Building a new home
Provide proposed finished elevations and a surface-drainage plan to support applicable permit requirements.
Grading & drainage / Serving Ontario
Certified Lot Grading Plan
Plan the grades before you build. Surveying and professionally signed lot grading plans for new homes, additions and site alterations across Ontario.
Understand the service
What is a certified lot grading plan?
A certified lot grading plan is a drawing showing existing and proposed ground elevations, slopes, drainage directions and the relationship of proposed work to neighbouring properties. It helps assess whether surface water will drain to suitable outlets without new ponding or adverse effects on nearby land. Depending on the municipality and project, a qualified grading consultant such as an Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) prepares, signs and seals the proposed plan for a permit or site-alteration application. Grad Surveying helps define and deliver the surveying and grading-plan work required for the property.
Is this right for you?
When might you need it?
Planning an addition or basement walkout
Assess changes to the building, driveway, retaining walls or yard levels that could affect drainage.
Installing a pool or altering the site
Check whether the municipality requires a grading and drainage plan for the proposed landscape or site changes.
Define the assignment
What can the scope include?
We confirm the survey information and deliverables your assignment needs. The following items guide that discussion.
Existing grades and site conditions
Measure relevant ground elevations, structures, paved areas, drainage features and property information within the agreed survey scope.
Proposed grades and drainage
Show proposed spot elevations, slopes, swales, flow paths, finished floor or garage levels and retaining structures as applicable.
Professional plan preparation
Prepare a grading and drainage drawing against municipal criteria, with the responsible qualified professional's signature and seal where required.
Construction-stage checks
Discuss separately any field reviews, as-built elevation measurements, plan revisions or final lot grading certification.
Your deliverables: The agreed lot grading and drainage plan showing existing and proposed elevations and required site details, signed and sealed by the responsible qualified professional where applicable. Municipal filing, revisions, site visits, as-built drawings and final certification are separate unless included in the quote.
From inquiry to handoff
Your survey, step by step
Review municipal requirements
Share the address, proposed work and any grading checklist or reviewer comments from your municipality or designer.
Survey the property
Collect the agreed existing elevations and site information needed for the grading plan.
Prepare the grading plan
Develop and coordinate the proposed grading and drainage information for review and professional sign-off.
Deliver and plan follow-up
Provide the agreed signed and sealed drawing where required and identify any later field checks or final-certification steps.
Make the first conversation count
What to have ready
- Property address and municipality
- Existing survey or topographic plan, if available
- Proposed building, pool or site-alteration drawings
- Municipal grading checklist, application instructions or review comments
Missing a document? Start with the address and a short description. We can discuss what else is needed. Please do not send payment or identification documents.
Start Your InquiryBefore you get started
Frequently asked questions
What makes a lot grading plan 'certified'?
A qualified grading professional signs and seals the plan within their authorized scope. Municipal review or acceptance is a separate step; a professional seal does not guarantee permit approval.
Do I need a grading plan for a new house or addition?
Toronto requires a site grading plan for relevant new infill housing permits, while other Ontario municipalities have their own rules. Additions and site alterations may also trigger local requirements. Check the particular project.
Is a grading plan the same as a topographic survey?
No. A topographic survey records existing elevations and features. A proposed grading plan uses this information to show intended finished grades and drainage. Both may be needed.
Will I need a final Lot Grading Certificate?
Possibly. Municipalities may require a separate inspection, as-built grade information or a certificate confirming the completed work generally follows the accepted plan. Confirm follow-up requirements before construction.
Useful official guidance
These municipal examples illustrate different local requirements. Confirm current rules for your property with the relevant municipality.
City of Toronto: lot grading for infill housing (opens a new tab) City of Mississauga: lot grading and drainage rules (opens a new tab) Town of Oakville: lot grading certifications (opens a new tab)Requirements can change. Confirm the current guidance for your municipality and the scope for your property.
Ready for the next step?
Let's discuss your surveying needs.
Share your property location and project requirements. We will confirm the surveying scope, scheduling and site-visit arrangements as part of your quote.