Introduction
Do you want to extend your driveway to fit more cars but don’t know how to do it right? This guide will tell you what you need to know to comply with municipal requirements and achieve a successful interlocking driveway extension.
Many of us face the following scenario: you live in a house with a garage that has only one parking spot, but you own two or more cars. Or your garage has two parking spots, but you have three cars. Arranging a spot for all cars can be challenging. Sometimes, you compromise and block each other, which is frustrating when the blocked car needs to get on the road. In other scenarios, one or more cars may need to park on the street, risking parking tickets at night. This isn’t a long-term solution. Instead, consider extending your driveway with an interlocking driveway extension!
Rita from Vaughan, Ontario, found herself in this ongoing struggle of arranging parking for all her family’s cars. Fortunately, at Rock N’ Soil Landscaping, we found a solution for her that’s:
- Legitimate and legal
- Satisfying because it solves the issue
- Increases her property value
- Does not require any special permits, avoiding bureaucracy
We are talking about simply extending your driveway with an interlock extension.
Understanding Municipal Regulations
The city of Vaughan, ON has a set of rules that we need to comply with. The municipality won’t allow changes that interfere with those rules, but extending your driveway with interlock, also referred to as “on-lot parking,” can be completely legal and legitimate if you follow those rules.
When Does Driveway Extension Require a Permit?
1. Asphalt Limits You cannot exceed the existing asphalt width regulated by the city municipal. There’s a maximum driveway width based on the lot frontage of the house. Lot frontage refers to the width of the house, the distance from your left neighbor to your right neighbor. If you’re unsure of your property boundaries, check your property survey.
How to Comply: Do not extend your driveway with asphalt. Instead, use a distinguished material like interlock to make the extension.
2. Maintaining Greens in Your Yard Municipal regulations dictate the amount of hardscaping in your yard. There should be a minimum percentage of softscaping (grass, trees, etc.) that must be preserved.
For lot frontages 6-11.99 m:
- Minimum 33% landscaping, with at least 60% being soft landscaping
- No more than 40% of landscaping can be interlock or concrete (distinguished from driveway material)
- The remaining 67% can be driveway asphalt
For lot frontages 12 m or more:
- Minimum 50% landscaping, with at least 60% being soft landscaping
- No more than 40% of landscaping can be interlock or concrete (distinguished from driveway material)
- The remaining 50% can be driveway asphalt
How to Comply: Ensure your overall front and exterior side yard landscaping retains at least 20% softscaping for smaller lots or 30% for larger lots. When adding hardscape to extend your driveway, such as interlock, do not exceed the required percentages.
3. Curb Cut Permits If you need to make changes to the curb, you’ll need a curb cut permit from your municipality. However, adding another parking spot usually doesn’t require curb changes.
How to Comply: Plan the extra parking spot to use the existing asphalt entrance without needing to widen it. If curb changes are necessary, submit a request, pay a fee, and ensure compliance with Zoning By-Law 1-88 for approval.
For more information, check the official curb cut and driveway widening guidelines by the city of Vaughan. If you live in another city, check their regulations.
Conclusion
An interlocking driveway extension can be an instant, easy, and satisfying solution for those who want to add another parking spot to their property. It’s simple and doesn’t require any permits if you follow the regulations discussed, and it can also increase your property value. It’s a good investment for the long run.
At Rock N’ Soil Landscaping and Contracting, we plan and execute interlock renovation projects. Contact us for a free estimate for your next project.
Notes:
- You can replace your driveway with interlock or just add another parking spot with interlock.
- This case study is specific to the city of Vaughan and may differ from other municipalities. Check your local requirements before making any changes.
- This was written in July 2022, and all information is accurate as of that time but is subject to change.
