Lot Grading and Drainage

What is Lot Grading?

Proper lot grading helps direct water away from building foundations and toward appropriate drainage areas, reducing the risk of flooding and water damage. It is important that drainage from your property does not negatively impact neighbouring properties.

Flooding caused by heavy rainfall, spring snowmelt, or surface runoff can affect both residential and commercial properties, regardless of age. Whether your property is part of an older neighbourhood or a newer development, taking preventative measures and maintaining proper drainage can help protect your home, building, and surrounding property from water-related damage.

 

Property owners are responsible for maintaining lot grading on their property. If you have concerns about drainage or are planning grading work, contact the Operational Services Department to discuss the appropriate steps for your property.

What are Types of Drainage?

One-way drainage is a grading system that directs stormwater to flow in a single direction toward a designated drainage feature, such as a swale, ditch, or stormwater system. This helps prevent water from collecting near building foundations and minimizes the risk of flooding or drainage impacts on adjacent properties. Property owners should ensure that any alterations to their lot do not interfere with established drainage patterns.
Split drainage is a grading pattern where water flows in two directions from a high point on a property, directing runoff to approved drainage areas and away from building foundations.
Rear yard catch basins collect and direct stormwater from rear yards into the municipal drainage system, helping to prevent ponding and reduce the risk of flooding on private property.
Swales are shallow, grassed channels designed to safely direct stormwater away from properties and toward designated drainage areas, helping to prevent ponding and flooding.

What is Tay Township's Lot Grading Process?

Prior to application for a building permit, an individual lot grading plan shall be submitted.

A Lot Grading Plan designer must meet one of the following qualifications: Certified Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS), Professional Engineer (P. Eng.), a Landscape Architect (OALA) or a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) qualified in grading and drainage design. They shall design the Plan so that it conforms to all requirements of this Procedure

The Lot Grading Plan shall be reviewed by the Township for approval prior to a building permit being issued.

Lot grading deposits shall not be returned until all inspections have been completed and passed. 

Lot Grading & Drainage inspections address residential drainage as part of the residential subdivision process and private residential construction.

Tay Township
450 Park Street, PO Box 100
Victoria Harbour
ON L0K 2A0
Phone: 705-534-7248

Topanga Rowsell
Operational Services Assistant
705-534-7248 ext. 230
trowsell@tay.ca

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