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Permit-Aware Landscaping & Outdoor Construction.

Guidance for retaining walls, grading, drainage, ravine lots, waterfront conditions, and conservation authority review before exterior work begins.

Planning Ahead

Some landscape projects need more than a quote

Many landscaping projects can proceed with a clear construction scope. Others require a closer review before work begins. Retaining walls, major grade changes, drainage adjustments, ravine lots, waterfront properties, pool-adjacent work, and work near regulated natural areas may involve municipal or conservation authority requirements. Lush Landscapes does not guess on these issues. We identify potential permit and review considerations early, then help coordinate the right next step for the property, municipality, and project type.

Common Review Areas

What May Need Attention

Retaining Walls

Wall height, location, surcharge, guards, drainage, engineering, and municipal requirements can affect how a retaining wall is planned.

Grading & Drainage

Changes to surface water, swales, downspouts, patios, driveways, and hardscape elevations must be handled carefully to protect the property and neighbours.

Regulated Areas

Properties near ravines, rivers, creeks, shorelines, wetlands, or conservation areas may require additional review before construction proceeds.

Authorities

Agencies We May Need to Consider

Municipal rules can affect retaining walls, grading, pools, driveway work, boulevard areas, tree protection, and site access. Requirements vary by city and project type.
Credit Valley Conservation may be relevant for properties near the Credit River, Sixteen Mile Creek, and related regulated areas in parts of Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, and Milton.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority may be relevant for properties near ravines, valleys, watercourses, wetlands, shorelines, and regulated areas in Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and nearby municipalities.
The Niagara Escarpment Commission may be relevant for certain properties in Hamilton, Milton, and Halton Hills where the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area applies.

Review the permit path before construction starts.

Tell us about the property and scope so potential requirements can be identified early.