Lot Grading

What is Lot Grading?

Lot Grading consists of sloping the land within a lot in order to direct the flow of surface water away from buildings and towards a suitable outlet where water can be discharged safely without affecting the subject property and surrounding properties. 

Who is subject to Lot Grading?

The Township of South Stormont requires all new lots created by plan of subdivision, and all lots that are subject to Site Plan Control will have a Lot Grading Plan. Further, where concerns and/or issues have been identified that warrant lot grading controls and are deemed necessary by the Director of Development Services or designate, existing lots of record and/or new lots created by consent may require a Lot Grading Plan. Property owners are required to maintain the integrity of lot drainage of their property in accordance with the most current Approved Lot Grading Plan. 

Where should I start?

Once you are advised if you are subject to Lot Grading control during the permit application process, your first step will be to obtain all the relevant Lot Grading documents from the Township regarding Lot Grading. This includes the Legal Plan, the originally Approved Subdivision Grading Plan or Approved Site Plan, and As-Built Grading Plans of the abutting lots if applicable.

Once those documents are obtained, you will need to retain a Lot Grading Professional (LGP) experienced in lot grading design to prepare an individual Lot Grading Plan for your lot(s). A LGP may be a professional engineer (P.Eng), engineer in training, environmental technologist, C.E.T, architect, architectural technologist, Ontario land surveyor or a company providing these services.

If no originally Approved Subdivision or Site Grading Plan has been established or the owner/applicant chooses to deviate from the originally Approved Subdivision or Site Grading Plan, the owner/applicant will be required to submit a Lot Grading Plan prepared by a P.Eng accompanied by a P.Eng opinion letter for Township review and approval. 

What happens Next?

Upon completion of construction and lot grading the owner/applicant must submit an As-built Lot Grading Plan and Certification prepared by a LGP or P.Eng if applicable certifying that the grading on the lot is in general conformance with the originally Approved Grading Plan.

Is there a cost to have my Lot Grading Plan reviewed?

No, however, a lot grading deposit outlined in the Fees and Charges By-Law (tag the By-Law) is required at the time of building permit application to ensure the Township receives a satisfactory Lot Grading Plan Certificate indicating satisfactory completion of the grading and drainage works. Extensions may also be granted on an individual basis.