Driveway widening

On this page:

1. Apply for a permit
2. Permit cost
3. Application requirements
4. Driveway requirements
5. Eligibility
6. 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 $400. We refund $249 when the project is complete, making the final cost $151. If your property is on a regional road, more rules apply.

Application Requirements

All curb cuts and driveway widening within the municipal right-of-way require a permit before work begins. Applications must include a scaled drawing (in metres) showing:

• property lines
• the house
• existing and proposed driveway widths
• curb cut width
• walkway width (if applicable)
• sidewalk and curb locations

Distances to: 

• hydrants
• utility poles, guy wires and boxes
• light posts
• signs
• municipal trees 

A north arrow must be included.

Once submitted, applications are reviewed by City staff for zoning compliance, engineering standards, on-street parking impacts, utility clearances and tree protection requirements. Typical processing time is approximately 15 business days. Work cannot begin until the permit is approved. Unpermitted work may result in penalties and required restoration at the applicant’s cost. Approved curb cuts must be completed by qualified contractors.

A deposit is required to ensure the work is completed to municipal standards and that inspections are requested. Deposits are refunded after the work has been completed, inspected and approved.

Driveway requirements

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 dwelling you have, if you have an attached garage, and if the property is 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 or resurface the entire driveway into one consistent material. The driveway must be distinguishable from walkways or other ground cover.

Private walkways

Walkways must terminate at the municipal sidewalk where one exists. In areas without a sidewalk, walkways may extend to the curb with City approval, and may be required to do so when supporting an Additional Dwelling Unit. Walkways are not included in curb cut width and must remain inaccessible to vehicles.

Eligibility

Residents may apply for driveway widening or curb cut modifications when the proposed work meets municipal standards and does not conflict with existing infrastructure or tree protection requirements. A permit is required for any widening or curb alteration within the municipal right-of-way, which includes the area between the roadway and the property line (typically the sidewalk and grassed boulevard).

Staff will review the following to determine if a permit may be issued for a driveway widening or curb cut modifications:

• driveway widening is not permitted where it would remove on-street parking
• driveway widening complies with zoning regulations such as maximum width, setbacks to property lines and intersections, driveway material distinguishable from walkways and other landscaping, and driveway visibility.
• a minimum 1 metre clearance is required from fire hydrants, streetlights, hydro poles and guy wires, utility boxes, light standards and signs on u-channel posts. Signs may be relocated at the applicant’s expense if relocation is feasible and approved by staff.
• driveway widening is prohibited where it would impact City trees, their tree protection zones, or plantable spaces for future trees. Staff determine whether a tree or planting space would be affected. See www.kitchener.ca/treeprotection for more information on City trees and their protection requirements.
• driveway widening adjacent to a community mailbox must maintain a minimum 2-metre clearance.
• curb cut must not include a walkway.

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.