• ATTRACTIONS
  & RECREATION
• BUSINESS
• BYLAWS &
  LICENCES
• CITY GOVERNMENT
• ENVIRONMENTAL
• FOR RESIDENTS
• TRANSPORTATION

Lot Grading FAQ (Commercial)

1. My parking lot floods around the catch basin during heavy rainstorms. What can I do?
2. I own a building in an older industrial area. My neighbour built a new business site that is higher in elevation compared to mine and other neighbours. Is this going to cause drainage problems, and if so, what should I do?
3. What can I do about flooding in my condominium unit?
4. I am from a law firm, checking the status of a property. Can I find out if final grade approval was issued?

 

1. My parking lot floods around the catch basin during heavy rainstorms. What can I do?

Parking lots are designed to store surface water during rainstorms. The water will eventually drain into the stormwater sewer system.

Under Section 7(1) of the Sewers Bylaw, all properties other than duplexes shall provide private drainage systems for stormwater runoff from roofs, parking areas, storage areas, paved areas and courtyards.

Top

2. I own a building in an older industrial area. My neighbour built a new business site that is higher in elevation compared to mine and other neighbours. Is this going to cause drainage problems, and if so, what should I do?

All new commercial and multi-family properties have stormwater management on-site. A Lot Grading Plan must be provided that shows the proposed on-site drainage. In this case, the builders of the new commercial site must control their own grading and cooperate with the owners of the other properties to ensure that the surface drainage does not flow on to adjacent lands. Retaining walls may be needed to achieve this.

You should also look at your own site grading. You may need to make adjustments to provide a better level of protection from rainfall and melting snow.

Top

3. What can I do about flooding in my condominium unit?

Maintaining the site grading is the responsibility of the condominium association. If the project was built after 1993, there should be an approved Lot Grading Plan for the project. Problems in projects built before 1993 must be solved using common sense, good grading principles, and the provisions of the Surface Drainage Bylaw.

Top

4. I am from a law firm, checking the status of a property. Can I find out if final grade approval was issued?

We can provide that information under the Freedom of Information Policy  (FOIP) . However, we require a written request including property address and legal description. The letter can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to Drainage Services (see contact information at the bottom of this page). Generally, we'll respond within two working days.

 

Top