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

Culvert opening beside a road and driveway
Culvert example published by Chilliwack for driveway-permit guidance. The example does not approve a particular design. Photo: City of Chilliwack, Source website.

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

Driveway culvert permits in Chilliwack. Information checked October 14, 2026.
ItemDetails
Refundable deposit$2,000
Application fee$50, non-refundable
Provincial processChanges in and about a stream
Federal processDFO Request for Review
Road closureAdditional Highway Works application

Sources: Driveway culvert responsibilities, permits and deposit

Steps to follow

Driveway culvert permits in Chilliwack: your next steps
  1. Review watercourse approvals

    Start provincial and federal processes first.

  2. Submit city application

    Provide approvals, any lane closure form and payment.

  3. 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