Driveway Permit Information

Entrance design requirements

Entrances must be designed in accordance with the requirements contained herein, as well as accepted Engineering Standards and specifications per Provincial and Municipal guidelines.

Total driveways allowed per lot

• One driveway for the first 16.0m (52.5ft) of frontage
• One additional driveway from 16.0m (52.5ft) to 31.0m (101.7ft) of frontage
• One additional driveway if the lot has 31m to 50m (164ft) total frontage

Note:  For a lot with multiple driveways, a minimum distance of 6.0m, measured at the property line, is required between driveways.

Driveway width

Maximum width of driveway at the property line:

• 6.0 metres for dwellings
• 9.0 metres for all other uses

Maximum width of driveway at the street:

• 6.0 metres for streets with curb and 9.0 metres for streets without curb
• 12.0 metres for all other uses

Other criteria for driveway construction 

• For corner lots at intersections, driveway accesses on the lot must be located a minimum of 9.0m away from the street intersection, measured from the property line.
• The driveway shall intersect with the street at a right (90⁰) angle except where conditions warrant, the driveway may be permitted to intersect at less than a right (90⁰) angle but not less than a sixty (60⁰) angle.
• Minimum 50% of the front yard setback (typically 6.0m) must consist of landscaped open space. This means that on private property (beyond the 5.0m from the curb) the driveway cannot exceed 50% of the lot width (i.e. for a 15m wide lot, the maximum driveway width on private property would be 7.5m).
• Edge of driveway to be a minimum of 3.0m away from transformer and boulevard trees, and a minimum of 1.0m away from hydrants, street light poles and communication pedestals.
• All motor vehicles must be able to park totally within the limits of the driveway and must not overhang or encroach onto city lands, sidewalks, boulevards or street allowances.
• Driveway entrance from a back lane does not require a permit. Keep in mind that the City does not plow laneways.

The Driveway Application Process involves the following steps:

1. Submission and review of the application package for completion and compliance.
   
2. Site inspection by municipal staff will normally be performed within 10 business days following receipt of completed application package. Requirements for culverts, curb cuts or other work will be determined during the site inspection.
3. Issuance of driveway permit.
4. Installation of the driveway, ensuring conformance with the approved site plan and Municipal requirements/specifications.
5. Final site inspection to confirm proper construction of driveway. It is the responsibility of the applicant to call the Engineering office once the driveway modification is completed.

Application Checklist

Review of the Driveway Construction Standards, Driveway Application Instructions, and Frequently Asked Questions should answer any questions you may have.

If work is to be done on vacant land or a rural location, please ensure the address is displayed on site and the proposed driveway location is clearly marked with stakes.

Excavation for a driveway is not to exceed more than 0.3m (1ft) deep. Prior to construction, underground utility locates must be obtained by the person/contractor performing the work. If existing overhead utilities (telephone, hydro, etc.) are present at the location of the driveway, the owner is responsible for contacting the utility company(s) to verify that clearances to overhead wires are acceptable.

Application packages may require the following:

If required forms are not submitted or are incomplete, your application may be delayed.

• Completed application
• Payment
• Sketch to include:
  • Location and width of proposed driveway
  • Property limits
  • Any building(s) on property
  • Other entrances on property and distances between existing and proposed driveways
  • Features such as intersections, curves, utilities and trees*
  • Indicate measurements

• Proof of Insurance:
• If a contractor is constructing the driveway, we may require a City of Thunder Bay Certificate of Insurance form completed and signed by an authorized representative of their insurance company
• If the owner is constructing the driveway, a completed Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement form combined with a copy of their homeowner’s insurance policy confirming $2,000,000.00 liability coverage
• Deed or Land Transfer
  • If property has been recently purchased, a copy of the land transfer tax or deed indicating the new owner may be required

Resurfacing only:

• Spreading crusher fines or gravel only (no asphalt or concrete being applied)?
  • If yes, a permit is not required.
• Resurfacing private property only (no work being done on city property)?
• If yes, a permit is not required.
• Resurfacing entire driveway (private and city portions) with concrete or asphalt?
  • If yes, a completed application is required along with proof of insurance – no fee or sketch is required.

New and/or Existing Driveway with Modifications will require:

• Completed application
• Payment of fee
• Sketch of proposed driveway
• Proof of insurance

If applying for a building permit, a driveway permit may be a necessary requirement. 

• If there’s already a driveway and no changes are being made, a review will be completed to ensure City Standards have been met. If acceptable, no payment or other documents are required.
• If there are no plans to put in a driveway right away, an appropriate location must be determined. This information can be adjusted at a later date, however City Standards must be followed. The City must be notified and approve the change(s) prior to work beginning - a completed application, sketch, proof of insurance and payment are required.

*NOTE: Trees on municipal property are protected under By-law 008-2005 and will not be removed or affected except under certain circumstances with the approval of the Manager of the Parks Division or their designate. In those certain circumstances, the applicant will be responsible for the full costs associated with any tree removal, tree stump grinding and replacement of tree(s) with two, sixty (60) millimeter caliper trees. The replacement species and proposed locations will be determined in accordance with By-law 008-2005.

1. Why are there driveways wider than 6m on my street?
The current driveway policy allows for a maximum of 6m at the curb. Many driveways were constructed prior to this policy so those driveways were exempt.

2. Can my driveway be right at the edge of my property?
Yes, your driveway can be adjacent to your property line. Owner is responsible for ensuring accurate property line. Failure could result in cost of restoration.

3. Can my driveway be beside my neighbour’s driveway?
Yes, there are many adjoined driveways throughout the City.

4. Can I put my driveway on an easement?
Yes you can. However, be aware that utility companies have the right to perform work in these easements which could result in a disturbance to your driveway. However, restoration cost is the responsibility of the utility company.

5. Can I flare out my driveway in front of my neighbour’s property?
If the street has curb and gutter, then no. However, on a street with no curb and gutter, a flare to match the edge of pavement may end up slightly in front of the neighbouring property.

6. Why can’t I flare out my driveway exceeding the 6m?
If a street has curb and gutter, the city does not allow more than 6m at the curb. This distance was decided taking lot sizes, parking and snow storage into consideration.

7. Can I build my own driveway?
Yes, as long as you complete and sign the Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement and submit proof of your valid insurance policy with $2M liability coverage.

• Please attach a sketch or drawing showing your property and the location of the proposed entrance and any other features. Include dimensions.
• Property should be clearly marked with stakes for inspection purposes.
• Prior to construction, underground utility locates must be obtained by the person/Contractor performing the work. If existing overhead utilities (telephone, hydro etc.) are present at the location of the driveway, the owner is responsible for contacting the utility companies to verify that clearances to overhead wires are acceptable.
• View a sample sketch/site plan
• View an alternate sample sketch/site plan

Driveway permits that involve construction to be performed on the City street allowance require proof of insurance, submitted either by the applicant/home owner if they are doing the work themselves, or by the Contractor performing the work.

Homeowners must submit a copy of their homeowner's insurance policy showing $2 million general liability insurance coverage and must also sign and submit a hold harmless agreement.

Contractors must submit a Contractor certificate of insurance form with the appropriate work type and location description.

The City maintains a list of Contractors who have submitted insurance for the year.  The list can be provided upon request and is shared without endorsement.

• Download fillable Certificate of Insurance form

• Download fillable Hold Harmless form

If property has been recently purchased, a copy of the land transfer tax or deed indicating the new owner may be required.