Can I widen my driveway in Ottawa?

Yes, you can widen your driveway in Ottawa, but you'll need a building permit from the City of Ottawa if the work involves grading, drainage changes, or connects to city infrastructure.

The City of Ottawa requires building permits for driveway work that goes beyond simple resurfacing. If you're widening your driveway, you'll likely need to submit plans showing the new dimensions, drainage plan, and how it connects to the municipal road allowance. The permit fee typically ranges from $200-500 depending on the scope of work.

Getting Your Ottawa Driveway Permit

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or visit ottawa.ca/building to start the process. You'll need to provide a site plan showing your property boundaries, the existing driveway, and the proposed widening. The city wants to ensure proper drainage so water doesn't flow onto neighboring properties or city streets.

Processing time for driveway permits in Ottawa is typically 10-15 business days for straightforward applications. More complex situations involving significant grading or drainage infrastructure can take 3-4 weeks.

What Ottawa Inspectors Look For

The city has specific requirements for driveway width, setbacks from property lines, and drainage. In most Ottawa residential areas, driveways can't exceed a certain percentage of your front yard area. You'll also need to maintain proper setbacks from your neighbor's property - typically 1-2 feet depending on your neighborhood's zoning.

If your driveway connects to a city street, you may need additional approvals from Public Works. Some Ottawa neighborhoods (particularly older areas like the Glebe or Westboro) have specific heritage or design guidelines that could affect your driveway expansion.

Choosing the Right Ottawa Contractor

Make sure any contractor you hire for driveway work is properly licensed and insured in Ontario. Verify their WSIB clearance at wsib.ca/clearances - this protects you if someone gets injured on your property. Get at least three detailed quotes that specify materials, drainage solutions, and permit responsibilities.

Watch for red flags like contractors who say "permits aren't needed" or want full payment upfront. Legitimate Ottawa contractors know the city's requirements and will handle permit applications as part of their service.

Potential Complications

If your property is in a newer Ottawa subdivision (Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven), there may be restrictive covenants from the developer limiting driveway modifications. Older neighborhoods might have easements or utility lines that complicate widening projects.

For complex situations or if you're unsure about requirements, consider hiring a contractor experienced with Ottawa's permit process. They can navigate the city's requirements and ensure your widened driveway meets all building code and zoning requirements.

The City of Ottawa Building Code Services can provide specific guidance for your property and neighborhood - they're your best resource for understanding exactly what's required for your driveway widening project.