- HST is not applicable to Planning fees.
- Specific property Inquiry Fee applies to all consultant requests for information. "Conservation Project" means a project intended to protect or enhance the natural environment and is proposed by or is in partnership with, a recognized conservation or environmental organization. Determination of eligible projects is done on a case-by-case basis by the SVCA.
- If landowner is only seeking to clarify SVCA interest on a property, the $107 file initiation fee may be waived.
Planning and Regulations Fees and Criteria
For 2026 Environmental Planning and Regulations Fees, please click here.
Application to alter a watercourse examples
Minor works examples
Pond clean-outs equal to or less than 0.5 ha (1.2 acres); watercourse crossings (such as culverts) with an existing stream channel width equal to or less than 3.0 metres (9.8 feet); maintenance and repair of existing on-stream structures; docks, boathouses and similar structures; streambank works equal to or less than 30.0 metres (98.4 feet) in length; channel clean-outs.
Standard works examples
Watercourse crossings (above or below the bed) with an existing stream channel width more than 3.0 metres (9.8 feet) but less than 10.0 metres (32.8 feet); streambank works more than 30.0 metres (98.4 feet) but less than 60.0 metres (196.9 feet) in length.
Major works examples
New ponds; new dams; watercourse crossings (above or below the bed) with an existing stream channel width greater than 10.0 metres (32.8 feet); modifications to existing structures (on-stream or connected to the watercourse) where the dimensions or use change substantially; streambank works that exceed 60.0 metres (196.9 feet) in total linear length.
Complex works examples
Projects that qualify as ‘Complex Works’ are determined by the SVCA on a project specific basis and generally these projects require more SVCA review than for a typical Major Works project. As a guideline, a Complex Works project has an estimated cost of one million dollars or more, has multiple supporting reports submitted, and/or a relatively large geographical area is involved.
Application to alter a regulated area (development and or alterations)
Minor works examples
Buildings and structures with a floor area equal to or less than 30.0 metres² (322.9 feet²); carports and non-habitable public structures; filling and/or site grading where the total quantity is 23.0 cubic metres (30.1 cubic yards) or more, but less than or equal to 765 cubic metres (1000.6 cubic yards); retaining walls where slope instability is not a significant concern; wetland or area of interference alterations that are linear (e.g. ditches).
Standard works examples
Buildings and structures with a floor area more than 30.0 m² (322.9 ft²) but equal to or less than 278.9 metres² (3002 feet²); filling and/or site grading where the total quantity is more than 765 cubic metres (1000.6 cubic yards) but less than or equal to 1530 cubic metres (2001.2 cubic yards); retaining walls and similar structures where there is potential for slope instability.
Major works examples
All buildings and structures with a floor area more than 278.9 metres² (3002 feet²); filling and/or site grading where the total quantity is more than 1530 cubic metres (2001.2 cubic yards).
Complex works examples
Projects that qualify as ‘Complex Works’ are determined by the SVCA on a project specific basis and generally these projects require more SVCA review than for a typical Major Works project. As a guideline, a Complex Works project has an estimated cost of one million dollars or more, has multiple supporting reports submitted, and/or a relatively large geographical area is involved.
Development
Includes new construction, reconstruction, additions, change of use, or increasing the number of dwelling units, for buildings or structures. Also includes placing or removing any material, such as fill or soil, or site grading. (This definition is condensed for the purpose of this Fee Schedule. For the full definition, see the Conservation Authorities Act, Sec (28).)
Floor area
Floor area is defined as the outside dimensions of the building or structure measured at the floor level nearest to the average surrounding ground surface. Buildings or structures with cantilevered or raised sections are measured at the floor level with the largest area. For a building or structure not completely enclosed by walls, the area is measured assuming total enclosure (except carports and non-habitable public structures which are classified as Minor Works regardless of size).
Accessory building
Accessory building means a non-habitable, free-standing building that is greater than 15 metres² in floor area but less than 30.0 metres². Larger buildings are classified as Standard or Major Works.
Secondary building or structure
Secondary building or structure means a non-enclosed deck, veranda, or porch.
Filling exempt works
Filling exempt works means fill quantities less than 23 cubic metres, the work is completed within one calendar year, is not an ongoing filling project, the fill is comprised of inert, granular material, will not cause erosion or sedimentation, and is not located on a steep slope, wetland, or dynamic beach.
Conservation project
Conservation project means a project which the sole intent is to protect or enhance the natural environment and is proposed by, or is in partnership with, a recognized conservation or environmental organization. Determination of eligible projects is done on a case-by-case basis by the SVCA. SVCA projects may or may not be considered a Conservation Project.
Engineering report review
Engineering report review (Geotechnical, Coastal, Environmental Impact, or Floodplain study etc.) when not accompanied by a planning application or a Complex Application.
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