Thinking about digging on your property? Hold up—there’s a good chance you will need a permit. In BC, whenever you’re excavating for foundations, driveways, utilities, or major landscaping, most municipalities expect you to have the proper paperwork before starting. Skipping this step can lead to fines, delays, or even having your project shut down.
Excavation permits are essential for site prep on new builds, trenching, demolitions, and large landscaping jobs. Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you start right.
Do You Need an Excavation Permit?
Most likely—yes. Generally, when you alter the ground in a way that might impact safety, drainage, structures, or infrastructure, you’ll need at least one permit.
Typical projects that trigger permit requirements include:
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Installing foundations or structural footings
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Trenching for utilities (water, sewer, hydro)
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Clearing land or demolishing existing structures
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Building retaining walls or significant landscaping features
Each municipality has its own rules, so the specific permit list depends on your exact location.
Common Permit Types
Here are the permits you’ll most often encounter:
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Building Permit – For work tied to structures or foundations.
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Environmental or Sediment Control Permit – To prevent erosion and safeguard waterways.
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Utility Locate / BC 1 Call – Not a permit, but a legal requirement before digging near services.
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Road Use or Access Permit – If your work impacts sidewalks, curbs, or public roads.
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Archaeological or Heritage Permit – May be needed in areas with historic or cultural significance.
Combination of permits varies—your project’s scope and location determine what’s needed.
How Erdem Excavating Simplifies Permitting
At Erdem, we take care of the red tape for you:
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Project review – We figure out what permits you’ll need.
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Application support – We gather documentation and submit it on your behalf.
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Professional coordination – We work with engineers or specialists if a technical report is required.
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Compliance management – We arrange inspections and monitor requirements throughout the project.
With us handling the paperwork, your site stays compliant—and on schedule.
Permit Rules Vary Depending on Location
Permit requirements differ depending on where you are. Urban areas like Victoria or Saanich often have stricter rules and longer processing times than rural locations. Factors that influence permitting include:
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Project size and depth
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Environmental impact (e.g., slopes, water proximity)
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Public infrastructure involvement
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Heritage or archaeological considerations
Knowing what to expect helps avoid surprises down the road.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right permits isn’t an optional step—it’s necessary for legal, safe, and timely excavation. If you’re planning to dig, talk to Erdem Excavating early. We’ll help you secure permits, avoid fines, and keep your project running smoothly from the ground up.
Curious about what applies to your next project? Reach out—let’s make sure you start on solid footing.
