Frequently Asked Questions

In most Ontario municipalities, a standard interlocking paver patio or driveway replacement within the existing footprint does not require a building permit. However, you will need a permit if you are changing the driveway width, modifying the curb cut, building structures over a certain height, or working within a regulated conservation area. Requirements vary by municipality, so we verify permit needs for every project before starting work. You can check general Ontario Building Code requirements at ontario.ca/page/building-code.

Under the Ontario Building Code (OBC), retaining walls that exceed 1.0 metre (approximately 3.3 feet) in exposed height typically require a building permit and engineered drawings. Walls that retain a surcharge load, such as a driveway or structure above, may require a permit regardless of height. The structural design must account for soil lateral pressure, hydrostatic pressure, and frost depth. We work with licensed structural engineers for all walls requiring permits and handle the complete permit application process.

If your property is within a regulated area of a Conservation Authority (such as Conservation Halton, Credit Valley Conservation, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, or Hamilton Conservation Authority), you may need a permit under Ontario Regulation 97/04. Regulated areas include flood plains, wetlands, shorelines, and lands within 120 metres of these features. We check conservation mapping for every project during our site assessment. You can verify your property status through your local Conservation Authority website.

Most Ontario municipalities have bylaws limiting the percentage of your lot that can be covered by impervious surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and standard interlocking pavers. This typically ranges from 50% to 70% of the front yard. Exceeding these limits may require a minor variance application. Permeable interlocking pavers are an excellent alternative as they allow stormwater to infiltrate the ground and often qualify for exemptions from lot coverage calculations. We factor these regulations into every project design.

Yes. Many Ontario municipalities have tree protection bylaws that restrict the removal of trees above a certain size (typically 20 cm diameter at breast height). Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, and other municipalities require permits to remove protected trees and may require replacement planting. Excavation near protected trees must maintain a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) around the trunk. We assess tree impact during our site evaluation and include arborist consultation when required.

Ontario One Call is a province-wide service that coordinates underground utility locates before any excavation. Under the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act (2012), anyone planning to dig must request locates at least 5 business days before excavation begins. This service is free and identifies buried gas, hydro, water, telecommunications, and other utility lines on your property. We submit locate requests for every project as part of our standard process. Request locates at ontario1call.com or by calling 1-800-400-2255.

Outdoor kitchens with gas connections require a gas permit and must be installed by a TSSA-licensed gas contractor. Wood-burning fire pits are regulated by local fire bylaws, which typically require a minimum setback distance from structures and property lines (usually 3 metres). Many municipalities require fire pits to meet CSA or ULC standards. Covered outdoor structures such as pergolas may require building permits if they exceed certain size thresholds. We coordinate all required permits as part of our project management.

Ontario municipalities require that surface water drains away from building foundations and must not be redirected onto neighbouring properties. The Ontario Building Code requires a minimum 10% slope (approximately 1 inch per foot) away from foundations for the first 6 feet. Lot grading certificates are required for new construction and sometimes for major renovations. If your project changes existing drainage patterns, you may need a grading plan approved by your municipality.