Whether you’re working with a contractor or tackling this project yourself, read through the City’s Landscaping Education GuideOpens in a new tab or window before you start. This guide is a comprehensive overview of the City’s requirements for driveways, hard and soft landscaping, drainage and grading plans, protecting trees, fences, and pools and other water features.
Here are three things you should know before starting your next landscaping project:
- Know your property lines: Look up your street address on geoOttawa and select the “Property parcels” layer to approximately locate where the property lines are between you and your neighbours. The map will also show where the City’s right of way is located, which may require you to follow different rules.
- Know the by-laws: Read the Landscaping Education Guide for an overview of the by-laws related to landscaping and their requirements. Afterwards, review the applicable City by-laws for your project to ensure you understand and are considering all of the requirements.
- Know who to ask for help: If you have a question or need clarification on how a by-law applies to your project, call 3-1-1 or consult the Landscaping Education Guide to find out who to contact at the City for each type of project.
Remember to check the applicable by-laws on ottawa.ca regularly. While our guide is comprehensive, the applicable by-law is always the most up-to-date source of information.
