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Lot Grading and Drainage Plans

When constructing a new home, addition, or certain outdoor features, proper lot grading and drainage protects your property and your neighbors from flooding, ponding, and water damage. Lot grading and drainage plans outline how water will drain from your property to prevent issues like basement leaks, soil erosion, and property disputes. 

  • New homes, including Additional Dwelling Units

  • Home additions 

  • Roofed-over decks and patios within side or rear yards 

  • Accessory structures larger than 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) (e.g. sheds) 

  • Basement walkouts located on side yards 

  • Uncovered decks without grading changes 

  • Pergolas or open-roof accessory structures 

  • Front yard porch additions or coverings 

  • Second-story additions (with no grading changes) 

  • Repairs (e.g. fire damage) with like-for-like replacement 

  • Structures built on piers, including additions, require a Lot Grading and Drainage Plan, plus the following: 

    • The surrounding site must be graded to ensure positive drainage 

    • Topsoil must be removed from the site 

    • New downspouts may be required 

    • The property’s stormwater runoff will be affected 

  • Structures built on slab-on-grade, including additions, require a Lot Grading and Drainage Plan, plus the following: 

    • The surrounding site must be graded to ensure positive drainage 

    • Topsoil must be removed from the site 

    • New downspouts may be required 

    • The property’s stormwater runoff will be affected

Lot grading complaints 

The City does not intervene in private drainage disputes; these are considered civil matters between property owners. 

Preparing a lot grading and drainage plan

All plans must follow the lot grading plan requirements, the City's Engineering Design Criteria and must be prepared and stamped by one of the following: 

  • Professional Engineer (P. Eng.)
  • Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.)
  • Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) 

Deposits and fees

A $2,000 deposit is required before a Building Permit is issued. 

$350 review fee is non-refundable.

$1,650 is refundable upon grading certification.  

Avoid installing fencing or landscaping until grading certification is complete to prevent costly adjustments.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain approved lot grading. 
  • Ensure water runoff does not damage neighbouring properties (owners may be held liable for changes). 

  • Follow the approved grading plan. 
  • Certify lot grading by a Professional Engineer. 
  • Repair any deficiencies before subdivision approval. 

  • Design overall subdivision drainage plans. 
  • Ensure each lot is properly graded before permit release. 
  • Hire an engineer to certify grading compliance. 

Contact Us

City of Orillia
50 Andrew Street South
Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7T5
Phone: 705-325-1311
Email us

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