Ontario Design Studio prepares engineered site grading and servicing plans for new homes, additions, garden suites, and infill projects across Ontario. Most municipalities require a grading plan before they will issue a permit or release your grading deposit - it proves that water drains away from your building and does not flood the neighbours. We prepare accurate, approvable grading, drainage, and stormwater plans and coordinate them with your building permit drawings.
What Is a Site Grading Plan?
A site grading plan is a scaled, engineered drawing of your lot showing existing and proposed elevations, the direction water flows, and the swales and drainage features that carry runoff to the street or an approved outlet. It ties your new building into the surrounding grades so that stormwater is controlled and your foundation stays dry.
What's Included in Our Grading & Servicing Plans
- Existing and proposed spot elevations across the lot and at the building corners
- Drainage arrows and swales showing overland flow to an approved outlet
- Finished floor, top-of-foundation, and garage slab elevations
- Servicing - water, sanitary, and storm connections from the municipal main
- Stormwater management measures where the municipality requires them
- Erosion and sediment control for the construction phase
Need a grading plan for your permit?
Ontario Design Studio prepares engineered grading and servicing plans across Ontario and the GTA. Call 416-558-9607 or request your free quote.
When You Need a Lot Grading Plan
- New home construction - nearly always required
- Additions that change the footprint or drainage
- Garden suites and rear-yard structures
- Any project where the city requires a grading or drainage certificate
Stormwater Management
A stormwater management plan controls how much runoff leaves your property and how clean it is. On smaller lots this may be handled with directed swales; larger or infill projects often need lot-level controls such as soakaway pits or on-site storage to limit peak flow to pre-development levels. We design the approach your municipality and conservation authority will accept.
Erosion & Sediment Control
During construction, municipalities require measures - silt fencing, mud mats, and catch-basin protection - to keep soil out of the storm system. We include an erosion and sediment control plan so your site passes inspection.
Grading Deposits & Certification
Many cities collect a refundable grading deposit and release it only after a final grading certificate confirms the lot was built to the approved plan. We can prepare the approved plan and coordinate the final certification so you recover your deposit without delay.
Cities We Serve
Related Resources
- Residential Building Permits
- Garden Suite & Laneway House Permits
- Structural Engineering Drawings
- Walkout & Separate Entrance Permits
- Building Permit Drawing Cost Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a site grading plan?
A site grading plan is an engineered drawing that shows existing and proposed ground elevations, drainage directions, swales, and how stormwater is managed on your lot. It confirms that water drains away from your building and neighbouring properties, and many Ontario municipalities require it before they will issue a building permit or release a grading deposit.
When do I need a lot grading plan in Ontario?
You typically need a lot grading plan for new home construction, additions that change drainage, garden suites, and any project where the municipality requires a grading or drainage certificate. Many cities collect a refundable grading deposit and release it only after a final grading certificate confirms the lot was built to the approved plan.
What is a stormwater management plan?
A stormwater management plan controls the quantity and quality of runoff leaving your property. On smaller lots this can be as simple as directed swales, while larger projects may need lot-level controls such as soakaway pits or storage to limit peak flow. It is often submitted together with the grading plan and the erosion and sediment control plan.