Residential Lot Grading

In many older areas of the City, drainage issues developed before modern lot grading standards were in place. These issues often become more noticeable when properties are redeveloped (commonly referred to as infill development).

Infill development provides an opportunity for neighbouring property owners to review and improve drainage conditions. In many cases, working together to create or improve a shared side yard swale can significantly improve how water drains between properties.

How to Improve Side Yard Drainage

If you are experiencing drainage issues, the following steps are recommended:

1. Talk to Your Neighbour
   Start by discussing the issue with your neighbour. Drainage improvements are often most effective when both properties are considered together.

2. Review Your Own Grading
   Ensure your property
   • Slopes away from buildings 
   • Does not trap water near foundations 
   • Directs runoff toward a suitable drainage path 

3. Understand Drainage Patterns
   Work together to identify:
   • How water currently flows across both properties 
   • Where downspouts and sump pump discharge should be directed 
   • The appropriate location for water to exit the area 

4. Create or Improve a Swale
   A swale is a shallow channel that helps direct water safely away.
   • Preferred option: A shared swale along the property line (between two lots) — See Detail A in the diagram below
   • Alternative option: If cooperation is not possible, an internal swale within your property may be required 
   • In some cases, a retaining wall may be needed to ensure water from your property does not impact neighbouring properties — See Detail B in the diagram below

View Swale Diagram

Rear yard swales are an important part of the City’s drainage system and are typically shown on the approved Lot Grading Plan.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining these swales to ensure proper drainage.

Maintenance Requirements

Rear yard swales must:

• Remain unobstructed and free-draining
• Be maintained to their intended shape and slope 

What to Avoid

To keep swales functioning properly:

• Do not plant trees in swales
• Do not block water flow with fences, retaining walls or other structures
  • Fences must provide at least 150 mm (6 inches) of clearance at the bottom to allow the passage of water
• Do not enclose swales with pipes

Blocking or altering a swale can cause drainage issues for you and your neighbours.

Working Together

Drainage issues between properties are often best resolved cooperatively. The City encourages neighbours to work together to find practical solutions that improve drainage for everyone.

1. Review your grading plan.
   When your permit is issued, you will receive:
   • A Lot Grading Plan showing required perimeter elevations and drainage patterns
   • A building elevation sheet tied to a benchmark (often a hydrant)
      - Indicates the home’s main floor and garage pad elevations
      - Provides the height difference between the provided benchmark and critical lot grades and building elevations
2. Prepared the lot.
   Before inspection:
   • Grade the lot to within 25mm (1 inch) of rough grade elevations
   • Install grade stakes at all critical points indicated on the Lot Grading Plan
3. Book the inspection.
   City staff will:
   • Measure elevations at critical locations
   • Verify compliance with the grading plan
4. Review and proceed with the inspection results.
   • The City will provide an inspection report indicating the results and any necessary adjustments, if required
   • If the lot passes, you can proceed with final landscaping
   • If the lot fails, corrections are required and a re-inspection must be scheduled
5. Pay required fees.
   • Initial inspection is included with the permit fees
   • Re-inspections: $100 per visit (deducted from grading deposit)
6. Complete final steps.
   Once the lot passes:
   • Deposit is returned (minus any fees)
   • Final landscaping can be completed

Check Your Lot Grading

• Ensure the ground slopes away from your foundation
• Pay special attention to areas under decks, stairs, and window wells
• Keep side yard and rear yard swales unobstructed and free-draining

If you are unsure how your lot should drain, you can request your Lot Grading Plan from the Engineering Department by emailing engineering@steinbach.ca.

Complete Final Landscaping Properly

• Final landscaping (topsoil, sod, decorative materials) should only be installed after rough grading has been approved
• Rough grade is typically 4 inches (100 mm) below final grade

Maintain Window Wells

• Install and maintain window wells where required
• Ensure grading around windows allows proper slope away from the foundation

Manage Roof Drainage

• Clean eavestroughs and downspouts regularly
• Ensure downspouts:
  • Discharge onto your own property
  • Direct water away from the foundation
  • Use splash pads or extensions to prevent pooling 

Ensure Proper Sump Pump Discharge

• Discharge the sump pump in accordance with the Land Drainage By-Law. 
• Allow water to soak into the ground before leaving your property

See the Sump Pumps webpage for more details.

Manage Snow During Melt

• Clear snow away from:
  • Foundations
  • Window wells
  • Downspouts
• Create a path for meltwater to drain toward:
  • Rear yard swales, or
  • The nearest right-of-way

Check Your Driveway Slope

• Minimum grade: 2%
• Maximum grade: 6%
• Driveways must not direct water toward buildings

Work with Your Neighbours

• Many drainage issues involve more than one property
• Discuss concerns early as your neighbour may not be aware of the issue

If you need help starting the conversation, contact engineering@steinbach.ca.

Consider Professional Help

A qualified landscaper or grading contractor can:

• Survey your property
• Identify drainage issues
• Recommend solutions to bring your lot into compliance

Still Need Help?

If you’re unsure how to proceed, the City’s Engineering Department can provide general guidance and available lot grading information.