Do I Require a Permit to Widen My Driveway?
Navigating a mutual driveway, often referred to as a Right-Of-Way, shared with your neighbour can be a challenge, especially when it's too narrow to comfortably accommodate larger vehicles between the houses, or for backyard parking. This situation commonly arises in Toronto, where houses were built too close together in another era, leaving limited space for manoeuvring.
Widen Your Mutual Driveway
If you're considering widening your mutual driveway to create a parking pad adjacent to it, you might assume it's a straightforward process since you own the land in the front yard. However, in Toronto, the front yard extends to include the boulevard or city portion, meaning any alterations, including parking additions, could and often do infringe upon city property.
Moreover, regardless of property depth, the City has implemented bylaws to regulate activities on private properties, maintaining green spaces and mitigating rainwater runoff, particularly regarding parking pads that can contribute to sewer overload during heavy rainfall.
Complex By-Laws
Fortunately, in older parts of Toronto (excluding Etobicoke, Scarborough, and North York), By-Law 918 outlines regulations for parking pads or driveway widening. Both types of parking have, for some years now, fallen under this same legislation. However, interpreting this legislation can be challenging, especially given varying ward boundaries and front yard parking bans enforced by some City Councillors.
Green Apple Landscaping to the Rescue
This is where Green Apple Landscaping steps in to simplify the process. With over three decades of experience since 1992, we specialise in navigating the complex regulatory landscape, assessing whether your property meets the criteria for a parking pad or driveway widening, and guiding you through the permitting process.
At Green Apple Landscaping, we offer a comprehensive solution—from permit acquisition to the design and construction of your new front yard, including the parking pad. Consider us your one-stop destination for all matters related to front yard parking and driveway widening enhancements.
Ready to transform your front yard? Let us craft a modern, low-maintenance landscape designed to fit your lifestyle and elevate your home. Schedule a consultation today!
Read More About Toronto Parking Pads
