DSSP Compliance Checklist for Calgary Developers: What Passes Inspection
The Development Site Servicing Plan (DSSP) is the City of Calgary's stormwater management requirement for all infill development. But "compliant" doesn't mean "approved" — and approved doesn't mean "passes inspection." Use this checklist to ensure your project moves from DSSP submission to occupancy permit without costly delays.
Pre-Construction DSSP Requirements
Before you break ground, these items must be in place:
1. Approved DSSP Document
- ✅ Stormwater calculations from a qualified engineer
- ✅ Lot grading plan showing drainage direction and grades
- ✅ On-site retention system design (rain garden, cistern, infiltration, etc.)
- ✅ Connection details to municipal stormwater system
- ✅ City of Calgary approval stamp (verbal doesn't count)
2. Documentation Package
- ✅ Engineered drawings signed and stamped
- ✅ Geotechnical assessment (if required for site conditions)
- ✅ Erosion and sediment control plan
- ✅ Maintenance plan for stormwater systems
3. Contractor Briefing
- ✅ Landscaping contractor has reviewed and understands DSSP requirements
- ✅ Contractor can work directly from engineered grading plans
- ✅ Inspection schedule coordinated with construction timeline
DSSP Inspection Timeline
Understanding the timeline is critical for project planning:
- DSSP submission to first review: 4–6 weeks
- Resubmission (if needed): Additional 2–4 weeks
- Final landscaping inspection: Book 1–2 weeks in advance
- Occupancy permit release: Requires passing landscaping inspection
Key risk: If your DSSP isn't approved until late in construction, you'll be rushing to complete landscaping after the building is finished. That's when mistakes happen — and inspection failures.
What Fails Inspection (And How to Avoid It)
We track every inspection failure we see in Calgary infill projects. Here's what causes most failures — and how to prevent each one:
1. Grading Deviation from Engineered Plan
The problem: The finished grade looks right visually, but the slope doesn't match the engineered plan. This is the most common inspection failure.
How to avoid it: Your landscaper must work from the engineered lot grading plan, not from verbal direction. Before installation, verify they can read and interpret engineering drawings. Have them stake key drainage points and verify slopes before placing final grade.
2. Stormwater System Not Installed as Designed
The problem: The landscaper installs a "similar" system instead of exactly what the DSSP specifies — different dimensions, different materials, different location.
How to avoid it: Require the installed system to match the DSSP exactly. If site conditions require a modification, get Engineer approval BEFORE installation, then amend the DSSP and resubmit if necessary.
3. Incomplete Documentation Package
The problem: The inspector asks for grading certification, DSSP approval copy, or stormwater documentation — and the contractor doesn't have it.
How to avoid it: Prepare the inspection package before you book the inspection. It should include: approved DSSP copy, grading certification, stormwater system installation photos, and any engineer sign-offs.
4. Drainage Toward Adjacent Properties
The problem: Final grade directs water toward neighboring lots instead of the municipal system or on-site retention.
How to avoid it: Verify lot-to-lot drainage at final grade. This is a non-negotiable item — if water flows toward a neighbor's property, you fail inspection, period.
5. Missing or Damaged Infrastructure
The problem: Catch basins, storm connections, or retention system components are missing, improperly installed, or damaged.
How to avoid it: Photo-document infrastructure before backfilling. Verify all connections are secure and undamaged at final inspection walkthrough.
Inspection Day: What to Have Ready
When the City inspector arrives, have these items available:
- Approved DSSP document (printed, with City stamp)
- Engineered lot grading plan (printed)
- Grading certification from your contractor or engineer
- Stormwater system as-built documentation
- Photo documentation of each installation phase
- Site access — inspector needs to walk the entire property
Pro tip: Do your own walkthrough 24 hours before the inspection. Bring the checklist. Identify and fix anything that doesn't match the DSSP before the inspector sees it.
How DevelopRight Guarantees Compliance
We don't just aim for compliance — we engineer for inspection success from day one:
- 100% first-pass inspection rate: We've never had a project fail a landscaping inspection due to DSSP or grading issues.
- Design for inspection: Your DSSP is designed with the inspection criteria in mind, not just the compliance minimums.
- Pre-inspection walkthrough: We do our own inspection before the City does — and fix anything that wouldn't pass.
- Complete documentation: The inspection package is prepared before we book the inspection, not after.
- Contractor coordination: Your landscaping team is briefed on exactly what's required before they start work.
Book a Pre-Construction Compliance Review
Whether you're planning a project or already in construction, we can review your DSSP and landscaping scope for compliance risks. Early identification saves weeks.
Get a Compliance Review →