Site Alterations

The Township of Woolwich implemented a Site Alteration By-law in December 2020 to regulate site alteration activity within the Township.

“Site Alteration” is defined as the placing or dumping of fill on land, the removal of topsoil from land or the alteration of the grade of land by any means including the removal of trees, vegetation cover, the compaction of soil or the creation of impervious surfaces or any combination of these activities.

The Bylaw aims to prohibit or regulate these types of activities in part to ensure protection of;

• private property
• the environment
• public property including roads and infrastructure.

The Township of Woolwich’s Site Alteration By-law was enacted to regulate site alteration activities within the Township, such as;

• Maintain existing drainage patterns 
• Prevent erosion and sedimentation
• Protect natural heritage features and areas through appropriate changes to drainage or grade 
• Prevent interference and damage to watercourses or water bodies 
• Maintain groundwater and surface water quality
• Prevent discharge of a contaminant into the natural environment that causes or may cause an adverse effect
• Prevent degradation of pre-existing soil and groundwater quality conditions at the site and on adjacent properties 
• Authorize haul routes for the transportation of fill and topsoil for placement, dumping or removal to and/or from a site to minimize damage to the Township's roads and interference and/or disturbance to the Township's residents and businesses 
• Keep disturbance to landform characteristics to a minimum 
• Ensure the proponent of the site alteration project pays for its costs

When is a Site Alteration Permit Required?

A Site Alteration Permit is required for:

• Physical change to a site through the placement or dumping of fill, the removal of vegetation, the removal of topsoil, excavation/movement of earth, compaction of soil, the creation of hard surfaces (driveway, houses, etc.), obstruction of drainage features, the modification of watercourses;
• Work performed on private property that results in a change to grade, causing a blockage to a drainage course and potential flooding on a neighboring property;
• Planning applications such as plan of subdivision and site plan that aren’t yet approved; and,
• Use of public roads to haul fill.

Many small landscape projects are exempt from needing a Site Alteration Permit. Refer to the By-law for more information.

The permit application process

The applicant for a Site Alteration Permit should submit the following items when they apply:

• A completed application form
• A sketch of the property indicating the area of the site alteration
• Payment of the required fees and security deposit

Following a review of the permit submission, staff will notify the applicant of any other requirements such as engineering plans, studies and reports.