Are you thinking about extending your laneway, installing hardscaping that could affect your ditch, or making other changes to your property? Knowing the rules before work begins can help avoid costly mistakes—and contractors play a key role in making sure homeowners get it right the first time. As you may recall from the Landscaper Regulatory Review last October, City staff committed to developing a Landscaping Education Guide to help both contractors and residents better understand landscaping rules and requirements. The guide brings together regulations and best practices for a wide range of common projects, including driveway and laneway extensions, soft and hard landscaping, pool installations, tree protection, and fencing.
Start with the Landscaping Education Guide
The City’s Landscaping Education Guide is a helpful first step for anyone planning a project. It explains the rules for driveways, hard and soft landscaping, drainage and grading, tree protection, fences, pools, and other water features. Reviewing the guide early can help you avoid delays or unexpected costs later.
Three key things to check before you begin
- Know your property boundaries: Use geoOttawa to look up your address and turn on the “Property parcels” layer to get a general sense of where your property lines are and where the City’s right‑of‑way begins.
- Understand the rules that apply to your project: The Landscaping Education Guide provides an overview, but you should also review the specific City by‑laws related to your project to make sure you’re meeting all current requirements.
- Know where to get help: If you’re unsure how a by‑law applies to your situation, call 3‑1‑1 or consult the guide to find the right City contact for your project.
What residents need to know
- If your project involves hard landscaping—such as a driveway, patio, retaining wall, walkway, or parking area—make sure your contractor is licensed by the City of Ottawa. Licensed contractors must carry insurance, provide written contracts, follow City rules, and share the Landscaping Education Guide with clients.
- Hardscaping includes work done with materials like asphalt, concrete, interlock, pavers, brick, flagstone, and similar hard surfaces.
What hardscaping contractors need to know
- They are required to hold a City business licence
- Comply with all applicable by‑laws
- Provide written contracts
- Share the City’s Landscaping Education Guide with clients to help them understand the rules that apply to different landscaping projects.
Contractors who also provide snow plowing services need both licences, though they do not have to pay additional licensing fees beyond vehicle fees.
For step‑by‑step guidance on the licensing process, visit the City’s Apply for a municipal business licence page, or stop by the Metcalfe Client Service Centre on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for in‑person assistance.