Applying for a Permit

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) is committed to providing accessible information and communications in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you use assistive technology and the format of this document interferes with your ability to access the information, please contact us at www.saugeenconservation.ca/access, email accessibility@svca.on.ca, or call 519-364-1255. We will provide or arrange for the provision of an accessible format or communication support, at no additional cost, in a timely manner.

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.

The Conservation Authorities Act allows Conservation Authorities to set and charge fees for their programs and services. The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) is updating its Environmental Planning and Regulations fees in 2026 in accordance with the linked Fee Schedule. This will be the first change to the fee schedule since 2023, when fees were temporarily frozen by the Province. The 2026 fees will take effect on March 1, 2026, and will apply uniformly to all clients across the watershed.

Should you have any questions related to the 2026 Fee Schedule please contact Matt Armstrong, Manager of Environmental Planning and Regulations at m.armstrong@svca.on.ca or 519-373-4367