Site Alteration

Site alterations in the Township of Scugog must meet the regulations of the Site Alteration By-Law. Site alterations involve: 

• The placing or dumping of fill 
• The removal of topsoil or fill from land 
• The alteration of the grade of land
• Any combination of these activities 

The Site Alteration By-law regulates the dumping or placing of fill and any other site alteration to: 

• Maintain existing drainage patterns 
• Prevent erosion and sedimentation 
• Protect natural heritage features and areas through appropriate changes to drainage or grade
• Prevent interference and damage to watercourses or water bodies 
• Maintain ground water and surface water quality 
• Prevent discharge of a contaminant into the natural environment that causes or may cause an adverse effect 
• Prevent degradation of pre-existing soil and ground water quality conditions at the site and on adjacent properties 
• Authorize haul routes for the transportation of fill and topsoil for placement, dumping or removal to and/or from a site to minimize damage to the Township' s roads and interference and/or disturbance to the Township's residents and businesses
• Keep disturbance to landform characteristics to a minimum
• Ensure the proponent of the site alteration project pays for its costs 

Apply for a Permit 

Contact the Township, Planning Services department at engineering@scugog.ca to apply for a permit. There may be additional information required. 

When Do I Need a Site Alteration Permit?

The need for a Site Alteration Permit is waived in certain circumstances where the risk of an impact and liability to the Township is acceptably low and/or where another regulatory or approval process applies.

Please review the Guidelines and By-law to learn more about when exemptions from requiring a Site Alteration Permit apply.

Impact of Site Alterations

We look into the following issues when reviewing site alteration proposals:

• Potential drainage impact resulting from the site alteration
• Environmental concerns related to the quality of material being imported or exported
• Potential nuisance impacts to surrounding residents, such as, erosion, noise, dust, traffic, health, etc.
• Degradation and damage to public infrastructures
• Land use compliance of the proposed works

File a Compliant

You can file a by-law complaint if you believe someone isn't following the regulations in the by-law.

Fees and Charges 

View our current Schedule C of Fees and Charges to determine costs of a site alteration.