Site Alterations

On July 10th, 2024, City Council repealed the Fill By-law 143-95 and Topsoil By-law 30-92 and enacted a new comprehensive Site Alteration By-law 119-2024. The new By-law creates a regulatory framework for site alterations in the City of Brampton. Site alterations are an essential aspect of land development and various routine human activities such as property enhancements but require authorization from the City through a permit.

Site alterations involve importing, placing, dumping, moving, or exporting fill, or altering the grade of land. Fill is any material placed on land, including soil, stone, concrete, asphalt, sod, or turf.

When undertaking Site Alterations within the City of Brampton, work must adhere to the City of Brampton Engineering Standard Specifications, including Environmental Protection; Site Grading; Excavation, Trenching and Backfilling; Site Topsoil and Finish Grading.

Site Alteration Permits

A Site Alteration Permit is required for most activities that will alter the grade and/or existing drainage pattern of land through the movement, removal, or placement of fill (Formerly, a Fill and Grading Permit). Site Alteration permit applications are processed online. To apply, send your completed application to roa.permits@brampton.ca.

Types of Site Alteration Permits:

Small Scale Site Alteration Permit
Large Scale Site Alteration Permit
Subdivision or Site Plan Site Alteration Permit (Projects subject to Site Plan Control Subdivision Agreements)

A Site Alteration Permit:

Prevents drainage issues, public nuisances, erosion and sedimentation
Prevents interference and damage to watercourses or water bodies
Prevents discharge of contaminants into the natural environment
Preserves soil, surface water, and ground water quality
Designates haul routes to minimize road damage and disturbances
Minimizes disturbances to landform characteristics
Prevents the importation of hazardous materials

The City may enforce compliance to ensure the work being done matches the design that was approved for the Site Alteration Permit.

Small Scale Site Alteration Permits (In effect July 10, 2024)

Small Scale Site Alterations are alterations that involve less than one thousand cubic metres (1,000 m3) of fill within a twelve (12) month period and the total area of the property subject to the site alteration (excluding all buildings, structures, and fixed features) does not exceed one hectare (1ha). This includes the installation of an in-ground swimming pool.

Small Scale Site Alteration Permit Application (Fillable PDF Form)

Large Scale Site Alteration Permits (In effect November 1, 2024)

Large Scale Site Alterations are alterations that involve more than one thousand cubic metres (1,000 m3) of fill within a twelve (12) month period or where the elevation of the site significantly increases or decreases from the existing grade and the project is not subject to a development application or agreement process.

Where the proposed project is subject to Site Plan Control or Subdivision Agreements, a Subdivision or Site Plan Site Alteration Permit, and Agreement will be administered through the Site Plan Approval or Subdivision Agreement process.

Large Scale Site Alteration Permit Checklist (Coming November 2024)
Large Scale Site Alteration Permit Application (Coming November 2024)

Site Alterations That Do Not Require a Permit

The Site Alteration By-law is not applicable to most minor landscaping projects on residential properties. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the grading of their property and ensure that landscaping projects do not alter an existing drainage pattern or system, or cause ponding on adjacent lands.

If you are not sure whether your project requires a permit, or which permit application applies to you, contact roa.permits@brampton.ca.

Fees

Fees are collected in accordance with the User Fee By-law 380-2003.

Additional Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fill?: Fill may include soil, subsoil, topsoil, stone, sod, turf, clay, sand, gravel, or other similar material, either singly or in combination, capable of being removed from or deposited onto a property.
Can an agent or contractor apply for a Site Alteration Permit on a property owner's behalf?: The property owner is responsible for submitting a Small-Scale Permit Application. An agent or representative of the property owner (with written owner’s consent) can apply for a large scale site alteration on their behalf.
Can I renew my Site Alteration Permit before it expires?: Yes, a permit can be renewed within three months before the date of expiry upon the submission of a written request to the Commissioner of Public Works accompanied by the required Fee, provided that the proposed work which was the subject of the Permit has not been revised.
What am I required to submit with my permit application?: The required studies and documents will depend on the scope and scale of the proposed work and may vary from site to site. The permit application checklist and Schedule 2 of the By-law provide a list of documents generally required but may be amended at the discretion of the Commissioner of Public Works and Engineering as needed.
I am performing minor residential landscape work, what should I know before I begin?: Before starting any landscaping or regrading project, ensure the contractor understands your property's established drainage pattern and consult the City of Brampton to avoid altering the required drainage channels.You may submit a request through the building portal to see if lot drainage plans are available for your property. Lot grading on private property is the property owner's responsibility, and the City does not fund remediation of private surface drainage problems.
What should I do if my neighbour causes drainage problems on my property?: When a drainage problem arises between private properties, communication with your neighbour is the best first step as they may not realize there’s a problem. If you are not sure what is causing the problem, you should contact a professional engineer, reputable landscaper, or foundation drainage expert. The City of Brampton does not get involved in resolving disputes between neighbours.
What if I am filling in or removing an in-ground pool?: You are only required to obtain a permit if the existing grade of your property is being changed. It is recommended that the floor of concrete pools be broken, and all vinyl, plastic, and metal be removed to allow for proper drainage.
What if I am installing a new inground swimming pool?: In addition to a Site Alteration Permit, a pool enclosure permit is also required. For more information, visit the Pool Guidelines page. Applicants installing an in-ground pool will be required to show the existing and proposed surface water drainage. Soakaway pits, infiltration trenches, subdrains, etc. are not accepted as a replacement for existing or proposed swales and/or catch basins.

Contacts

Public Works and Engineering (Small Scale Site Alterations)

Williams Parkway Operations Centre - 1975 Williams Parkway Brampton, Ontario L6S 6E5
905.874.2000
roads@brampton.ca

Environment and Development Engineering (Large Scale Site Alterations)

City Hall - 2 Wellington Street West Brampton, ON L6Y 4R2
905.874.2000
environment@brampton.ca

Planning and Development (Site Plan and Subdivision Site Alteration Permits)

City Hall - 2 Wellington Street West Brampton, ON L6Y 4R2
905.874.2000
planning.development@brampton.ca

Service Brampton Available 24/7

3-1-1 (Within city limits)
905.874.2000 (Outside city limits)
905.874.2130 (Teletypewriter or Text Telephone)
Download the 311 Brampton app on Google Play or the App Store
311@brampton.ca
Or visit a Service Brampton location in-person during regular business hours