Site Alteration By-law & Guidelines Update
Overview
The Township of Scugog has updated its Site Alteration By-law and Guidelines to better manage how soil, grading, and fill activities are regulated across our community.
Following Council direction in September 2025, a comprehensive review of the existing Site Alteration By-law 62-15 was undertaken to address fill movement, environmental impact, and enforcement, and to update municipal regulations in accordance with the Provincial changes and best practices.
With the assistance of R.J. Burnside, staff have prepared a draft update to the Site Alteration By-law (Attachment 1) and a Guidelines Manual (Attachment 2).
The objectives of the proposed update to the draft By-law are:
- To protect the environment;
- To recognize the Township’s responsibility to support responsible development;
- To protect the natural environment and human health;
- To align the Township’s requirements with the Provincial Excess Soil Regulations O. Reg. 406/19 and industry best practices;
- To limit adverse impacts to the local community and municipal infrastructure; and
- To effectively monitor and enforce its provisions and to achieve high levels of compliance.
The updated By-law has clearer guidelines, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and ensures compliance with provincial and agency regulations. The By-law also includes reference to the Guidelines Manual which is a supplemental document that provides plain language information for the public, landowners, contractors and other users of the By-law.
The Guidelines Manual provides the details for the reports and studies required to support an application along with the application forms, and a template for a Site Alteration and Fill Management Plan.
On May 11, 2026, Planning and Community Affairs Committee meeting recommended approval of the By-law and fees.
To view the staff report, Site Alteration By-law and Guideline for consideration by Council on May 25, 2026 please visit: https://pub-scugog.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.asp...
Apply for a site alteration permit
The formal Site Alteration Permit Application must include:
- Completed Site Alteration Application
- All required supporting documents
- Application fee
Contact planning@scugog.ca to inquire further about the permit process.
