What are the RVCA regulations for additions near waterways in Ottawa?

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) regulates development near waterways and hazard lands across a large part of the Ottawa area. If your property falls within its regulated area, you'll likely need RVCA permission before building an addition, and that is separate from your City of Ottawa building permit. You need both. Many people are surprised to learn their lot is regulated even though they don't think of it as waterfront, because regulated areas can include flood plains, slopes, valley lands and wetlands as well as land near rivers and creeks.

The first step is to check whether your property is in a regulated area. The RVCA can confirm this, and it's worth asking before you commission final drawings. The exact distances and rules depend on the feature near your property, so get them from the RVCA directly instead of relying on a general rule.

An RVCA application typically asks for a site plan showing existing buildings, the proposed addition, its distance from the waterway or hazard, and grading. Depending on the site, they may ask for additional studies, such as stormwater, slope or flood information prepared by an engineer. Ask the RVCA about current fees and review timelines, and apply early. If they ask for design changes, you want to know before your architectural drawings and building permit application are finished.

When they review an addition, conservation authorities typically look at questions like these:

• Is the work in the regulatory flood plain, and if so, in the floodway or flood fringe?
• Could it affect the stability of a slope, valley wall or bank?
• Does it encroach on vegetation next to the waterway or on a wetland?
• Will added hard surfaces change runoff toward the water?

If your property is in a flood plain, expect floodproofing requirements, and expect additions in a floodway to be much harder or not permitted. Your designer or engineer will confirm what the RVCA asks for on your specific lot.

Costs depend on how many studies and site measures your lot needs, so ask contractors and engineers for itemized quotes that show these separately. The foundation still follows the Ontario Building Code: in clay or soils that aren't clearly defined, footings must be at least 1.2 m deep and not less than the depth of frost penetration. Electrical work needs an ESA notification, and gas work is done by a TSSA-certified gas technician.

Ask any contractor you consider whether they've worked through an RVCA permit before. You can browse addition contractors in the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com and compare quotes.

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• M.O.T. CONSTRUCTION INC.

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