Driveways

A private approach permit is required before a property owner can construct, relocate, alter (widen), or close a private approach. The contractor performing the work may also be required to obtain a road cut permit.

Know the requirements

The private approach permit application fee is non-refundable. It is advised to thoroughly review the Checklist for private approach construction before applying.

Private approach permits cannot be issued if they contravene the Private Approach By-law or any other City of Ottawa by-laws. All private approaches must lead to parking areas that conform to the Zoning By-law (No. 2008-250). The Development Information Service can advise on applicable zoning regulations, such as front yard parking prohibitions, that may affect the proposed private approach. To contact a development information officer (DIO), please call 613-580-2424, extension 23434, or email dioinquiry@ottawa.ca.

The construction and maintenance of the private approach and/or culvert is the responsibility of the abutting property owner.

This checklist provides a summary of the private approach permit application submission requirements for constructing, modifying or removing a private approach.

Review Zoning By-law requirements to ensure the proposed parking area conforms to all applicable regulations (example: front yard parking prohibition).

Review the Private Approach By-law to ensure the proposed private approach design conforms to all applicable regulations. A Right of Way (ROW) By-law administrator can advise on the regulations that may affect your proposed private approach. Please contact ROWAdmin@ottawa.ca.

Application package

1. Complete Private Approach application form
2. Non-refundable application fee
3. Photo(s) of the property
4. Detailed plan(s) showing the dimensions and configuration of the proposed private approach
   • Submitted plan(s) may be a site plan, grading and drainage plan, detailed hand drawn sketch or survey that clearly indicates:
     • property lines, dimensions of lot, and any structures on the property parcel
     • location of any road allowance features (fire hydrant, tree(s), Hydro/utility pole or boxes, etc.)
   • Plans must be legible
   • Plans should include general vicinity of the property, including streets, etc.
   • Sample Drawings [PDF 98 KB]

If applying online, items 3 and 4 above will be submitted by email after the application form and payment have been submitted. You will receive an email with the steps to submit the photos and detailed plans after application is complete.

Note: An approved grading and drainage plan is required for all private approach applications associated with the construction of a new residential dwelling (rural lots or urban infills). All rural applications must also include culvert location(s), as required.

An engineered grading plan may be required for a proposed private approach installation located on an existing lot where the grade (elevation) between the proposed parking area and the roadway surface is greater than 1m. Such plan should indicate details of retaining walls, as required.

Online: Private approach permit application form

In person: At any Client Service Centre

A non-refundable application fee is required at the time of application. Fees are based on the type of private approach being requested. Note that fees are adjusted annually. A Paymentus Corporation service fee is applied to online payments.

2024 application fee

• $193 Residential Private Approach
  • $112 Culvert Inspection
• $193 Temporary Access
  • $112 Culvert Inspection
• Commercial, Industrial or Multi-Residential
  • 1-49 parking spaces ($334)
  • 50-99 parking spaces ($669)
  • 100 or more parking spaces ($853)
• Closure of a Redundant Approach ($193)

Processing time

The approximate processing time, including obtaining a road cut permit, is six to eight weeks. Permit times may vary depending on the complexity of the application and seasonal demand.

Right of Way Permits & Agreements Unit
rowadmin@ottawa.ca

What is front yard parking?

The Zoning By-law governs the location of parking on private property. In general, front yard parking is prohibited. For example, you cannot park your vehicle in the front yard of your property or in front of the front walls of the building. You can park your vehicle in a garage attached to your property, and in the driveway leading to the garage or in the side yard abutting your property. For more information and diagrams showing where you can and cannot park on your property, refer to Section 109 of the Zoning By-law, in particular to the section addressing residential zones.

What is a mature neighbourhood? How can I find out if I am affected?

Zoning By-law 2012-147 created the Mature Neighbourhoods Overlay that affects dwellings within the inner urban neighbourhoods (Wards 14, 15 and parts of 12, 13 and 17). The Overlay contains regulations intended to recognize the established look along a street. These include regulations on the use of lands in the front and corner side yards including amount of landscaping, rear lane access, driveway widths and on-site parking, as well as the orientation of the main door, and the minimum amount of habitable floor area required on the first floor, closest to the existing average grade. Flag lot, corner lot and long semi-detached dwelling developments are introduced and regulated. For more information, please contact the Development Information Service by phone at 613-580-2424, extension 23434 or email dioinquiry@ottawa.ca.

What are the Private Approach drawing requirements?

Prepare a drawing (approved site plan or survey preferred) indicating:

• Lot lines, dimensions, and any structures on the property
• Location and width of existing and proposed private approaches
• Location of curb, sidewalk, City trees, fire hydrants, utility poles/boxes (pedestals), etc.

Residential samples can be found in the Checklist for private approach construction. For proposed commercial private approaches, please contact the Right of Way permit office.

Do I need a building permit to construct my new driveway?

A building permit is not required; however, zoning regulations and/or site plan control may impose restrictions on the width and location of your driveway. You can obtain this information from the Development Information Service. To contact a development information officer, please call 613-580-2424, extension 23434 or email dioinquiry@ottawa.ca. You may also wish to review the deed of transfer of your property (title documents provided by your solicitor following the purchase of your home) as the deed may include restrictions that will also apply, particularly if your home is part of a cooperative development, a condominium development or a multi-residential project.

Is the Private Approach permit included with my building permit?

No. Residents must apply for a private approach permit separately. The only exception to this is for a private approach approved through the City’s Site Plan or Subdivision approval process.

How wide can my driveway be?

For residential properties, a private approach must be minimum 2.4 metres wide and a maximum 9.0 metres and in no case shall the width exceed 50 per cent of the property frontage on which the approach or approaches are located.

Do I need a culvert?

A private approach requires a culvert if it crosses a ditch. The construction and maintenance of the private approach and/or culvert are the responsibility of the homeowner. The construction of the culvert, including materials (example: corrugated steel), must adhere to City standards. The specifications of the culvert, including dimensions, will be provided following a site inspection as a condition on the private approach permit.

Who maintains/replaces/repairs the culvert underneath my driveway?

The maintenance and upkeep of a private approach, including any culverts and headwalls are the responsibility of the abutting owner.

How long does it take to obtain a permit?

Allow six to eight weeks from application to permit approval. This time frame allows for processing, zoning review, and obtaining a road cut permit. Permit times may vary depending on the complexity of the application and seasonal demand.