provided a reference number following the submission of your application. 

4. Analysis of the permit application 

1. The Urban Planning Department will begin the analysis of your permit application as soon as all required information is submitted. 
2. If additional information is required, a staff member will contact you. 
3. If you have not received timely communication or updates regarding your permit application, we kindly ask you to send us an email at [email protected]. 
4. No work can begin until you receive a valid construction permit. 

5. Issuance and payment of the permit 

1. When the analysis of your permit application request is complete, you will receive an email with steps to pay for the permit. A permit will only be issued once the payment has been successfully received and processed. 
2. For excavation permits, there is a non-negotiable damage deposit listed in Article 2.3.9 of the Tariff By-law #2633. This deposit is returned once the City inspector concludes that no damage was done to public property. 
3. Once issued, the construction permit must be visible from the street in front of the property. 

6. Completion of work 

1. Throughout the construction process, the City inspector will visit the site to ensure for compliance with the work listed in the permit description and the applicable municipal by-laws. 
2. After the work is completed, please contact the designated inspector listed in the permit description. 

7. Reimbursement of damage deposit 

1. If the final inspection concludes that no damage was caused to public property, the reimbursement of the damage deposit will be issued within 6-8 weeks. For more information, please contact the Urban Planning Department ([email protected]). 

Have questions? Need assistance to apply for a permit? We are here to help!

Book an appointment to meet with the Urban Planning Department