Fixing Yard Drainage in Calgary: Downspouts, Grading and Your Neighbours

Who is responsible for drainage?

Property owners are responsible for establishing and maintaining positive drainage on their lot — shaping the ground so surface water flows away from buildings without harming neighbouring properties or public infrastructure. Once a home is built, the City has a limited role: it doesn’t monitor later landscaping changes and doesn’t mediate neighbour disputes, unless a specific bylaw is broken.

How much slope you need

The City’s homeowner guidelines say a minimum 2% slope is required for good drainage away from buildings, and a 5–10% slope is preferred, especially within 2 metres of the foundation. Over 2 metres, a 2% slope drops about 4 cm; a 5–10% slope drops 10 to 20 cm.

Downspouts

• Downspouts must end at least 2 metres (6.6 ft) from any sidewalk, road, pathway, alley, lane or surface drainage facility.
• Point them toward the front or back of the lot so water reaches the street or lane.
• Don’t aim them at a permanent structure, including a neighbour’s house or garage.

Swales and fences

Keep drainage swales — the shallow channels that carry water along property lines — clear of blockages. If a fence is built over a swale, the City requires 15 cm (6 in) of clearance between the swale and the bottom of the fence.

What can’t go into the storm drain

It is an offence to let prohibited materials into the storm system, including soil and sediment, grass and hedge clippings, sawdust, paint, soaps, hot tub water and motor oil. During landscaping work, keep topsoil and clippings off the street and out of the gutter.

If the water is coming from next door

• Work out whether the problem starts on your lot or your neighbour’s.
• Look for common causes, such as blocked drainage paths and swales or downspouts pointed the wrong way.
• Talk to your neighbour; if that doesn’t work, Calgary Mediating Services can help.
• Report a clear bylaw infraction to 311.
• If you can’t find the source, the City suggests getting help from a professional engineer, a reputable landscaper, a foundation specialist or a drainage expert.

How Josan Construction & Landscaping can help

We regrade yards with our Bobcat, bring in topsoil and lay sod or rock landscaping across Calgary, Airdrie and Chestermere. Free estimates; we speak English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

Sources

• City of Calgary – Guidelines for homeowners: resolving a lot drainage issue
• City of Calgary – Drainage bylaw: information for homeowners
• City of Calgary – Lot grading bylaw

Sources checked November 4, 2026. City guidance changes and has no legal status — always confirm requirements with the City of Calgary for your property.