Utilities
Before a shovel hits the ground you MUST find out what’s under the soil. Always call for underground locates!
Call or book online, Ontario One Call
Property Lines
You don’t want to start digging and realize you are in your neighbour’s yard.
The City of Hamilton has an interactive zoning map you can use to locate your property and see where the lines on your property start and end.
Property Size
When deciding on a green infrastructure feature it’s important to consider the size of your property to ensure you can place the feature within the recommended distance. These features will infiltrate water so we want to ensure you aren’t too close to your building’s foundation, other hard surfaces etc.
Use this site map with the space considerations to sketch out your project(s).
Soil Types
Soils are divided into three main classifications: sand, loam and clay. Plants can grow in a variety of soils, but most will identify what is most optimal. Look for these identifiers when purchasing plants. But if you don’t know how to test your soil try the ribbon test!
Soil type will also influence your infiltration rate. That is how long it takes for water to make its way through the ground or infiltrate. There are some tests you can try out. You’ll need to dig a hole, so remember to call before that shovel hits the ground.
Our calculations worksheet will take you through the steps for performing both of these tests!
Learn more about the different soil types using this list.
Check out our NATURhoods calculations sheet to perform a ribbon test and infiltration test.
Extra reading and activities if you want to learn more about soils!
Catchment Area
For your project to infiltrate water it needs a source! This can be from your driveway, roof or any other surface that collects water. Our calculations worksheet will help you find out how much water your feature can infiltrate and the corresponding size of the feature.
Check out our NATURhoods calculations sheet to calculate your catchment area.
Slope of property
It’s important that the feature slopes AWAY from your property. It will hold lots of water, so we don’t want it sloping towards your foundation. Using our calculations sheet you can find out the percentage of your slope.
Check out our NATURhoods calculations sheet to calculate your slope.
Source water protection
It is important to consider our source water aka where our drinking water from the ground is located. If you are considering a project where lots of pollutants will be soaked up ensure you aren’t within a vulnerable area, highly susceptible to contamination.
Find out where your property is located using this map from the Province of Ontario, and learn more about source water protection.
Permits and Zoning By-Laws
A Building Permit is required for the construction of detached structures that are greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet) in area. Building Permits are necessary to ensure that fire, construction and structural safety standards are met. Permits also confirm that the project follows City Zoning By-laws. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that a Building Permit is obtained for construction or demolition.
Residential Accessory Buildings in Hamilton require a permit.