You need a permit to modify a culvert near your property. You may not modify a culvert on your own – the City of Markham must be involved.
Culverts are pipes that let storm water flow under driveway entrances. They are used on roads where there are no storm sewers. On these roads, the road edge is lined with a ditch.
Culverts are City of Markham property. If you want to add, replace, or change a culvert pipe, you must contact the City. You can also contact us to replace a culvert that is too old or broken.
We will first conduct a site inspection and let you know what fees you’ll need to pay to modify the culvert. We will also inspect the site while the pipe is being installed or repaired.
To apply for a permit, please complete the form below. You can also e-mail customerservice@markham.ca with any questions. Please put Culvert Modification in the subject line of the email.
Culvert Modification Form
You need a permit to make changes to a curb near your property. You may not modify a curb on your own – the City of Markham must be involved.
Curbs are concrete barriers that demarcate the edges of urban roads. A “curb cut” is the part of the curb that is lower, or depressed. Curb cuts make it easier for cars to cross a curb, such as into a driveway. If you want to change the curb by widening or creating a new curb cut, you need a permit.
We charge a fee for curb modifications. The fee covers a site inspection and an assessment of which changes you can make.
To find out the size of changes you can make, please read By-law 158-93 [PDF].
To apply for a permit, please fill out this online form: Curb Modification Form.
If you have questions, please e-mail customerservice@markham.ca. Please put Curb Modification in the subject line of the e-mail.
If you need an encroachment permit, please contact the City of Markham Contact Centre at 905-477-5530, extension 4866.
The City of Markham has rules around the size and weight and size of commercial vehicles. If your vehicle is bigger than the allowable weight or size for a Markham road, you can request a permit. There are three sets of rules:
Year-Round Load Restrictions, By-Law 2012-54
Low-volume rural roads that have not been upgraded to modern road standards are posted as “half load roads.” On these roads, you can only have loads of 5 tonnes per axle.
Spring Load Restrictions, By-Law 2012-53
For roads not listed in By-law 2012-53, your load must weigh 5 tonnes per axle or less between March 1 and April 30. The Director of Operations can also add other restrictions. The City doesn’t usually allow vehicles to request a change to rules during Spring Load Restrictions.
Other Roads and Times of Year
Roads not subjected to Year-Round or Spring Load restrictions follow the weights and size restrictions listed in the Highway Traffic Act.
To apply for a permit, please fill out the Excess Load Permit Application.
The Municipal Consent application is for Utility Use Only and is to be submitted by utilities or their contractors for work within the City of Markham Right of Way.
If work is not for utilities please submit a Road Occupancy Permit to the City of Markham Operations Department.
Please note this form is for submitting new Municipal Consent Applications. If you are resubmitting a previously submitted application or As Constructed plans please email to utilities@markham.ca.
Standard response times are:
- Level 1 – 5 Working days,
- Level 2 -10 Working days,
- Level 3- 15 Working Days.
Should you require assistance with your submission please contact the City of Markham’s Utility Coordinator at 905-477-7000 extension 2150.
To apply, please fill out the Municipal Consent Application.
If you need to install newspaper boxes, please contact the City of Markham Contact Centre at 905-477-5530 extension 4866.
If you are planning any activity that might block a public road, you’ll need a Road Occupancy Permit. You need to get this permit before you start any work. You’ll need a permit if your work will:
- Restrict road access
- Disrupt vehicle or pedestrian traffic flow
- Put materials of any kind on the road
- Place a moving container or disposal bin on the road
- Store construction or landscaping materials beyond private property
- Cross the boulevard to gain site access where there is no depressed curb or paved driveway
- Involve workers on the road
- Obstruct the sidewalk with workers or equipment.
Why do I need a permit?
Public roads are shared spaces. People need to use our roads and arrive at their homes or places of work easily. A permit lets the City:
- Make sure a disturbance is necessary
- Ensure the road is used in a safe way
- Coordinate activities to reduce public impact
- Ensure City property is protected from damages
Key Information
It takes five (5) days for the City to review and issue a permit. Each permit costs at least $60. You can read more details in the Road Occupancy Bylaw 2018-109 [PDF]
Apply for a Permit
Please fill out this Road Occupancy Permit Application [PDF].
The City of Markham allows some roads to be used for special events. If you have an upcoming event that will block or use a road, please fill out this form.
You will need to sign and return the form to the Special Event Coordinator at least 30 days before your event. If you don’t send the form in time, you may not be able to hold your event.
Road Use for Special Events Application Form [PDF]
