Permits

Welcome to the Engineering Permits section.

Use this page to choose the right permit, learn who must apply and prepare the documents you need.

What type of work are you doing?

Select one option below to go to the permit steps, guidance documents, by-laws and application form.

Do not start work until the Town has approved your application and issued your permit.

Application forms and documents linked from this page open in a new window.

1. Driveway Entrances

New driveways, curb cuts, culverts, driveway changes and culvert extensions

Checking an older driveway entrance application?

Did you apply for a building permit in 2024?

Engineering began managing Driveway Entrance Permits on January 1, 2025.

If you applied for a building permit in 2024, you may have already applied and paid for a driveway entrance or culvert through Building Services.

Before starting a new driveway application:

  1. Contact Building Services
  2. Have your property address and building permit number ready, if available.
  3. Ask if a driveway entrance or culvert was included and paid for with your building permit.

If it was paid for: Building staff may direct you to the Roads Department to discuss scheduling the installation.

If it was not paid for: Follow the current process below. For a new entrance or private contractor work, you must first hire a qualified contractor.

What work needs a Driveway Entrance Permit?

You may need this permit for:

  • a new driveway entrance;
  • a curb cut;
  • a new culvert;
  • changes to an existing driveway;
  • replacement of a culvert;
  • an extension to an existing culvert; or
  • a non-essential driveway or culvert upgrade.

This permit only applies to roads owned by the Town of Fort Erie.

Who must apply?

New Driveway Entrances

The property owner must first hire a qualified contractor.

The company doing the work must apply for:

  • a new driveway entrance;
  • a curb cut;
  • a new culvert;
  • a private culvert replacement;
  • a non-essential upgrade; or
  • a culvert extension completed by a private contractor.

The contractor must accept responsibility for the work in the public right-of-way and submit the application. A property owner should not apply on the contractor's behalf.

Town-installed extension of an existing culvert

A property owner may contact the Town directly when:

  • a culvert already exists;
  • the owner only wants to extend the existing driveway; and
  • the owner wants the Town to complete the culvert work.

The Town will inspect the culvert and calculate the cost. The owner must pay the invoice before work begins.

If the existing culvert is too old or damaged, the Town may replace the full culvert. The owner will only be charged for the approved extension.

The Roads Department schedules this work based on staff, equipment, weather and other road priorities. A specific installation date is not guaranteed.

For Town-installed culvert work, call 905-871-1600, extension 2404.

What must the contractor prepare?

  • A clear driveway drawing using metric measurements.
  • The zoning of the property.
  • The percentage of the front yard that will not be landscaped.
  • The location of water, sanitary and other services.
  • The location of trees, poles, transformers, utility cabinets and other equipment.
  • A Traffic Control Plan, when required.
  • Commercial general liability insurance of at least $2 million.
  • The Town of Fort Erie named as an additional insured.
  • A valid WSIB Certificate of Clearance or accepted exemption.
  • Any other approvals needed for the work.

Drawing requirements

All applications must:

  • show the proposed driveway or culvert;
  • include clear metric measurements;
  • show nearby roads, sidewalks, ditches and services;
  • show nearby trees, poles and utility equipment; and
  • measure from a fixed object, such as a fire hydrant or sanitary maintenance hole.

Drawings measured only from property lines may not be accepted.

Check zoning before applying

The driveway must meet the Town's zoning rules. These rules may limit:

  • the driveway width;
  • the number of driveways on the lot;
  • the distance from an intersection;
  • the distance between two driveways; and
  • the amount of the front yard that must remain landscaped.

If the proposal does not meet the Zoning By-law, an approved Minor Variance may be needed before the permit can be issued.

If the property is in an active subdivision, call the Town at 905-871-1600 and ask for Planning Services before applying.

Is the driveway on another authority's road?

The Town cannot issue an entrance permit for a road owned by Niagara Region, the Ministry of Transportation (Highway 3) or the Niagara Parks Commission.

How long does the review take?

10 business days

The Town aims to complete the first review within 10 business days.

If information is missing or changes are needed:

  1. The application will be returned with comments.
  2. The applicant must make the changes using the secure link in the Town email.
  3. A new 10-business-day review period begins when the revised application is received.

Do not submit a second application to send revised documents.

After the permit is issued

  • Keep a copy of the permit at the work site.
  • Request utility locates before digging.
  • Follow the approved Traffic Control Plan.
  • Call at least two business days before work begins to arrange an inspection.
  • Restore all damaged or disturbed areas.
  • Guarantee the installation and restoration for one year after Town acceptance.

To arrange an inspection, call 905-871-1600, extension 2404.

Read the guidelines before applying

 Read the Guidance Notes  Apply for a Driveway Entrance Permit

Related documents and links


Back to permit choices

2. Installing or Upgrading Water, Sanitary or Storm Services

Work connecting private property to municipal water or sewer systems

The company doing the work must apply.

The property owner must first hire a qualified contractor that can complete the work in the public right-of-way.

The homeowner should not submit the application in the contractor's place.

What is a Service Installation Permit for?

Use this permit to install, replace, move, disconnect or connect a:

  • water service;
  • sanitary sewer service; or
  • storm sewer service, when approved.

Storm service connections are only considered in special cases. A lot grading plan approved by Building Services may be required before applying.

Who is responsible for the application?

The contractor doing the work must:

  • submit the application;
  • accept responsibility for work in the public right-of-way;
  • provide the required drawing and documents;
  • follow the permit conditions;
  • arrange inspections;
  • protect the public; and
  • restore any damaged Town property.

What must the contractor submit?

  • A servicing schematic or drawing.
  • A Traffic Control Plan, when the road or sidewalk will be affected.
  • A Certificate of Insurance.
  • A valid WSIB Certificate of Clearance or accepted exemption.
  • A Ministry of the Environment approval, when required.
  • Proof of any other required permits or outside approvals.

An incomplete application may be returned without review.

Insurance

The contractor must normally have:

  • at least $2 million in commercial general liability insurance;
  • the Town of Fort Erie named as an additional insured;
  • coverage that remains valid for the full work period; and
  • at least 30 days' written notice to the Town before cancellation.

Servicing drawing requirements

All applications must:

  • use metric measurements;
  • show existing and proposed services;
  • show service sizes and materials;
  • show horizontal and vertical separation distances;
  • show the existing watermain or sewer connection point; and
  • measure from a fixed object, such as a fire hydrant or sanitary maintenance hole.

Drawings measured only from property lines may not be accepted.

Technical requirements

The full material, connection, backfill and restoration requirements are listed in the Guidance Notes.

Examples include:

  • water service material and depth;
  • water and sewer separation;
  • sanitary service pipe, grade and connection type;
  • storm service requirements;
  • backfill and compaction;
  • road, boulevard and sidewalk restoration; and
  • a one-year guarantee for the work and restoration.

The contractor should read the Guidance Notes before designing or pricing the work.

Regional roads or infrastructure

Some roads and municipal services are owned or operated by Niagara Region or Niagara Parks.

The application may still need to be submitted through the Town. The applicant is responsible for:

  • confirming who owns the road or infrastructure;
  • getting any outside approval;
  • paying any separate outside fee; and
  • giving proof of approval to the Town.

How long does the review take?

10 business days

The Town aims to complete the first review within 10 business days.

If information is missing or changes are needed:

  1. The application will be returned with comments.
  2. The applicant must make the changes using the secure link in the Town email.
  3. A new 10-business-day review period begins when the revised application is received.

Do not submit a second application to send revised documents.

After the permit is issued

  • Keep a copy of the permit at the work site.
  • Request Ontario One Call utility locates before digging.
  • Follow the approved Traffic Control Plan.
  • Give any required notice before blocking a road or sidewalk.
  • Call at least two business days before work begins, to arrange inspections or schedule a Live Tap.
  • Do not cover the work before it is inspected.
  • Restore all disturbed areas.

To arrange an inspection or water service live tap, call 905-871-1600, extension 2404.

Only Town staff may complete a live tap on a Town watermain.

Read the guidelines before applying

 Read the Guidance Notes Apply for a Service Installation Permit

Related documents and links


Back to permit choices

3. I Need to Occupy a Road, Use Town Property or Use an Overweight Vehicle for Construction

Road or sidewalk restrictions, bins, equipment, construction access and heavy vehicles

You may need a Municipal Property Occupancy Permit.

This permit controls temporary construction use of Town roads, sidewalks, boulevards, parks, parking lots and other Town-owned property.

What is Town property?

Town property may include:

  • roads and road shoulders;
  • sidewalks;
  • boulevards and ditches;
  • parking lots;
  • parks and beaches;
  • Town facilities; and
  • other Town-owned land.

When is a permit needed?

You may need this permit to:

  • close or restrict a road, traffic lane or sidewalk;
  • restrict access to a parking lot or other Town property;
  • place a disposal bin or moving container on Town property;
  • place construction equipment, supplies or materials on Town property;
  • cross a boulevard where there is no driveway;
  • place workers or equipment on Town property;
  • use Town property to support construction; or
  • operate an overweight commercial vehicle on a restricted Town road.

Overweight construction vehicles

A permit may be required when a commercial vehicle:

  • weighs more than five tonnes per axle; and
  • will travel on a Town road marked with a weight restriction.

The application must show:

  • the proposed route;
  • the start and end points;
  • the estimated number of trips; and
  • the planned start and end dates.

The vehicle must follow the route approved by the Town.

Who may apply?

The property owner or a contractor may apply.

The applicant becomes responsible for:

  • following every permit condition;
  • protecting the public;
  • keeping roads and walkways safe;
  • repairing damage;
  • paying required fees and deposits; and
  • paying any extra Town costs caused by the work.

Apply early

At least 5 business days

Submit a complete application at least five business days before the planned start date.

This is a minimum notice period. It is not a promise that every permit will be approved within five days. Complex or incomplete applications may take longer.

What may be required?

  • A drawing, sketch or map of the affected Town property.
  • The location and size of each obstruction.
  • The route for overweight vehicles.
  • Photographs showing the area before work begins.
  • A Traffic Control Plan.
  • A valid WSIB Certificate of Clearance or accepted exemption.
  • Commercial general liability insurance of at least $5 million.
  • The Town of Fort Erie named as an additional insured.
  • A permit application fee.
  • A damage deposit.
  • Other approvals requested by the Town.

Protecting access and safety

The applicant must:

  • keep pedestrian and vehicle routes safe;
  • avoid creating tripping hazards;
  • keep fire hydrants and crosswalks clear;
  • give notice to emergency services and transit when required;
  • provide accessible routes around the work; and
  • follow the approved Traffic Control Plan.

Do not use or block Town property before the permit is issued.

All required fees and deposits must also be paid before work begins.

After the work is complete

The applicant must restore the Town property to its earlier condition or to the Town standard, whichever is higher.

The Town may use the damage deposit to pay for repairs. The applicant remains responsible if the repair cost is more than the deposit.

Penalties

A person who breaks the Municipal Property Occupancy By-law may receive an administrative penalty. The person may also be responsible for restoration and other Town costs.

Apply for the permit

 Read the Occupancy By-law  Apply for an Occupancy Permit

Related documents and links

Back to permit choices

Need help?

Call the Town at 905-871-1600 before applying if:

  • you are not sure which permit is needed;
  • you do not know who owns the road;
  • your project is unusual;
  • the property is in an active subdivision; or
  • you need the application or documents in another format.

Page last revised: July 28, 2026

Contact Us

Town of Fort Erie
1 Municipal Centre Drive,
Fort Erie, ON, L2A 2S6
Phone: 905-871-1600
Send an Email

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to receive information from the Town of Fort Erie directly to your inbox. Check out the various categories of general news, and emergency notifications.

Subscribe Today