Driveway widening

On this page:

1. Apply for a permit
2. Permit cost
3. Driveway extension bylaws
4. Contractors

Apply for a permit

You need a permit to widen the driveway apron/boulevard beyond your property lines or to cut the curb. If you cut the curb or widen the driveway onto city land without a permit, you may have to pay a fine.

Please apply for a permit at least 15 business days before you plan to start the project.

Your application must include:

• property address
• contractor name and contact information
• existing and proposed width of driveway once completed
• scaled drawing with dimensions (click here for a sample drawing)
• expected construction dates

You can check our zoning map to assist you in creating your drawing. If you have questions about maximum driveway width and setbacks, please contact Planning using the information on the side of this page or call 519-741-2426.

If you're not sure if you need a permit, please contact Engineering.

Apply online

Use our online form to apply for a permit.

Permit cost

A driveway widening permit costs $390. We refund $239 when the project is complete, making the final cost $151. If your property is on a regional road, more rules apply.

Driveway extension bylaws

When cutting the curb or widening a driveway apron/boulevard, you cannot:

• remove on-street parking
• remove or harm street trees
• remove planting space for potential City trees

To prevent damage to City-owned trees, driveways must meet minimum setback distances. Minimum setbacks increase with the size of the tree and are at the discretion of Forestry staff. See www.kitchener.ca/trees for more information.

Properties on regional roads

If your property is on a regional road, there may be an extra cost of $100. You will need to apply for and obtain a Regional Access Permit and Regional Work Permit. Apply for both permits through the Region of Waterloo. We will not approve a curb cut on a regional road without these permits.

Some regional roads are Access Regulated Prohibited (such as parts of Fischer-Hallman), and any change to an access on those roads could require a report to Regional Council for their permission. Our staff will work with you to make sure your project is meeting the Region’s requirements.

Properties within Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) regulated areas

If you are planning to do any construction work or development in GRCA regulated areas, you may need a permit from the GRCA. Click here to access the GRCA website.

Maximum driveway width

Kitchener's zoning bylaw regulates the maximum driveway width and required setbacks depending on the type of twelling you have and if it's located within our central neighbourhoods or suburban areas. Send us an email to confirm the maximum driveway width.

Materials

When you are widening a driveway, you must use the same material as the existing driveway.

The driveway must be a different material from walkways or other ground cover.

Contractors

You must hire a licensed contractor to widen your curb. If you hire a different contractor before you start the project, please let us know.