People don’t often give their driveway a lot of thought. That is, until it needs repair or begins to feel too small. There are many different reasons someone might decide to widen their driveway, and shuffling cars every time you need to go out might be near the top of the list. Whether your teenager has recently gotten their license, you have a recreational vehicle, or you live in a multigenerational home with many drivers, the idea of widening your driveway can be appealing. Not only can it make your life a little easier, but it can also be a significant asset, adding to your home’s curb appeal.
Be Aware of Your City’s By-Laws When Widening Your Driveway
If you are considering taking on a driveway extension project, you will need to be aware of your municipality’s by-laws. Zoning by-laws can limit how wide your driveway can be, where you can put it on your lot, how you’re able to attach a walkway to your driveway, and the required surface treatment. Of course, a driveway widening contractor with experience in driveway extensions in your city can be an asset.
While building permits are not required for making changes to your existing driveway, you may need to obtain permissions depending on the work you have planned. For example, special permissions are required if the widening impacts the curb.
A good rule of thumb is to look around your neighbourhood. If the driveway you’re planning appears wider than your neighbours’, you may want to contact a by-law officer directly. There are variations in each municipality, and the time you put into research before you start could mean less hassle once the job is finished.
Links to Zoning By-Laws in Peel and Halton Region
Below, you will find a quick zoning reference by municipality, so you have the information you need to make your driveway extension project a successful one.
Widening your driveway gives you lots of room to meet the demands of your multi-vehicle home
Widening Your Driveway in Etobicoke
There may be zoning restrictions on the width and location of your driveway. You must visit your district Toronto Building Office to obtain information. For more information, click here.
Widening Your Driveway in Mississauga
You will need to reference Mississauga’s Property and Zoning Information Map as the zoning of your property dictates how wide you will be able to make your driveway and the minimum soft landscaping required. For more information, click here
Widening your Driveway in Milton
You will need to follow-up with the city in order to determine whether the work requires a permit. For more information, click here. The Curb Cut and Entrance Permit can be found here.
Widening Your Driveway in Brampton
The width of your lot determines the maximum driveway width. Contact Zoning Services if your lot be pie-shaped, a corner lot, or irregular in any way. For more information, click here.
Widening Your Driveway in Oakville
Permits are mandatory for altering driveways within the municipal right of way, and work must be completed within one (1) year of permit issuance. Furthermore, you must have the appropriate permits no less than ten (10) days before work begins. For more information, click here.
Widening Your Driveway in Burlington
A permit from the city’s Capital Works Department is required in order to widen your driveway. For more information, click here.
Contact us for Concrete or Interlock Driveway Extensions
As both concrete and interlocking contractors, Markstone Landscaping can provide options on the best way to leverage your space and extend your driveway while keeping your home’s curb appeal intact. Feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to provide a free estimate.