Utility Excavation Permits - Burlington Bylaw Guide

Utilities and Infrastructure Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

Applying to excavate for utilities in Burlington, Ontario requires coordination with the City and with locators before any dig. This guide explains who issues a utility excavation or road-occupancy permit, the documentation you must submit, inspection and reinstatement obligations, and how to avoid fines or work stoppages while working in city right-of-way.

Always call for locates before any excavation to prevent utility damage.

Who issues the permit and when it is required

The City of Burlington's engineering or roads office issues permits for work in the municipal right-of-way or boulevard. Private contractors and utility companies must obtain a permit before cutting or excavating on city streets, sidewalks, or boulevards and must coordinate locates through the provincial locate service Ontario One Call[2].

Application overview

Applications typically require plans, a description of works, proposed schedule, traffic control plans for any lane closures, and proof of insurance or damage deposits. Submit applications to the City engineering or roads permitting office with the required forms and fees; contact details are available on the City of Burlington permits pages[1][3].

Applications & Forms

  • Required form name/number: not specified on the cited page; check the City permits page for the current application template.[1]
  • Fees and deposits: not specified on the cited page; confirm the fee schedule when you apply.[1]
  • Submission: engineering or roads permit office, contact details on the City website.[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City department responsible for roads and works or by By-law Enforcement where applicable. Specific monetary fines, escalating penalties, and time limits for compliance are not specified on the cited City pages; see the City permit and enforcement pages for the most current details.[1]

Working without a required permit may result in work stoppage and orders to reinstate at the permit holder's expense.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to halt work, orders to remedy or reinstate the right-of-way, and possible court action as enforced by the City.
  • Appeals and reviews: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact the City for appeal procedure.

Applications & Forms

If a form or permit number is required it will be listed on the City permit page; the official pages do not publish a single universal form number on the cited pages and so the exact form name/number is not specified on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your planned work is within the City right-of-way and requires a permit by checking the City permits information and contacting engineering.[1]
  2. Arrange locates with Ontario One Call at least a few days before starting excavation and obtain all locate confirmations.[2]
  3. Prepare plans, traffic control, insurance proof, and any reinstatement details requested by the City and submit the application to the engineering or roads permit office.[3]
  4. Pay any fees or deposits required when you submit the application and await written approval before starting work.
  5. Arrange for inspections and complete reinstatement as specified in the permit; keep records of inspections and notices.
Keep a copy of the issued permit on site and available to inspectors.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to excavate near a street in Burlington?
Yes — if work is within the municipal right-of-way, a City permit is normally required; confirm with the engineering permit office.[1]
Who must call locates before digging?
The contractor or utility operator must arrange locates through Ontario One Call before excavation.[2]
Where do I submit the application?
Submit to the City of Burlington engineering or roads permitting office; contact and submission instructions are on the City permit pages.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Always check City permit requirements before scheduling excavations.
  • Book locates with Ontario One Call well before the planned start date.
  • Keep permits and inspection records on site until final reinstatement is accepted.

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    Daniel Roy

    Daniel Roy

    Municipal Bylaw Analyst

    Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.