Can a bin go on the sidewalk outside my Sandy Hill rowhouse?

A bin on the sidewalk outside your Sandy Hill rowhouse is on City of Ottawa land, so the City's Temporary Construction-related Encroachment (TCE) permit is required before the bin arrives. The City's TCE page lists "roll off or disposal bin in roadway or public laneway" as an example, and the Road Activity By-law 2003-445 s.4.1 states that no person shall erect a temporary construction-related encroachment without first obtaining a permit.

The City accepts applications from residents, contractors or construction companies, so agree in writing with the bin company about who applies before you book. Processing takes a minimum of 10 business days, so the bin cannot go on the sidewalk the same day you call. City staff determine whether the permit is Simple (10 working days or less, $101.00) or Complex (more than 10 working days or any renewal, $998.00), plus a daily rental charge for the space. For most single bins, our calculation puts the daily space charge at the $41.00 minimum. All fees are non-refundable.

The permit holder is responsible for posting the permit on the exterior of the encroachment area, and for all traffic-control devices in general conformance with the Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7. In winter, the permit holder must remove snow from the encroachment area and keep pedestrian throughways clear. If your sidewalk is near a bus stop or route, a fire hydrant, a closed lane or within 30 metres of a signalized intersection, the City requires a Traffic Management Plan. Permits may be revoked at any time at the City's discretion.

One placement note: bin companies ask for a level spot clear of overhead wires and branches, so check what is above the sidewalk before confirming the location.

Before the bin arrives, get the pricing model (bin fee plus weight, or all-in with tonnes included), the number of days covered, the tonnes included or the per-tonne rate, and the company's full list of refused and surcharged items, all in writing.