Did you know that even small changes to the grading of your lot can lead to large negative impacts to your neighbours' properties?
Lot grading helps ensure that rain and snow melt flow away your home, and other buildings on your lot, to a better location such as a catch basin. Proper lot grading can prevent ponding of rain and snow melt, settlement, damp basements, damp yards and disputes between you and your neighbours.
When your subdivision was designed, a drainage plan was created for each lot. Now that you’ve moved in, there are things you can do to ensure your lot continues to have good drainage.
Who’s Responsible and When
Subdivision drainage plans are designed in accordance with Township standards and by an engineer. These plans ensure that water will flow away from homes to prevent ponding, basement flooding and to ensure the yards will drain properly.
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to make sure that water continues to flow away from your foundation and does not impact neighbouring properties. Regular lot maintenance will ensure lot drainage always works as designed.
Should you alter your property in a manner that changes the way surface water flows, it is your responsibility to take appropriate steps to correct the issue. There are various regulations that place limits on alteration of property and construction. Some of these are controlled through the permitting process (e.g., pool, accessory structure, site alteration), while others are regulated through Township bylaws (e.g., Property Standards, Clean Yards, Site Alteration, Fence).
s, Township of King staff must review your plans to ensure they comply with the Ontario Building Code, Township Zoning By-laws and other Applicable Law.