Do I need a permit?
If you are planning development activity or an alteration to or near a watercourse, wetland, valley land, erosion prone areas, floodplain, or shoreline, you may need a permit from Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority.
To see if your project is within the SVCA Areas of Interest, you can use our online Mapping Tool.
Mapping tool Planning inquiry form
| What is development? |
- the construction, reconstruction, erection, or placing of a building or structure of any kind;
- any change to a building or structure that would have the effect of altering the use or potential use of the building or structure, increasing the size of the building or structure, or increasing the number of dwelling units in the building or structure;
- site grading;
- the temporary or permanent placing, dumping, or removal of any material, originating on the site or elsewhere.
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| What is an alteration? |
| Alteration is the straightening, diverting or interference in any way with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream, shoreline, or watercourse, or the changing or interfering in any way with a wetland. |
If you would like to speak to SVCA staff before submitting your permit application, please fill out and submit a Planning Inquiry Form or contact our Resources Information Technician.
| Do I need a permit for..... |
| Do I need a permit for a deck? |
Construction of residential decks will not require an SVCA permit provided:
- an unenclosed detached deck or patio that is 15 square metres or less, is not placed within a watercourse or wetland and does not utilize any method of cantilevering
Please contact our Resources Information Technician to determine if your proposed deck location requires further review. |
| Do I need a permit for septic/sewage disposal systems? |
Private sewage disposal systems (replacement or as part of development) will not require an SVCA permit to be obtained provided:
- the disposal bed is no closer to a natural hazard than that which is being replaced;
- the bed is the same size or smaller than the existing being replaced; and/or
- there will be no negative impacts on the local drainage.
If your proposal does not meet the above criteria, please start a file for staff review. |
| Do I need a permit for fencing? |
- Fencing is considered exempt provided it is a rail, chain-link or panelled fence with a minimum of 75 millimetres of width between panels, that is not within a wetland or watercourse.
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| Do I need a permit for a dock? |
| Permits are not required provided it is a seasonal or floating dock that, (A) is 10 square metres or less, (B) does not require permanent support structures, and (C) can be removed in the event of flooding. |
| Do I need a permit to cut down trees? |
Selective tree removal does not require an SVCA permit or review from our office if:
- it does not require the use of heavy machinery
- the tree is located on your property
- SVCA recommends best practices are followed
- Check with your local municipality to see if they have any tree-cutting by-laws before starting any work.
Footpath/trails: in areas of dynamic beach or other natural hazards will not require an SVCA permit to be obtained provided that:
- the proposed works are to be located entirely on the subject property;
- the path is at grade;
- no significant amount of excavation, clearing, etc. is required;
- the path will not exceed a width of 1.2 metres;
- neighbouring paths along or at side yards of adjoined properties are encouraged;
- no other structures are proposed related to the landscaping; and
- there will only be one route per property.
Clearing many trees or clear cutting does require SVCA Review. |
| Do I need a permit for landscaping, filling, and/or grading? |
A permit will not be required for landscaping, filling and grading works where:
- fill quantities are less than 23 cubic metres;
- the work is completed within one calendar year;
- is not an ongoing fill project;
- the fill is comprised of inert, granular material;
- will not cause erosion or sedimentation;
- is not located on a steep slope, wetland, or dynamic beach; and
- is not used for shoreline erosion protection within the shoreline hazard.
If your proposal does not meet the above criteria, please start a file for staff review. |
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How to apply for a permit
Pre-consultation on permit applications
Discussing your project with SVCA staff before applying for a permit is highly recommended. If you request a pre-consultation meeting for your proposal, SVCA is obligated to engage. This pre-consultation will map out the SVCA review process, timelines, costs, and explain the rules or policy requirements related to your project so that you can make informed decisions right from the start. Starting a pre-consultation is as easy as contacting our Resources Information Technician and describing your project.
Permit application
Please click here to download a fillable PDF of the SVCA permit application.
What makes a complete application?
Every application is unique. Through pre-consultation, SVCA staff will confirm everything that you need for a complete application.
Each application will include:
- Landowner contact information
- A map detailing the area of the proposed work, including what you plan to do and where, or specifics if the project involves altering water channels or wetlands.
- Details on how any buildings or structures will be used after the work is done or the purpose behind any changes to water channels or wetlands.
- The expected start and end dates of your project.
- A summary of how you plan to carry out the work, especially if it involves altering water channels or wetlands.
- Current and planned elevations of buildings and the land, if changes are to be made through your project.
- How the drainage will be managed before and after your project.
- A detailed description of any fill material you intend to use.
- Signature of landowner or, if an agent is acting on their behalf, the agent’s signature with written permission from the landowner.
- Any additional technical details, studies, or plans the authority asks for, including those discussed in early consultations. These could include a slope stability/erosion analysis, culvert design/calculations, flood plain surveys, etc.
After submitting the required information and the application fee, the authority will confirm within 21 days whether your application is complete and meets the requirements of subsection 28.1 (3) of the Act.
Once your application is deemed complete, the authority won't ask for new studies or information unless both parties agree. However, the authority may request further clarification or details on any aspect of your application.
When you are ready to apply for a permit from SVCA you can email the contact from your pre-consultation process or print and submit a hardcopy application form.
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
1078 Bruce Road 12 Box 150
Formosa, ON
N0G 1W0
Still unsure?
Fill out and submit a Planning Inquiry Form or contact our Resources Information Technician directly.
Please note that this form is for initial inquiries only. It is not an application form for a permit. Fees may apply to certain inquiries; however, you will be contacted prior to incurring any fees.
There is a fee for all permit applications. You must provide payment before we can process your application. Our permit fees are based on the type of project you are doing.
For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Fees and definitions:
Click to view the SVCA Permit Application Fee and Definition document.
| Permit Fees as approved at December 15th, 2022 Board of Directors Meeting |
| Application to alter a watercourse
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fee |
|---|
| Minor works |
$493.00 |
| Standard works |
$850.00 |
| Major works |
$2,000.00 |
| Complex works |
$4,007.00 |
Application to alter a regulated area
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fee |
|---|
| Minor works |
$493.00 |
| Standard works |
$850.00 |
| Major works |
$2,000.00 |
| Complex works |
$4,007.00 |
Other works
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fee |
|---|
| Accessory building |
$280.00 |
| Secondary building or structure |
$280.00 |
| Exempt works (no permit or fee required) |
$0.00 |
Other permit related fees
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fees |
|---|
| Permit renewal (one year extention) and permit amendments |
$130.00 |
| Municipal projects (including Counties) |
regular applicable fee |
| Works commencing without permission (violation) |
2 times applicable fee |
| Property clearance fee |
$160.00 |
| Rush property clearance fee (less than 5 business days) |
$275.00 |
| Stormwater management plan review fee per lot or large block (surcharge to change) |
$135.00 |
Specific property inquiry (see Note 2 below)
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fees |
|---|
| Verbal general response |
$0.00 |
| File initiation and specific response (see Note 3 below) |
$116.00 |
| Letter specific response |
$280.00 |
| Letter specific response and site inspection |
$493.00 |
| Large development area proposal - greater than 1 ha |
$920.00 |
| Verification of hazard boundary (including request by CBO) |
same fee as property inquiries above |
| Municipal and County inquiries |
same fee as property inquiries above |
| Golf course review |
$2,018.00 |
| Aggregate proposal |
$4,678.00 |
Environmental assessment review
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fees |
|---|
| Minor |
$440.00 |
| Major |
$795.00 |
New municipal drain review
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fees |
|---|
| New Municipal drain review |
$920.00 |
| Municipal drain maintenance review (no site review) |
$280.00 |
| Municipal drain maintenance review (site review required) |
$493.00 |
Engineering report review
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fees |
|---|
| Geotechnical, coastal study, environmental impact study or floodplain analysis, etc. Fee is per report when not accompanied by a planning application or a complex application. |
$594.00 |
Other projects
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fees |
|---|
| Commercial renewable energy project |
2 times applicable permit application review fee |
| Conservation project (eligible project by others) |
1/2 applicable permit application review fee** |
| Floodplain mapping review fee |
SVCA engineering consultant fee plus 20% |
**"Conservation Project" means a project intended to protect or enhance the natural environment and is proposed by, or is in partnership with, a recognized conservation or environmental organization. Determination of eligible projects is done on a case-by-case basis by Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority.
Map and air photo projects
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fees (HST extra) |
|---|
| Photocopies maps/air photos |
$18.00 |
| Emailed digitized air photos and other map products |
$41.00 |
| 1-9 items - bulk orders for air photos, photobase maps, related map products or large format copies |
standard fee - no reduction |
| Over 9 items - bulk orders for air photos, photobase maps, related map products or large format copies |
standard fee reduced by 10% |
Professional services
| Planning and regulations fee schedule items | Fees (HST extra) |
|---|
| Professional services fee |
Rate per hour - payroll costs times 2 plus disbursements |
| Expert witness fee |
Rate per hour - payroll costs times 2 plus disbursements |
| Notes |
- HST is not applicable to Planning fees.
- Specific property Inquiry Fee applies to all consultant requests for information. "Conservation Project" means a project intended to protect or enhance the natural environment and is proposed by or is in partnership with, a recognized conservation or environmental organization. Determination of eligible projects is done on a case-by-case basis by the SVCA.
- If landowner is only seeking to clarify SVCA interest on a property, the $107 file initiation fee may be waived.
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| Application to alter a watercourse examples |
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| Minor works examples |
| Pond clean-outs equal to or less than 0.5 ha (1.2 acres); watercourse crossings (such as culverts) with an existing stream channel width equal to or less than 3.0 metres (9.8 feet); maintenance and repair of existing on-stream structures; docks, boathouses and similar structures; streambank works equal to or less than 30.0 metres (98.4 feet) in length; channel clean-outs. |
| Standard works examples |
| Watercourse crossings (above or below the bed) with an existing stream channel width more than 3.0 metres (9.8 feet) but less than 10.0 metres (32.8 feet); streambank works more than 30.0 metres (98.4 feet) but less than 60.0 metres (196.9 feet) in length. |
| Major works examples |
| New ponds; new dams; watercourse crossings (above or below the bed) with an existing stream channel width greater than 10.0 metres (32.8 feet); modifications to existing structures (on-stream or connected to the watercourse) where the dimensions or use change substantially; streambank works that exceed 60.0 metres (196.9 feet) in total linear length. |
| Complex works examples |
| Projects that qualify as ‘Complex Works’ are determined by the SVCA on a project specific basis and generally these projects require more SVCA review than for a typical Major Works project. As a guideline, a Complex Works project has an estimated cost of one million dollars or more, has multiple supporting reports submitted, and/or a relatively large geographical area is involved. |
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| Application to alter a regulated area (development and or alterations) |
| Minor works examples |
| Buildings and structures with a floor area equal to or less than 30.0 metres² (322.9 feet²); carports and non-habitable public structures; filling and/or site grading where the total quantity is 23.0 cubic metres (30.1 cubic yards) or more, but less than or equal to 765 cubic metres (1000.6 cubic yards); retaining walls where slope instability is not a significant concern; wetland or area of interference alterations that are linear (e.g. ditches). |
| Standard works examples |
| Buildings and structures with a floor area more than 30.0 m² (322.9 ft²) but equal to or less than 278.9 metres² (3002 feet²); filling and/or site grading where the total quantity is more than 765 cubic metres (1000.6 cubic yards) but less than or equal to 1530 cubic metres (2001.2 cubic yards); retaining walls and similar structures where there is potential for slope instability. |
| Major works examples |
| All buildings and structures with a floor area more than 278.9 metres² (3002 feet²); filling and/or site grading where the total quantity is more than 1530 cubic metres (2001.2 cubic yards). |
| Complex works examples |
| Projects that qualify as ‘Complex Works’ are determined by the SVCA on a project specific basis and generally these projects require more SVCA review than for a typical Major Works project. As a guideline, a Complex Works project has an estimated cost of one million dollars or more, has multiple supporting reports submitted, and/or a relatively large geographical area is involved. |
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| Definitions |
| Development |
| Includes new construction, reconstruction, additions, change of use, or increasing the number of dwelling units, for buildings or structures. Also includes placing or removing any material, such as fill or soil, or site grading. (This definition is condensed for the purpose of this Fee Schedule. For the full definition, see the Conservation Authorities Act, Sec (28).) |
| Floor area |
| Floor area is defined as the outside dimensions of the building or structure measured at the floor level nearest to the average surrounding ground surface. Buildings or structures with cantilevered or raised sections are measured at the floor level with the largest area. For a building or structure not completely enclosed by walls, the area is measured assuming total enclosure (except carports and non-habitable public structures which are classified as Minor Works regardless of size). |
| Accessory building |
| Accessory building means a non-habitable, free-standing building that is greater than 15 metres² in floor area but less than 30.0 metres². Larger buildings are classified as Standard or Major Works. |
| Secondary building or structure |
| Secondary building or structure means a non-enclosed deck, veranda, or porch. |
| Filling exempt works |
| Filling exempt works means fill quantities less than 23 cubic metres, the work is completed within one calendar year, is not an ongoing filling project, the fill is comprised of inert, granular material, will not cause erosion or sedimentation, and is not located on a steep slope, wetland, or dynamic beach. |
| Conservation project |
| Conservation project means a project which the sole intent is to protect or enhance the natural environment and is proposed by, or is in partnership with, a recognized conservation or environmental organization. Determination of eligible projects is done on a case-by-case basis by the SVCA. SVCA projects may or may not be considered a Conservation Project. |
| Engineering report review |
| Engineering report review (Geotechnical, Coastal, Environmental Impact, or Floodplain study etc.) when not accompanied by a planning application or a Complex Application. |
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