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Markham Lot Grading Plan: Complete Guide to Fast City Approval
This article explains how a Markham lot grading plan ensures proper drainage, avoids water damage, and meets municipal and Ontario Building Code rules. It’s designed to help homeowners, builders, and engineers in Markham, Ontario, understand what the city requires, and how to prepare approved, expert‑certified plans with confidence.
What Is a Markham Lot Grading Plan?
A Markham lot grading plan lays out how land slopes around a new or existing residential building to direct rainwater safely away from structures and neighboring lots. It must meet the Ontario Building Code’s requirement that no water accumulates near the building or adversely affects adjacent properties. Only an Ontario‑licensed professional engineer can prepare and stamp the plan for multi‑unit or non‑residential developments.
Why a Lot Grading Plan Matters in Markham?
In Markham, every residential infill or addition project must submit a Residential (Infill) Grading & Servicing (RGS) application before applying for a building permit. Without an accepted RGS plan, you cannot proceed with building permits, delaying your project and risking non‑compliance. The city reviews each plan to ensure it meets engineering standards and protects public infrastructure and neighbouring properties.
City Requirements for Grading Design in Markham
Markham defines clear grading criteria to avoid flooding and erosion. Residential yards must slope between 2 % (minimum) and 5 % (maximum). Driveways must slope at least 2 % downward away from the house, but not exceed 8 %. The highest lot grade next to the foundation must be at least 0.15 m below the top of the building’s footing.
Additionally, the city requires a 3:1 slope (horizontal to vertical) if grading extends between houses, and a 0.6 m‑wide flat access strip along one side (when side‑yard setbacks allow).
Additional Elements in a Markham Lot Grading Plan
To meet Markham’s Engineering Standards, your plan must feature:
Existing and proposed elevations at all lot corners, and elevations at intermediate points to illustrate drainage flow
All swales, driveways, sidewalks, service connections, catch basin inverts, and arrows showing flow direction
Infrastructure like curbs, utilities, retaining walls, and roof downspout locations
Preservation areas for trees, and control for erosion during construction
Compatibility with neighbours, including a 0.6 m undisturbed buffer on abutting property lines
What You Should Do Next?
First, hire a licensed professional engineer—preferably one familiar with Markham’s RGS process to draft the lot grading plan. Then, submit your RGS application through the city’s ePLAN system, including the checklist, fees, and supporting documents like surveys.
Act now to avoid delays. Your plan needs to be accepted before you apply for building permits. If revisions are required, you can resubmit via a revision application but that costs more time and resources.
Markham Lot Grading Plan Application Process
The Markham lot grading plan application process starts with the Residential (Infill) Grading and Servicing submission, which every property owner must complete before altering the grading or drainage pattern of a lot. This step ensures that all proposed changes meet municipal standards and direct drainage safely to prevent flooding or erosion. Applicants should prepare their documents with full accuracy and detail to avoid rejection or costly delays. The City of Markham manages the process entirely through its online ePLAN portal, allowing applicants to submit documents digitally, track review stages, and receive updates in real time. By following the city’s requirements from the start, property owners can move through the process smoothly and keep their projects on schedule.
Preparing the Required Documentation for a Markham Lot Grading Plan
Before submitting your application you must prepare a complete package of required documents. This generally includes a professionally prepared lot grading plan certified by a licensed Ontario professional engineer or Ontario Land Surveyor depending on the scope of the project, a current topographic survey of the property showing existing elevations and site features, and any additional engineering or landscaping details requested by the City of Markham’s Engineering Department. In many cases, tree preservation and protection plans are also necessary especially when trees are located near the area of grading changes. The plan must comply with the City’s standard drawings and technical specifications which include requirements for slope gradients, swale design, and drainage control measures.
Review Timeline for Markham Lot Grading Plan Applications
Once applicants submit the lot grading plan, the City of Markham starts its technical review. The initial review usually takes two to four weeks, depending on workload and project complexity. If the plan meets all criteria, the city grants approval without requiring further revisions. However, when reviewers find deficiencies, they return the application with comments that explain the necessary changes. Applicants must then revise the plan and resubmit it for another review cycle. Every revision extends the timeline, so submitting an accurate and compliant plan the first time helps keep the project on schedule.
Common Reasons for Rejection of a Markham Lot Grading Plan
The City of Markham frequently rejects grading plans due to incomplete information, incorrect elevations, or slopes that do not comply with the minimum and maximum percentage requirements. Plans that fail to properly manage drainage away from the foundation or that create negative impacts on neighbouring properties are also rejected. Omitting required features such as swales, catch basins, or proper driveway slopes is another common cause for delays. By working with an experienced engineering firm such as Elmid Design Inc, which holds a Certificate of Authorization from Professional Engineers Ontario, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of rejection because their expertise ensures compliance with both municipal guidelines and professional engineering standards.
Importance of Professional Expertise in a Markham Lot Grading Plan
A lot grading plan may seem like a simple drawing but it requires technical expertise to ensure that the proposed elevations and drainage align perfectly with existing site conditions and municipal infrastructure. Professional engineers understand the subtleties of water flow, soil conditions, and construction tolerances that must be accounted for in the design. The City of Markham enforces these technical standards to safeguard property owners and maintain the integrity of its stormwater systems. Engaging a reputable firm not only saves time but also provides assurance that your project will pass municipal inspection without costly last-minute changes.
Final Approval and On-Site Verification of a Markham Lot Grading Plan
Once the City of Markham approves your lot grading plan, you can apply for your building permit and start construction. Approval does not end the process because city inspectors will visit the site during and after construction. They check that the grading matches the approved design. If they find differences between the final grades and the plan, you must correct them before receiving occupancy. Inspectors conduct this final check to ensure water flows as intended and drainage problems do not occur. They also confirm that the property meets municipal safety and environmental requirements. Matching the plan from the start helps you avoid delays and costly rework.
Why You Should Act Now
Delaying the preparation and submission of your Markham lot grading plan can cause significant setbacks to your project timeline. Municipal review queues can lengthen during peak construction seasons and any deficiencies found will require resubmission. Acting now allows you to address all technical requirements early and keep your construction schedule on track. Working with a qualified engineering team ensures compliance, protects your investment, and gives you confidence when dealing with municipal authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Markham lot grading plan?
A Markham lot grading plan is a professionally prepared drawing that shows how the land around a property will slope to direct water away from buildings. It prevents drainage problems and protects surrounding areas. The City of Markham requires this plan for most new builds, additions, and significant landscaping projects. The requirement helps protect public infrastructure, reduce the risk of flooding, and maintain compliance with municipal engineering standards.
Who can prepare a Markham lot grading plan?
Only licensed professional engineers or Ontario Land Surveyors with the proper qualifications can prepare and stamp a Markham lot grading plan. The City of Markham often requires a professional engineer for complex residential or commercial projects. In these cases, the engineer must hold a Certificate of Authorization from Professional Engineers Ontario. Elmid Design Inc meets these requirements and provides compliant, high-quality lot grading plans that align with municipal standards.
How long does it take to get a Markham lot grading plan approved?
The review time for a Markham lot grading plan usually ranges from two to four weeks after submission. The exact timing depends on the project’s complexity and the number of applications the City is processing. If the plan requires revisions, the process takes longer because each resubmission goes through a full review cycle.
What information must be included in a Markham lot grading plan?
The plan must show existing and proposed elevations along with drainage patterns and slopes. It should include swales, driveways, service connections, and catch basins. Downspout locations, retaining walls, and tree protection zones must also appear on the drawing. All slopes must follow the City’s minimum and maximum gradient requirements to ensure water flows away from structures.
Can I submit my Markham lot grading plan without a professional engineer?
In most cases, the City of Markham will not accept a grading plan unless a licensed professional engineer or a qualified Ontario Land Surveyor prepares and stamps it. Submitting a plan from an unqualified preparer will lead to immediate rejection of your application.
What happens if my grading does not match the approved plan after construction?
If the City’s final inspection shows that the grading differs from the approved plan, you must correct it before receiving occupancy. These corrections can be costly and delay your project. Working with an experienced engineer ensures grading compliance throughout construction and helps you avoid these issues.
How can I avoid delays when applying for a Markham lot grading plan?
You can avoid delays by hiring a qualified professional early in the process. Make sure your application is complete before submission. Check that all slopes, drainage features, and technical details meet the City’s standards. Submitting a well-prepared plan on the first attempt greatly increases your chances of fast approval.
About Elmid Design Inc
Elmid Design Inc is a trusted engineering firm serving Markham and the Greater Toronto Area. The company holds a Certificate of Authorization from Professional Engineers Ontario. It specializes in precise and compliant lot grading plans. These designs meet municipal standards and maintain long-term drainage performance. Elmid Design Inc focuses on quality, accuracy, and client satisfaction. Its team combines technical expertise with strong local regulatory knowledge. This approach helps homeowners, builders, and developers secure fast approvals and avoid costly delays.
Geographic Locations That We Service:
Our Licensed Professional Engineers specializing in Engineered Site Grading Plans offer the best-engineered site grading plan, lot grading and erosion plan, and drainage plan to obtain site plan approval and building permits in Ontario, including a wide range of municipalities. Each area boasts unique features and requirements, making our tailored approach essential for success.
Toronto and Surrounding Areas
In the vibrant heart of Ontario, we service Toronto (City of Toronto) and surrounding areas. Additionally, we cover Oshawa (City of Oshawa), Pickering (City of Pickering), and Clarington (Municipality of Clarington). Furthermore, our expertise extends to Ajax (Town of Ajax), Whitby (Town of Whitby), Brock (Township of Brock), Scugog (Township of Scugog), and Uxbridge (Township of Uxbridge).
Halton Region
Moving to the Halton Region, our services encompass Burlington (City of Burlington) and Halton Hills (Town of Halton Hills). Also included are Milton (Town of Milton) and Oakville (Town of Oakville).
Peel Region
In the Peel Region, we provide services in Brampton (City of Brampton), Mississauga (City of Mississauga), and Caledon (Town of Caledon).
York Region
Our services in the York Region cover Vaughan (City of Vaughan), Aurora (Town of Aurora), and East Gwillimbury (Town of East Gwillimbury). We also cater to Georgina (Town of Georgina), Markham (City of Markham), Newmarket (Town of Newmarket), Richmond Hill (City of Richmond Hill), Whitchurch-Stouffville (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville), King (Township of King), and Bradford-West Gwillimbury (Town of Bradford-West Gwillimbury). Each municipality here offers a distinct setting, requiring our specialized approach.
Other Southern Ontario Cities and Towns
We also serve many other cities and towns in Southern Ontario. These include Hamilton (City of Hamilton), St. Catharines (City of St. Catharines), Niagara on the Lake (Town of Niagara on the Lake), Brant (County of Brant), Cambridge (City of Cambridge), Kitchener (City of Kitchener), Waterloo (City of Waterloo), and Woodstock (City of Woodstock). Furthermore, we operate in Guelph (City of Guelph), Centre Wellington (Township of Centre Wellington), Shelburne (Town of Shelburne), Orangeville (Town of Orangeville), New Tecumseth (Town of New Tecumseth), Essa (Town of Essa), Collingwood (Town of Collingwood), Wasaga Beach (Town of Wasaga Beach), Barrie (City of Barrie), Midland (Town of Midland), Orillia (City of Orillia), Ramara (Town of Ramara), Minden Hills (Town of Minden Hills), North Kawartha (Town of North Kawartha), Kawartha Lakes (City of Kawartha Lakes), Peterborough (City of Peterborough), Selwyn (Town of Selwyn), and Brighton (Municipality of Brighton).
