Infill Development

This information applies to Grading, Servicing, and Drainage (GSDP) Permits in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, specifically following the Town of Whitby's Infill Development By-law. This includes regulation of:

• Grading (changing the land elevation)
• Servicing (installation of utilities)
• Drainage (management of rainwater)
• Earthworks (excavation and movement of soil)
• Import/export of fill material, including topsoil
• Use of public roadways for construction purposes
• Construction processes
• This applies to private properties and works within the public right-of-way as a result of proposed infill developments.

Obtaining a Grading, Servicing, and Drainage (GSDP) Permit

A GSDP permit is typically required before applying for a building permit. 

Prior to formal application:

1. Pre-screening Questionnaire/Application Form: Complete a pre-screening questionnaire/application form to determine if your project requires a permit.
• Once the form is completed email to engineering@whitby.ca with subject line: Infill Pre-screening Questionnaire/Application Form (with property address).
2. Staff will review and advise next steps.

To apply for a GSDP permit, follow these steps:

1. Required Documents: If a permit is needed, the municipality will provide a list of documents you need to submit, which may include a Grading Plan, Construction Management Report, and Stormwater Management Brief.
2. Formal Application: The formal application package typically includes:
   • Completed application form
   • Supporting documents (e.g., Construction Management Report)
   • Application fee (required with the pre-screening application form, prior to the review of supporting documentation)
   • Required financial securities
   • Required financial securities (required prior to the issuance of the Permit)
   • Please review the Guideline to Infill Development for complete application details.

When is a GSDP Permit Not Required?

A GSDP permit is not required if the development construction is proposed where the finished grade is established through a Development Approval Process, such as, Site Alteration Permit, Site Plan, Draft Plan of Subdivision, Approved Subdivision Grading Plan, or a Consent under Sections 41, 51, or 53 of the Planning Act or as a requirement of a Site Plan Agreement, Subdivision Agreement or Letter of Undertaking entered into under those section.

OR

Your development proposal meets all of the following conditions:

• Renovation of an existing building with no changes to the building footprint or existing grade and drainage pattern.
• Total lot coverage (area covered by buildings and pavement) does not exceed the maximum allowed by the Zoning By-Law.
• Post-development stormwater runoff does not exceed the original design capacity of the property.
• Existing receiving storm sewers can handle the additional stormwater flow without overloading.

Impacts of Infill Developments

Infill development applications are reviewed to address potential impacts such as:

• Drainage issues caused by construction activity
• Nuisance factors for neighbors (noise, dust, traffic, etc.)
• Damage to public infrastructure
• Land use compliance of the proposed works
• Environmental concerns related to imported/exported materials