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BRAMPTON, ON (June 10, 2019) – Thinking about having work done on your driveway this summer? There will soon be new rules for all homeowners – and contractors working on their behalf – looking to widen, replace or resurface a driveway.
What’s changing?
Under the old regulations, homeowners only required a permit to widen their driveway if they wanted to cut the municipal curb. As of July 2, 2019, a permit will be required for most driveway upgrades, to ensure they comply with City regulations.
The fee to apply for a driveway permit will be $50. The permit will cover:
• any curb cut (if proposed)
• work being done on the municipal road allowance
• approval of the driveway alignment on private property
The new permit form will be available on the City’s website as of June 15. Anyone applying to the City for a permit will need to submit a permit form, a legal survey, and a detailed dimensioned site plan of the property that shows the driveway, curbing and any other paved surfaces, including walkways and patios.
New rules for contractors
Contractors undertaking paving work in Brampton must be licensed with the City of Brampton. As of July 2, 2019, they must ensure a driveway permit has been obtained before beginning work, and then comply with the permit and with the City’s Zoning By-law.
If a licensed contractor performs work without the necessary permit or otherwise breaks the by-law, the City can revoke their licence and charge them under the Business Licensing By-law.
The names and contact information for all driveway paving contractors licensed by the City of Brampton will be available on the City’s website as of June 15. This will make it easier for residents to ensure they’re using a licensed contractor.
How wide can a driveway be?
The maximum permitted width of a driveway has not changed. It is based on the width of the lot (as defined in the Zoning By-law), and includes any walkways or other paved surfaces that run parallel to the driveway and can be parked upon.
To help ensure proper drainage on a property, there must be 0.6 metres (2 feet) of permeable landscaping (e.g. grass, garden, flowerbed) between the driveway and the side lot line. This permeable landscaping is required along both side lot lines for single detached homes and along one of the side lot lines for semi-detached homes and townhouses.
Owners of irregular, pie-shaped or corner lots are encouraged to call the City’s Zoning Division at 905.874.2090 to find out how wide their driveway can be.
The new rules for driveways were approved by City Council at its meeting on May 22. The City will begin accepting permit applications from homeowners and contractors on June 15. For more information, visit www.brampton.ca/roadworks.
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“As residents of Brampton, we all want to live in neighbourhoods that feel attractive and welcoming. Front yards completely covered by driveway are not only unwelcoming but they’re also bad for the environment – they leave less room for plants and trees and allow more pollution to run off into our local waterways. These new regulations help us accommodate residents’ parking needs while working to keep Brampton a Green City.”
- Mayor Patrick Brown
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 650,000 people and 70,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT
Alexander Vesia
Media Relations, City of Brampton
905.874.2143 | alexander.vesia@brampton.ca
