All about landscaping rules in Ottawa

Before planning your next landscaping project, property owners and landscaping contractors should understand the City’s by-laws and their rules.

Whether you’re working with a contractor or tackling this project yourself, read through the City’s Landscaping Education Guide 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.

If you’re thinking about hiring a hardscaping contractor, make sure they are licensed with the City of Ottawa. Ask them to show you a copy of their business licence. Licensed hardscaping contractors will also provide written contracts and give you a copy of the City’s Landscaping Education Guide.

A hardscaping contractor is someone who installs, alters or paves hard landscaping features on private property, such as:

• Driveways and parking areas
• Concrete pads and gravel areas
• Retaining walls
• Steps, walkways, pathways and patios

These features may be made of asphalt, concrete, interlock, pavers, flagstone, brick or other similar hard surface materials.

As described in the City’s Licensing By-law, hardscaping contractors now require a City of Ottawa business licence. They must also:

• Comply with City by-laws
• Obtain insurance
• Provide written contracts
• Share the City’s Landscaping Education Guide with clients, which outlines rules related to a variety of landscaping activities

Hardscaping contractors who are also snow plow contractors do not need to pay additional licensing fees, but still require both licences. Fees per snow removal vehicle still apply.

For more information and guidance on the licensing process, check out our Apply for a municipal business licence page or visit the Business Licensing Centre or a City of Ottawa Client Service Centre for in-person assistance.