What you need a permit for
A street use permit is required whenever your construction or work activities occur within the city right-of-way. This jurisdiction covers roadways, sidewalks, boulevards, rear lanes, bus lanes, bike lanes, and the airspace above them.
You must submit your application before commencing work if your project involves:
- Shoring or excavation near the street
- Hoarding (fences or barriers between your site and public space)
- Scaffolding that extends over a sidewalk or street
- Placing materials, equipment, or a garbage bin on city property
- Closing a lane or restricting traffic
How to apply
Follow these steps to get your permit approved.
1. Check if you need a building permit first
If you are building or renovating a structure, apply for a building permit before you apply for a street use permit. You will need the building permit number on your application.
2. Prepare your application package
Send your package to the Planning and Development team at [email protected]. Include:
- A description of the work and the exact address
- Start and end dates for the work
- Contact details for the applicant, payor, and prime contractor
- A completed Commercial General Liability Insurance Form
- Drawings sealed by a licensed engineer (if shoring or excavation is involved)
3. Application review
Our engineers will check your plans to make sure they meet the Engineering Design Standards, protect public safety, and do not damage city infrastructure. We will send you a list of conditions or changes if needed. You will also receive a notice of payment before the permit is issued.
4. Pay fees and deposits
Pay all street use fees and damage deposits before your permit is issued. You will receive an email with your permit. Print it and keep a copy on site at all times. Make sure your contact information stays up to date. If it changes, email [email protected].
5. Finish your work and get your deposit back
When the work is done, email [email protected] to request a refund of your deposit. An inspector will check for any damage to the street or sidewalk. A sewer camera inspection may also be required before your deposit is returned.
Hoarding and scaffolding rules
If you need hoarding or scaffolding, you must submit a separate temporary occupancy application. You will need a hoarding permit if your closure impacts peak traffic hours (Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) or stays in place for more than 24 hours. Contact the By-law Enforcement team to confirm if your project needs one.
Traffic control and no parking
You must submit a Temporary Traffic Control Plan for all street use applications. The plan must be clear, show all road markings, and include a scale, north arrow, and site contact number. If your plan meets the professional engineering requirements, it must be stamped and signed by a licensed engineer.
If your work blocks parking, you must also apply for a Temporary No Parking Permit. You are responsible for setting up the required signage at least 12 hours before your work starts. The permit holder must ensure all signage shows the approved dates and times.
Fees
Street use permits include a base application fee. Additional fees depend on the scope of work, inspection needs, and impact on traffic.
| Fee type | When it applies | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Street Use Permit (daily) | Site-specific street occupation | $245.00 per day |
| Street Use Permit (annual) | Short-duration closures under 24 hours on residential roads off-peak | $8,200.00 per year |
| Traffic Control Plan review | Staff review and coordination | $185.00 per hour |
| Site inspection | On-site verification of setup | $125.00 per visit |
| Delay penalties | Work extending past approved timelines or not meeting conditions under Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-075 | Assessed case by case |
You can reduce extra costs by submitting complete applications, responding quickly to review comments, and avoiding work during peak traffic hours.
Who to contact
For questions about street use permits, contact the Planning and Development team at [email protected] or call 519-555-0100. For utility locate requests or road-related concerns, email [email protected].