Permit damage deposits

We review every permit application for risk to City of Winnipeg infrastructure.

If we determine there is a risk of damage, we add a damage deposit to the permit fee.

This shows permit holders and their contractors how important it is to work carefully and considerately. It also helps ensure they fix or pay for any damages they cause to our infrastructure.

The cost of a damage deposit varies based on the assessed risk and potential scope of damage.

Permit types

The following permit applications may require a damage deposit to be added to the permit fee:

• Development permit
• Building permit
• Crossing permit
• Use-of-street permit

Underground structures

Projects involving significant public infrastructure restoration or any plans of public infrastructure renewal require approval under the Streets By-Law. This includes any installation, reconstruction, repair, renewal or realignment of a structure in, on, over or under a street.

We must approve all drawings. These must be sent to the underground structures division at UGSApproval@winnipeg.ca for review.

Learn more about underground structures

Responsibilities related to damage deposits

Both permit holder and contractors have responsibilities as they relate to damage deposits.

Permit holder's responsibilities

The permit holder is responsible for the damage deposit and any restoration work through the life of the permit. This applies even if the property changes ownership.

Contractor responsibilities

Contractors completing paved surface restoration work must:

• Become familiar with the Streets Cuts Manual and Streets By-Law
• Hold a valid Restoration Contractor's License if completing paved surface restoration work
• Licensed Restoration Contractors operating on public property must request an inspection via email at least 24 hours before pouring concrete

Contractors working in grass turf areas must:

• Ensure restored areas are adequately established
• Arrange inspection upon placement of turf and at conclusion of the 30-day maintenance period

Correcting deficiencies

Contractors are financially responsible for restoring both paved surfaces and grass/turf. All restorations must follow to the City of Winnipeg Standard Construction Specifications. Failure to request an inspection may result in the necessity to redo the work or provide a structural scan.

Damage deposit refunds

We refund damage deposits once the following conditions are met:

• The permit holder completes the work and submits a refund/inspection request
• The issuing department determines the permit holder has met all conditions/requirements of the permit
• If required, Water and Waste has completed a satisfactory inspection
• We complete an inspection and determine the site is satisfactorily maintained
• We complete a satisfactory inspection of the Private Access constructed or removed (if required)

As part of the inspection:

• An area inspector will visit the site and document all damage
• They will look at:
  • Cracks in the pavement, sidewalk, and curb
  • Tire marks
  • Stockpiled materials affecting the boulevard or sod
• They will also take measurements and photographs and compare these to pre-construction photos

If no damage is found, we will release the damage deposit. Please allow up to six weeks for processing.

When damage is identified during inspection

If we determine any damage was caused by the permitted work, regardless of project completion, we will email the permit holder a restoration notice.

Restoration Notice

This restoration notice will outline what the permit holder must do to get back their damage deposit.

Once the work is complete, we will reinspect the site. If the site passes inspection, we will refund the damage deposit. If the site does not pass, we will repeat this process until it does.

Any disputes filed after the compliance date will be escalated to by-law enforcement.

Orders

Permit-holders who do not comply with the restoration notice will receive an order issued under Streets By-Law 1481/77 by a public works by-law constable. If the permit holder does not follow the order, we will seize the damage deposit and assess any additional dollar value for repairs and fees to be levied on the applicant's property tax.

Variance Orders

We may issue a variance order to a permit holder during the approval process. This modifies the dimensional standards or requirements of the Zoning By-law and comes with specific criteria.

Public Works may require the permit holder to remove any unused Private Access.

A Private Access permit and inspection will be required for this work.

Replacement of any public infrastructure can only be done by a restoration contactor licenced under the Streets By-law No. 1481/77.