Site Alteration (Grading and Drainage)

Site Alteration By-law 2024-017 controls the dumping of fill, removal of fill and alteration of grades on individual properties in Clarington.

Before you place or dump fill or topsoil, remove soil or alter the grade, you must have a site alteration permit. In addition, no fill may be imported from outside of Clarington. Any person who violates the by-law may be subject to a fine and/or an "order to remove" as set out by the courts under the Provincial Offences Act.

Site alteration reporting hotline

Reports of suspected unpermitted activities can be submitted using our Service Clarington portal or by phone at 905-623-3379 ext. 2105.

Site alteration guides

View the technical requirements for each type of site alteration permit available:

• Site Alteration Instructions for Residential Landscaping and Pool Installation (PDF)
• Site Alteration Instructions for Agricultural Applications (PDF)
• Site Alteration Instructions for Development (PDF)

New homes

Your lot will be graded to comply with the Municipal standards. If your lot contains a drainage swale (ditch), you must not fill it in or change it in any way as this affects the drainage of your lot as well as that of neighbouring properties.

At the time of your house purchase (if your home is new), you may pay a grading deposit to the builder to ensure that you do not adversely affect or alter the grading of your lot prior to assumption of the subdivision by the Municipality. Homeowners should check their Purchase and Sale Agreement to find out when the builder will return the deposit. The builder is legally responsible to refund the deposit to the new homeowner as per the agreement.

Building permits for decks and pool enclosures may not be issued until the developer's Professional Engineer certifies the lot grading.