Planning & Regulations

Kettle Creek Conservation Authority’s (KCCA) land use planning and regulations programs work together to ensure that human development occurs outside hazardous areas while maintaining our local natural resources. Because conservation authorities operate on a watershed basis, rather than according to municipal boundaries, watershed planning is the most effective and comprehensive approach to land use planning. KCCA’s involvement in land use planning helps to prevent human peril and property damage due to flooding and erosion, and protects natural areas, water quality and shorelines.

How do I know if I need a permit?
If your property is near or contains a watercourse, including municipal drains, steep slopes, ravines or valley walls, wetland or the shoreline of Lake Erie you are probably in a regulated area.

You must obtain a Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) permit if you want to perform any of the following activities within a regulated area:

• Any construction, reconstruction, erection or placing of a building or structure of any kind;
• Any change to a building or structure that would have the effect of altering the use or the potential use of the building or structure or increasing the number of dwelling units in the building or structure;
• Site grading;
• The temporary or permanent placing, dumping or removal of any material, originating on the site or elsewhere, or;
• Straightening, changing, diverting or interfering in any way with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream, lake or watercourse or interfere in any way with a wetland.

Never assume that you do not need a permit. You will save time and money by checking with KCCA first.

How do I obtain a permit?
If your property is located in a regulated area, or you believe it is, contact KCCA’s Director of Operation for information on the permit and approval process prior to any development or site alteration. KCCA staff will be happy to explain the permit process.

It is a good idea to call ahead and make an appointment with KCCA’s Director of Operations. Staff will let you know what information you will require to complete the application and permit process.

What happens if I don’t obtain a permit?
Development, interference with a wetland or alteration to a shoreline or waterway within the regulation limit without a conservation authority permit may result in prosecution under the Conservation Authorities Act.

It should be noted that a permit from KCCA does not replace building permits, or any other permits or approvals issued through municipal offices or other government agencies. Equally important, other agency approvals do not replace permits required from KCCA.

How long will it take to get a permit?
The Authority issues a permit once it has been determined the project will not have a negative effect on the control of flooding, erosion, dynamic beach, pollution – conservation of land.

The issuance of a permit must be authorized by Kettle Creek Conservation Authority’s Regulations Approval Officer(s).