GRADING PLANS - SITE GRADING DRAINAGE PLANS

Site Grading (Lot Grading) Plan, Drainage Plan
Our Licensed Professional Engineers specializing in Engineered Site Grading (Lot Grading) offer Engineered Site Grading Plans (Lot Grading Plans), Drainage and Erosion/Sediment/Siltation Control Plans based on a detailed topographical survey to obtain site plan approval and building permits in Ontario including Toronto (City of Toronto), Hamilton (City of Hamilton), Oshawa (City of Oshawa), Pickering (City of Pickering), Clarington (Municipality of Clarington), Ajax (Town of Ajax), Whitby (Town of Whitby), Brock (Township of Brock), Scugog (Township of Scugog), Uxbridge (Township of Uxbridge), Burlington (City of Burlington), Halton Hills (Town of Halton Hills), Milton (Town of Milton), Oakville (Town of Oakville), Brampton (City of Brampton), Mississauga (City of Mississauga), Caledon (Town of Caledon), Vaughan (City of Vaughan), Aurora (Town of Aurora), East Gwillimbury (Town of East Gwillimbury), Georgina (Town of Georgina), Markham (City of Markham), Newmarket (Town of Newmarket), Richmond Hill (City of Richmond Hill), Whitchurch - Stouffville (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville), King (Township of King), Bradford-West Gwillimbury (Town of Bradford-West Gwillimbury), Brighton (Municipality of Brighton), Quinte West (City of Quinte West), Peterborough (City of Peterborough), Selwyn (Town of Selwyn), Kawartha Lakes (City of Kawartha Lakes), North Kawartha (Town of North Kawartha), Minden Hills (Town of Minden Hills), St. Catharines (City of St. Catharines), Wainfleet (Town of Wainfleet), Niagara on the Lake (Town of Niagara on the Lake), Brant (County of Brant), Guelph (City of Guelph), Centre Wellington (Town of Centre Wellington), Orangeville (Town of Orangeville), Shelburne (Town of Shelburne), New Tecumseth (Town of New Tecumseth), Essa (Town of Essa), Collingwood (Town of Collingwood), Wasaga Beach (Town of Wasaga Beach), Barrie (City of Barrie), Midland (Town of Midland), Orillia (City of Orillia), Ramara (Town of Ramara), Woodstock (City of Woodstock), Woolwich (Town of Woolwich), Waterloo (City of Waterloo), Cambridge (City of Cambridge), Kitchener (City of Kitchener).

Having vast experience in municipal engineering design, we offer effective, innovative, and cost-efficient Engineered Site Grading Plans (Lot Grading Plans), Drainage Plans, Erosion & Sediment Control Plans, and Site Servicing Plans based a topographical survey to our clients. Our team's proficiency in conceptualizing Engineered Site Grading, Drainage, Erosion/Sediment/Siltation Control designs, and plans in accordance with our clients' requirements has made us very successful. Our licensed professional engineers prepare thorough, detailed, and clear Site Grading Plans (Lot Grading Plans), Drainage Plans, Erosion / Sediment / Siltation Control Plans, and Site Servicing Plans based on a topogrphical survey to suit our client's needs while also adhering to the design requirements of the municipality/conservation authority and submit to the municipality for review and approval to obtain site plan approvals and building permits.

Combining our knowledge in Municipal Engineering, extensive experience in Lot Grading plans, Drainage plans, Erosion/Sediment Control plans, and expertise in innovative unique, distinctive & cost-effective designs, our engineers offer the perfect solution to our clients. Since our licensed Professional Engineers certify the site grading (lot grading), drainage and erosion, and sediment control plans and drawings they are filing for site plan approval, and building permits are in compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Municipal By-laws, and Regional Government Authority Requirements, the municipal plan review process for Site Plan Approval and Building Permit is always much faster.

We prepare lot grading plans based on detailed topographical survey

•  To ensure that positive storm draining is achieved according to Municipal Standards
• To ensure that the proposed grading will not adversely affect abutting lots or cause water to accumulate around the proposed construction.
• To ensure tree preservation is achieved as may be required
  

The grading design for residential lots shall be as follows:

   Lots including drainage ditches, swales, and boulevards shall be completely top-soiled and sodded with a minimum depth of 200 mm of topsoil and Number 1 grade Turfgrass Nursery Sod; quality and source to comply with standards outlined in Canadian Nursery Landscape Association – Canadian Standards for Nursery Stock – latest edition.
   A minimum depth of 750 mm of topsoil shall be provided in designated tree-planting trenches
   Minimum yard slope= 2%; Maximum yard slope = 5%
   Minimum driveway slope = 2%; all driveways must slope away from the dwelling units; Maximum driveway slope = 8%
   Front yards and driveways of residential lots shall be graded to drain toward the street
   A maximum grade between houses in any direction shall be 3 horizontal: 1 vertical
   Any required 3:1 slope shall commence at least 5 m from the rear wall of any dwelling unit
   To provide access to rear yards, a minimum 0.60 m wide flat access strip (at 2%) shall be provided along at least one side of the building where side yard setback permits (usually along the garage side or side door entrance). This may not be possible for some walkouts in which case 3 : 1 slope, as per municipal criteria shall be used
   A minimum of 0.15 m shall be provided between the highest lot grade adjacent to the house and the top of the foundation wall
   Clear stone, rather than topsoil and sod, shall be required for combined side yards between two buildings that are 1.20 m or less. For side yards greater than 1.2 m, clear stone may be required at the discretion of the Municipality.   
   Rear yards that drain through abutting lower back-to-front type lots are permitted where:
   ➢ A maximum of four rear yards or 0.1 ha may drain to a single swale
   ➢ Sufficient fall shall be available between the adjacent streets to achieve desired grades for swales and yards
   ➢ Cut-off swales along the rear lot lines shall direct runoff from the upper lots into the lower lot side yard swales

Proposed and existing elevations shall be shown at all lot corners as a minimum. Additional grading information shall be provided as per municipal standards.

Swales
   

• Minimum Longitudinal slope = 2%; Maximum Longitudinal slope = 5%
• Side slopes= maximum 3 horizontal to 1 vertical
• Location of swales= as per Municipal Standar
• Rear Yard Swale To Rear Lot Catch Basin:
     ➢ Maximum swale depth= 300 mm
     ➢ Minimum swale depth = 150 mm
     ➢ Maximum length of rear yard swale shall be 4 lots width or 50 m whichever is less
• Minimum Side Yard Swale Depth = 150 mm; 
• Maximum Side Yard Swale Depth = 250 mm
     

Driveways are not permitted as outlets for drainage swales

The existing and proposed elevations shall relate to a geodetic benchmark. Grading shall be performed so as to preserve existing trees, where possible. A 0.6 m minimum undisturbed strip shall be maintained along all sides and rear lot boundaries. During infill construction, siltation control methods shall be undertaken around the lot perimeter to prevent erosion and sedimentation on adjacent lots. Grades shall be compatible with adjacent road grades, abutting lots, and any proposed local improvements

The capacity and alignment of boundary swales shall not adversely affect adjacent lots. The contractor must perform all necessary works to ensure that no surface drainage problems are created on or adjacent to private or public lots because of their development. Site Grading Plans shall generally be prepared at a scale acceptable to the municipality unless clarity of presentation dictates otherwise. The following information shall be shown on each Lot Grading Plan:

   Road layout including curbs, sidewalks, and centre-line road elevations
   Above-ground services including curbs, sidewalks, catchbasins, valves, hydrants, light poles, transformers, utility pedestals, and other street furniture
   Service connections (Water, Sanitary, Storm) lateral invert elevations at the street line
   Finished first-floor elevations of adjacent properties and adjacent land uses/grading
   Existing trees to be preserved
   Proposed elevations for lot corners, swale inverts and intermediate points of grade change at reasonable intervals along the boundaries of the lot to illustrate the drainage of the lot in relation to the surrounding lots and buildings
   Side yard swale inverts opposite each corner of the unit
   For front draining lots, the rear yard swale invert elevation shall also be shown at the high point. This elevation shall be a minimum of 0.15 m below the grade adjacent to the rear entrance
   The direction of surface water runoff shall be shown by an arrow
   Grate and invert elevations of all rear yard catchbasins
   Proposed fencing including acoustical, privacy and flankage fencing
   Proposed building location, including porches and steps/stairs
   House elevations including the finished first floor, basement slab, and underside of footing
   Engineered fill and extended footing information, where required
   Sill elevations at side entrances where elevation differs from the finished first-floor
   The number of risers at each entrance to the dwelling
   Elevation at the centre of the driveway at the street line as well as the garage entrance elevation
   Proposed retaining walls with proposed spot elevations indicated at the top and bottom of the wall
   Driveway grades
   Existing spot elevations within the lot, minimum 5 m outside the lot boundaries, on abutting public streets, and at a minimum of 10 m intervals within the lot. Include the doorstep elevation and finished floor elevations of adjacent lots
   Identification of any existing swales, ditches, culverts, creeks, watercourses, ravines, and drainage easements/routes complete with elevations, inverts, and arrows indicating the surface draining direction
   Arrows indicating the direction of surface drainage on all proposed paved, granular, and grassed areas and the slope (between 2% and 5%)
   Must maintain a minimum 0.60 m undisturbed strip around the perimeter of the site wherever it abuts adjacent lots
   Proposed spot elevations at all high/low points of side yard swales, top and bottom of slopes, all changes in gradient, top and bottom of retaining walls (to be a minimum of 0.60 m away from the lot line), building corners, etc.
   A minimum of 0.1 m shall be provided between the highest lot grade adjacent to the building and the top of the foundation wall
   Cross-section details of swales, if different from the standard 0.15 m depth with 3:1 slopes on both sides
   Proposed roof downspout locations and direction of flow
   Locations of any regulatory flood lines or development limit lines (i.e. setback and slope stability limits) For rural sites: location of septic tanks, the outline of tile beds, wells, and holding tanks for fire fighting
   Proposed locations for all tree protection zones (if applicable). The drawing shall include municipal tree preservation standards.
   Details on proposed vehicular entrances to the residence (including elevations at the garage and lot line, driveway slope between 2% and 8%). Show the limit of the garage door opening. Ensure minimum offset of 1.2 m to boulevard furniture (light and utility poles, pedestals, transformers, hydrants, mailboxes, trees, bus shelters) in existing development along right of way to remain unchanged
   Proposed curb and sidewalk depression locations and re-installation of curb, by the municipality at the expense of the owner
   Catchbasin sediment trap standard detail if there are catch basins within 50m of site. Note on drawings that catchbasins are to be fitted with sediment trap
The Site Grading Plan (Lot Grading Plan) prepared by our licensed professional engineers specializing in municipal engineering will illustrate how the lot will be graded to provide erosion and sediment (siltation) protection during the construction phase; how the final lot grading will ensure positive draining away from all buildings; how the rainfall-runoff will be directed to an approved outlet; and that the site grading is compatible with the adjacent lots. The site grading plan (lot grading plan) is to be implemented in a fashion to allows stormwater management to be implemented using both the minor and major drainage systems. Improper site grading of the lot can result in poor surface drainage, ponding or flooding around the basement wall, foundation settlement or other damage, basement dampness, and other undesirable effects.

Site Grading Plan typically includes the following:

• General Details  - All lot lines, ground floor plan for all buildings, if applicable all easements, and reserves.
• Site Circulation - General Parking, Accessible Parking and Driveways, All adjacent roads and sidewalks
• Public & Private Servicing Information -  The location of proposed utilities, transformers, gas regulators, air intakes/exhausts, and garage access stairs on the site and on adjacent road allowances. 
• Proposed roof control devices location, type, control release rates, and corresponding storage volumes for flat roof portions UV treatment facilities and/or oil grit separators Storage facilities and dimensions/details for rainwater harvesting and reuse (e.g. Cisterns),
• Landscaping, Lot Grading & Retaining, Walls, and Lighting, All retaining walls
• General lot grading information including the existing and proposed elevations at 6 m intervals along lot lines, driveways, sidewalks and walkways, and trees to be preserved, including all trees on adjacent lots within 6 m of the subject site’s lot lines, proposed elevation at 6 m intervals along all building and structure perimeters and building entrances, storm and surface water drainage directions, site ponding limits with corresponding control volumes and control facilities, major overland and emergency overland flow routes, soil retention and/or replacement details
• Sediment (Siltation) and erosion control measures applied during construction Location and identification of trees protected under municipal by-laws
• Location of tree protection zones (where trees are being retained & protected) Tree protection plan notes (where trees are being retained & protected) Buried watercourses, if applicable
• An apron of no less than 2% slope and a minimum width of 2 to 4 m is required around all building envelopes.  In areas where the soils have a minimum percolation rate of 15 mm/hr, and the swales are being implemented as a stormwater quality management feature, the minimum slope may be reduced to 1% in some areas. Swales are to be designed to convey the 4 hr - 25 mm Chicago storm and maintain a velocity less than or equal to 0.5 m/s. The treatable flow length must be maximized to provide for proper pretreatment of flows. Check dams should be implemented to enhance pretreatment and provide additional infiltration for baseflow enhancement, where applicable
  

The following standard notes are placed on the Lot Grading Plan:

• All silt fencing shall be installed prior to the commencement of any lot grading, excavating, or demolition.
• Erosion/sediment/siltation control fencing shall be placed around the base of all stockpiles. All stockpiles are to be kept a minimum of 2.5 m from all lot lines.
• Erosion/sediment/siltation protection shall be provided around all storm and sanitary manholes and/or catchbasins.
• Additional erosion and sediment (siltation) control measures may be required as site development progresses. The contractor is to provide all additional erosion and sediment control structures.
• Erosion and sediment (siltation) control structures are to be monitored regularly and any damage is repaired immediately. Sediments shall be removed when accumulations reach a maximum of one-third (1/3) the height of the silt fence.
• All erosion and sediment (siltation) control structures remain in place until all disturbed lot surfaces have been re-stabilized either by paving or restoration of vegetative ground cover.
• No alternate methods of erosion and sediment (siltation) control protection shall be permitted unless approved by the municipality and conservation authority.
• The Contractor is responsible for removing sediment from the municipal roadway and sidewalks at the end of each work day.
• Mud mats are to be provided on-site at all locations where construction vehicles exit the site. Mud mats shall be a minimum of 3 m wide, 15 m long (length may vary depending on site layout), and 0.3 m deep and shall consist of 200 mm clear stone material or approved equivalent. The contractor is to ensure all vehicles leave the site via the mud mat and that the mat is maintained in a manner to maximizes its effectiveness at all times.
• Owners' representatives monitor the site development to ensure all erosion and sediment (siltation) controls are installed and maintained to the municipal requirements.
• The contractor to comply with the Engineer's instructions to install, modify, or maintain erosion/sediment/siltation control works.
• The lot owner is responsible for the restoration of all damaged and/or disturbed lots within the municipal right-of-way to the municipal standards.
• If for unforeseen reasons, the owner and/or owner's representative must encroach onto private lots to undertake any works, the owner must obtain written permission from the adjacent lot owners prior to entering upon the private lot to perform any works. Copies of these letters of consent must be submitted to the municipality prior to any work being performed. Failure to comply with the above is at the lot owner's own risk.
• Each Sie Grading (Lot Grading), Drainage and Erosion and Sediment (Siltation) Control Plan shall bear a note making reference to all other plans included with the Stormwater Management Report. Reference should also be made to the Stormwater Management Report itself, the date of the report, and the Landscaping Plan (e.g. This plan to be read in conjunction with the Existing Conditions Plan, Site Servicing Plan), Storm Water Management Plan, Landscaping Plan, and the Stormwater Management Report
  Proper site grading (lot grading), drainage, and erosion/sediment/siltation control plans are prepared to fit within the constraints of the lot, creating cost-effective site-specific plans to meet municipal and /or region/county requirements. The Site Grading (Lot Grading), Drainage, and Erosion/Sediment/Siltation Control Plan prepared by our licensed professional engineers specializing in municipal engineering will illustrate how the lot will be graded to provide erosion and sediment/siltation protection during the construction phase; how the final lot grading will ensure positive draining away from all buildings; how the rainfall-runoff will be directed to an approved outlet; and that the lot grading is compatible with the adjacent lots. 
  

Fee for a typical Site Grading (Lot Grading) and Drainage Plan for single dwelling properties including custom build homes and additions in Ontario including Toronto (City of Toronto), Hamilton (City of Hamilton), Oshawa (City of Oshawa), Pickering (City of Pickering), Clarington (Municipality of Clarington), Ajax (Town of Ajax), Whitby (Town of Whitby), Brock (Township of Brock), Scugog (Township of Scugog), Uxbridge (Township of Uxbridge), Burlington (City of Burlington), Halton Hills (Town of Halton Hills), Milton (Town of Milton), Oakville (Town of Oakville), Brampton (City of Brampton), Mississauga (City of Mississauga), Caledon (Town of Caledon), Vaughan (City of Vaughan), Aurora (Town of Aurora), East Gwillimbury (Town of East Gwillimbury), Georgina (Town of Georgina), Markham (City of Markham), Newmarket (Town of Newmarket), Richmond Hill (City of Richmond Hill), Whitchurch - Stouffville (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville), King (Township of King), Bradford-West Gwillimbury (Town of Bradford-West Gwillimbury), Brighton (Municipality of Brighton), Quinte West (City of Quinte West), Kawartha Lakes (City of Kawartha Lakes), North Kawartha (Town of North Kawartha), Minden Hills (Town of Minden Hills), Selwyn (Town of Selwyn), Peterborough (City of Peterborough), St.Catharines (City of St. Catharines), Wainfleet (Town of Wain Fleet), Niagara on the Lake (Town of Niagara on the Lake), Brant (County of Brant), Guelph (City of Guelph), Centre-Wellington (Township of Centre Wellington), Shelburne (Town of Shelburne), Orangeville (Town of Orangeville), New Tesumseth (Town of New Tecumseth), Essa (Town of Essa), Collingwood (Town of Collingwood), Wasaga Beach (Town of Wasaga Beach), Barrie (City of Barrie), Midland (Town of Midland), Orillia (City of Orillia), Ramara (Town of Ramara), Woolwich (Town of Woolwich), Woodstock (City of Woodstock), Waterloo (City of Waterloo), Kitchener (City of Kitchener), and Cambridge (City of Cambridge) is $1,295⁺ʰˢᵗ.

If a Stamped Engineering Site Servicing, Grading, Drainage, and Erosion/Sediment/Siltation Control Plan (Lot Servicing, Lot Grading, Lot Drainage, Erosion/Sediment/Siltation Control Plan) is required it would cost $1,990⁺ʰˢᵗ.

We also design septic systems to obtain septic permits. Typical stamped engineering residential class 4 sewage system design complying with provisions of Division 8 Part 8 of O.B.C and if required, a design of a tertiary treatment unit, pump chamber, and a shallow buried trench would cost $1,695⁺ʰˢᵗ and upon receipt of all the required information, could be completed in 3 to 5 business days.
 

If required, a new soil sampling and particle size distribution analysis by 

an accredited laboratory to find the Unified Soil Classification as described 

in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-6 and the "T" time would cost $595+HST. 

If Hydrometer Testing is required, it would cost an additional fee of $125+HST. 

If the client wishes to have two separate septic systems designed, the design 

of a second septic system would cost an additional fee of $795+HST.  

If deemed necessary by the municipality and/or the Conservation Authority, 

the applicant may be requested to provide supporting reports, assessments, plans, and analyses including the following:

• Seasonal High Groundwater Elevation and bedrock elevations
• General soil properties and conditions
• Geotechnical Report
• Hydrogeological Assessment
• Calculation of Nitrogen Concentration and/or Phosphorus Reduction
• Nitrate-Nitrogen Dilution Calculation
• Private Sewage System Evaluation including soil permeability/conditions, and flooding potential.

Depending on the scope of work, the fee for preparing any of the above-mentioned reports/analyses may vary.

The septic contractor may have to contact the Municipal Officials to determine their requirements and if they need inspectors on site for the test pit investigation/assessment,  the required number of test pits and arrange for septic test pit digging equipment based on site accessibility.

We need the following to prepare a Septic Design:

• CAD drawing of a detailed site plan showing the location of wells and/or sewage systems on the subject property as well as adjoining parcels within 35 m of the subject property
• CAD drawing of the topographic survey and the grading & drainage plan
• Architectural Drawings showing proposed floor plans showing the floor area, bedrooms, and plumbing fixtures.
• Arborist Report & Landscape Architect Drawings Showing Existing trees to be preserved and Proposed locations for all tree protection zones. 
• If applicable, the locations of any regulatory flood lines or development limit lines

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

We have helped our clients to obtain septic permits  in the following municipalities:

City of Brantford, City of Chatham-Kent, Haldimand County, City of Hamilton, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Toronto

REGIONAL MUNICIPLITIES

Durham

    City of Oshawa, City of Pickering, Municipality of Clarington, Town of Ajax, Town of Whitby, Township of Brock, Township of Scugog, Township of Uxbridge

Halton

    City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, Town of Oakville

Niagara

    City of Niagara Falls, City of Port Colborne, City of St. Catharines, City of Thorold, City of Welland, Town of Fort Erie, Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Town of Pelham, Township of Wainfleet, Township of West Lincoln

Peel

    City of Brampton, City of Mississauga, Town of Caledon

Waterloo

    City of Cambridge, City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo, Township of North Dumfries, Township of Wellesley, Township of Wilmot, Township of Woolwich

York

    City of Vaughan, Town of Aurora, Town of East Gwillimbury, Town of Georgina, City of Markham, Town of Newmarket, City of Richmond Hill, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, Township of King

COUNTIES

Dufferin

    Town of Grand Valley, Town of Mono, Town of Orangeville, Town of Shelburne, Township of Amaranth, Township of East Garafraxa, Township of Melancthon, Township of Mulmur

Elgin

    City of St Thomas, Municipality of Bayham, Municipality of Central Elgin, Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich, Municipality of West Elgin, Town of Aylmer, Township of Malahide, Township of Southwold

Hastings

    City of Belleville, City of Quinte West, Municipality of Centre Hastings, Municipality of Hastings Highlands, Municipality of Marmora and Lake, Municipality of Tweed,  Town of Bancroft, Town of Deseronto, Township of Carlow/Mayo, Township of Faraday, Township of Limerick, Township of Madoc, Township of Stirling-Rawdon, Township of Tudor & Cashel, Township of Tyendinaga, Township of Wollaston

Northumberland

    Municipality of Brighton, Town of Cobourg, Municipality of Port Hope, Municipality of Trent Hills, Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, Township of Cramahe, Township of Hamilton

Oxford

    City of Woodstock,  Town of Ingersoll, Town of Tillsonburg, Township of Blandford Blenheim, Township of East Zorra-Tavistock, Township of Norwich, Township of South-West Oxford, Township of Zorra

Peterborough

    City of Peterborough, Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Cavan Monaghan, Township of Douro-Dummer, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Township of Selwyn, Municipality of Trent Lakes

Simcoe

    City of Barrie, City of Orillia, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury,  Town of Collingwood,  Town of Innisfil, Town of Midland, Town of New Tecumseth, Town of Penetanguishene, Town of Wasaga Beach, Township of Adjala-Tosorontio, Township of Clearview, Township of Essa, Township of Oro-Medonte, Township of Ramara, Township of Severn, Township of Springwater, Township of Tay, Township of Tiny

Wellington

    City of Guelph, Town of Erin, Town of Minto, Township of Centre Wellington, Township of Guelph-Eramosa, Township of Mapleton, Township of Puslinch, Township of Wellington North

TOPOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARY SURVEY

Typically all the construction and development projects commence with a topographic (topo) land survey. Topographic survey is the recording of coordinates and height data of natural and man-made features of the landscape for a private property including spot elevations of important features and requires bench marks to which ground contours are related. The elevation or differences in elevation on the surface is shown as topographic contours which connect points of equal elevation. Topographic Survey (Topo) and Boundary Plan of Survey can be merged on to one land survey plan or shown on separate land survey plans. Architects require Topographic Survey (topo) to prepare proper site plans and design buildings or to decide where proposed buildings can and cannot be constructed on the property. Engineers need Topographic Survey (topo) to prepare site grading plans, erosion and sediment control plans, drainage plans, site servicing plans, soil management plan, fill control plan, site alteration plan and stormwater management reports. Topographic land surveys (topos) may also be used when creating plans for drainage ditches, grading or other features, using the natural landscape as the basis for such improvements.

The typical scope of work for Topographic surveying (topo) as follows:

• Establish horizontal and vertical (geodetic) benchmarks
• Determine adequate side shots (horizontal location and elevation of ground points) to provide required data for plotting when the topographic survey is prepared
• Locating natural and man-made features that may be required for the topographic (topo) survey
• Calculating distances, grading slopes, and elevations needed to draw the topographic (topo) survey
• Drawing the topographic (topo) survey

Required Topographical Land Survey (Topo) Scale: Metric Scale

Must be drawn to a standard scale (i.e. 1:100, 1:200, 1:500) and preferably at same scale as Site Plan Drawing

General Details Included in Topographical Land Survey (Topo)

• Location of all vegetation, watercourses, natural features, artificial features; including municipal appurtenances and paved areas on or adjacent to the lot
• Municipal address of buildings on or adjacent to the lot
• Contour lines showing variations of 300 mm in ground elevations
• Spot elevations (Canadian Geodetic Datum) for significant features and along the boundary of the lot and in adjacent public boulevards
• Location of existing above and below grade utilities within the adjacent street boulevard (Site Plan Control Applications only)
• Location and grade of existing trees to be preserved (if appropriate) (Site Plan Control Applications only)
• Location of all at grade, aerial and underground utilities including distribution lines and lateral service connections, on the public road allowances adjacent to the property
• Location of existing easements and encroachments 

A property's land survey plan would include the location and dimensions of property lines of a private property, survey monumentation (bars), buildings, garages, decks, pools, fences, retaining walls and other major improvements to the property as well as easements, rights-of-way and other property interests.

An Ontario Land Surveyor is the only person who can confirm property boundaries. All legal boundary survey work in Ontario must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed Surveyor of the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors. Legal boundary surveying is also known as cadastral surveying is commonly used in the process of purchasing real estate and the legal boundary survey plan certified by the surveyor confirms that extensive boundary research has been conducted, boundary corners have been marked with iron survey bars.

Land survey plans are not kept on file in any public registry system. Land survey plans are on file with the survey firms that prepared them. If the land was surveyed in the past, it is best to contact the Ontario Land Surveyor who performed the land survey. 

A land survey plan is a representation of the physical conditions of the site at a specific point in time and reliance on any old land survey plan should be done with caution, and with an awareness that physical conditions of any site can change with the erection of fences, building additions, and the passage of time. A copy of an old land survey may not reflect the way your land is now, and may not be useful for legal purposes. 

Boundary Plan of Survey - Legal Boundary Surveying

Cadastral surveyors provide an expert opinion on the location of boundaries. Cadastral surveyors use historical research, knowledge of statute and common law, and the latest technology in measurement and data processing.

Required Boundary Plan of Survey Scale: Metric Scale

Boundary Plan of Survey must be drawn to a standard scale (i.e. 1:100, 1:200, 1:500) and preferably at same scale as Site Plan Drawing

General Details included in Boundary Plan of Survey

•Legal description of the property

•All existing construction (up-to-date and showing distances from lot lines), including underground vaults Boundaries, dimensions and lot area calculations of the parcel(s) of the site

•Boundaries and dimensions of any abutting lots

•Municipal address of buildings on or adjacent to the lot

•Spot elevations along the boundary of the lot and in adjacent public boulevards

•Ravine by-law limit, if applicable Underlying lot fabric, including lot and registered plan numbers (part lot control exemption applications only)

Easements, Reserves, Widenings

•Location, width and area of any rights-of-way and easements affecting the site and any elements within the easements; (identification of any widenings) Site Circulation, General Parking, Accessible Parking and Driveways

•Location, width and names of all roads or highways within or abutting the site

Public & Private Servicing Information

•Location of existing above grade utilities within the adjacent street boulevard (Site Plan Control Applications only)

•Location of any fire hydrants on property or in close proximity to property

Landscaping, Grading & Retaining Walls and Lighting

•Location of all vegetation, watercourses, natural features, artificial features; including

•Municipal appurtenances and paved areas on or adjacent to the site

•Location and grade of all existing trees including trees on adjacent properties within 6m of the subject site’s property lines

If you need a new legal boundary survey plan and along with a topographical survey plan of a residential lot prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor quickly, accurately and cost effectively to get site plan approval and to obtain building permit the typical cost as follows:

Lot Size & Cost

Up to 5,000 sq ft of Urban Subdivision Infill Lot - $2,395⁺ʰˢᵗ  plus disbursements ($295 to $385)

Sloped and/or difficult terrain, excessive vegetation may cost extra.

Weather permitting, upon the receipt of all existing historical documents and plans, a new legal/boundary land survey with topographic details prepared by a licensed Ontario Land Surveyor could be completed in 2 to 4 weeks.  Boundary survey discrepancies that require resolution may delay the delivery of a boundary survey. Should the topographical survey be carried out under winter conditions, some topographical features may be covered by snow and may not be illustrated on the topogrphical (topo) survey.

 For Additional Information, please contact the following Key Players of Our Design Team:

• Miaoyi Xue, P.Eng,
• Joo Min Park, MEng, P.Eng.
• Saloni Khoja, B.Arch.
• Wei Ming Lin, P.Eng
• Rui Cong Xia, P.Eng
• Liu Sun, B.Des (Arch)
• Pamela M Jerezano, B.Arch

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