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Driveway culvert permits in Chilliwack
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. Before replacing a driveway or field-access culvert, follow the city’s three-level approval process. The city lists a $2

Key information
Before replacing a driveway or field-access culvert, follow the city’s three-level approval process. The city lists a $2,000 refundable deposit and $50 non-refundable application fee, with provincial and federal documents needed before issue.
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Owner maintenance responsibility
A culvert carries water beneath a driveway or road crossing. Property owners maintain, repair and replace driveway and field-access culverts so drainage does not back up.
The city warns that a failed culvert can damage upstream private land. Do not treat a pipe replacement as ordinary driveway work that has no watercourse review.
Sources: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Three levels of review
The city directs applicants first to the provincial Water Sustainability Act process for changes in and about a stream, and to Fisheries and Oceans Canada for a Request for Review.
Submit proof of those approvals with the city Culvert Permit application. A lane closure requires the Highway Works application in Schedule C. An environmental professional can help prepare the watercourse submissions.
Sources: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Size, design and installation
Pay the refundable $2,000 deposit and non-refundable $50 application fee. The city provides the appropriate culvert size and may allow its standard design with a professional contractor.
Some crossings need a civil engineer’s design. The city tells the applicant when that is necessary. Send completed documents through the contact link on the official page or ask Engineering on 604-793-2907.
Sources: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Key details at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Refundable deposit | $2,000 |
| Application fee | $50, non-refundable |
| Provincial process | Changes in and about a stream |
| Federal process | DFO Request for Review |
| Road closure | Additional Highway Works application |
Sources: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Steps to follow
- Review watercourse approvals
Start provincial and federal processes first.
- Submit city application
Provide approvals, any lane closure form and payment.
- Use approved design
Follow city size and professional design requirements.
Sources: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Useful questions and answers
Who maintains a driveway culvert?
The property owner.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Does maintenance include replacement?
Yes. The city includes maintenance, repair and replacement in owner responsibilities.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Can a replacement start before permits?
No. Acquire the required approvals first.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Which provincial process does the city identify?
Water Sustainability Act changes in and about a stream.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Which federal submission is identified?
A Fisheries and Oceans Canada Request for Review.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
What is the city deposit?
$2,000, refundable subject to the permit process.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
What is the application fee?
$50, non-refundable.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
What if the road needs a lane closure?
Include the Highway Works application in Schedule C.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Who determines the culvert size?
The city provides the appropriate size; some crossings need a civil engineer’s design.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit
Why hire a qualified environmental professional?
The city recommends one to help with environmental applications and avoid non-compliance.
Source: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit