Doing excavation work - Ville de Kirkland

Alerts

To keep you informed of important messages from the city!
2026-09-08

Major Water Main Break - Timberlea Area

September 8, 2026 - A major water main break occurred early this morning at the intersection of Anse-à-l’Orme and chemin Sainte-Marie

2026-09-04

Inspection of fire hydrants from September 8 to 11 – Sector 3

Inspection of fire hydrants from September 8 to 11 – Sector 3

Works Info

Stay informed about the work being carried out in the city, whether it involves road repairs, infrastructure maintenance, work on the water network, or park redevelopment. For any questions or to report an issue related to the work, please call 514-694-4100.
2026-08-28

Street Lighting – Replacement of lampposts

Nature of the work: Replacement of lampposts to convert the old lighting source to LED.

2026-08-07

Road Reconstruction – Place du Souvenir, Aesop St., Allard St., Derome St., Pasquini St.

Road Reconstruction – Place du Souvenir, Aesop St., Allard St., Derome St., Pasquini St.

2026-08-03

Replacement of a section of the storm sewer network on Argyle Street

Replacement of a section of the storm sewer network on Argyle Street.

2026-06-29

Reconfiguration of the merge lane onto Saint-Charles Boulevard South at the Sainte-Marie Road East intersection

Reconfiguration of the merge lane onto Saint-Charles Boulevard South at the Sainte-Marie Road East intersection, starting June 29.
Home Services to citizens Permits and certificates Doing excavation work

Doing excavation work

Doing excavation work

Excavating the ground, whether or not for the purpose of trading in soil, sand, gravel, rock, or any extraction material, and modifying the configuration of a lot through excavation work necessitates a certificate of authorization from the Urban Planning Department.

Applicable regulations 

Before excavating the ground, it is important to understand the local regulations that apply. Excavation work must follow specific rules outlined in the municipal By-Law:

Greening and tree protection requirements

The specific regulation governing the greening requirements can be found in Articles 5.1.1 and 10.7 of the Zoning By-Law No.90-58

All properties must include a minimum of 25% of in-ground vegetation (e.g., grass, plants, or landscaped areas).

The front setback must specifically contain a minimum area of in-ground vegetation.

  • Properties with less than 21 m (68.9 ft) of frontage:
    • Detached or semi-detached single-family dwelling: minimum of 50 m2 (537.2 sq ft) of in-ground vegetation.
    • Single-family row dwelling: minimum of 30 m2 (322.9 sq ft) of in-ground vegetation.
  • Properties with 21 m (68.9 ft) or more of frontage (maximum two driveway entrances in semi-circular form)
    • Minimum of 65 m2 (699.7 sq ft) of in-ground vegetation.

The specific regulations governing the mandatory tree protection measures can be found in Article 5.6 c) of the Zoning By-Law No. 90-58. 

During any construction, excavation, or landscaping work for a driveway, all trees (public and private) must be protected according to the following provisions:

  • Install a rigid protection fence with a minimum height of 1.2 m (4.0 ft), at a minimum distance of 1.2 m (4.0 ft) from the tree trunk. Chicken wire fences, snow fences, temporary construction fences, or other similar materials are prohibited.
  • Use protective ground mats or plywood at least ¾ inch thick near trees, wherever vehicles circulate, or materials are stored.
  • Trim exposed roots neatly in excavation areas and keep them moist throughout the duration of the work.
  • Protect branches that may be damaged during the work.

Applying for a certificate of authorization

A fee of $50 applies.

The "Online Permit Management" platform allows citizens to submit a permit application online, track its status, and in many cases, pay the required fees and obtain the desired permit/certificate without having to go anywhere.

All you need are your plans and other required documents in digital format (photos of documents are not accepted) and a credit card. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To access the platform, you must first create a user account.

Online Permit Application

Your permit application can be submitted in person at Town Hall during regular business hours (17200 Hymus Boulevard, Kirkland).

To this end, we invite you to download and complete the permit application form, then submit it along with all required documents. Paper copies of the form are also available at City Hall.

Required documents

  • Certificate of location
    An official land survey showing property boundaries and the exact location of structures (house, fence, etc.). This document is generally produced at the time of purchase/sale of a property.
  • Site plan
    A drawing (digital or hand-drawn) on a second copy of the Certificate of Location, showing at the minimum the location, dimensions, and distances of any new or replacement structure in relation to the property lines and other elements on the lot. A professional plan is not required.
  • Contractor’s quote detailing the work
    Any document produced by the manufacturer and/or contractor detailing the technical specifications of the work to be completed (e.g. materials, dimensions, etc.).
  • Proxy
    If someone other than the homeowner is submitting the application, proof of authorization from the homeowner must be provided.

* With all reservations – Some situations may require a professional plan.
* All documents must be submitted in PDF or JPEG format.

 

Knowing where to dig for a safe installation

Underground utilities (electrical cables, gas lines, etc.) may be present. Contact Info-Excavation for a free underground infrastructure check.

Information

The Urban Planning Department is responsible for ensuring compliance with the planning By-Law and can help you better understand its requirements. For any general inquiries regarding permits and certificates or other areas of responsibility, click here.

You may also contact the Urban Planning and Environment Department: