Building By-law No. 2005-303

Municipal By-laws

Development Charges

Why is lot grading important?

How do you Grade?

Good Drainage Makes for Good Neighbours

Why is lot grading important?

• It ensures surface drainage is directed away from all buildings to a proper outlet.
• Potential flooding is greatly reduced.
• Neighbouring properties are protected.

Failure to comply with existing by-laws can result in corrective action or a fine by the City of Ottawa.

What can improper grading do?

Improper grading contributes to:

• poor surface drainage;
• pooling of water;
• foundation settlement or damage;
• basement dampness or flooding - which can produce mould, be a health hazard and can reduce property value.

Alterations to the grading of an existing property, such as the installation of a pool or a landscape change to a homeowner’s yard, can disrupt the original, approved drainage pattern. This may cause rainwater or melting snow to accumulate or be redirected towards adjacent properties. This can also result in complaints from the adjacent property owner to the City.

What can you do?

• Ensure that a new hedge, fence, landscaping, pool or renovation to your home does not alter the existing drainage.
• Lot drainage systems such as swales or catch basins are designed to direct water away from the home. To ensure proper drainage is not restricted, leaves and other debris should be removed from catch basin covers in the spring and fall, as well as snow and ice in the early spring.
• Swales are not to be filled, piped or obstructed by any structure or landscaping feature such as sheds, gardens, etc.
• In locations where there are abutting properties, maintaining the original grade is important as it was designed to convey surface drainage. Many surface drainage problems occur along the side lot lines between two houses, where the houses are in close proximity. Altering this grade may result in ponding or flooding to abutting properties.
• Ensure downspouts from roofs discharge at grade onto a splash pad at least one metre away from the building. Never direct downspouts towards adjacent properties.
• Pool discharge should not be directed to catch basins. Chlorine negatively affects creeks and rivers, as well as the environment.

Need more Information?

Should you require any further information about City of Ottawa By-Law 2007-398 regarding lot grading and drainage, please contact a Client Service Representative at 3-1-1.

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