Driveway alteration

A permit is required to alter, resurface, or enlarge a driveway. 

Dimensions 

The maximum total allowable width of a driveway is 6.4m (21’). 

In the case of irregularly shaped lots (trapeze-like), the maximum width of the driveway between the city sidewalk and the property line is 4.27m (14’). 

Detached dwellings 

The paved area for detached dwellings with no garage or a garage at grade (flat) must be at least 0.6m (2’) from the lateral or rear (in the case of corner lots) property line. 

If the garage is below grade (sloped), the paved area must be at least 0.91m (3’) from the lateral or rear (in the case of corner lots) property line. 

Semi-detached dwellings 

For semi-detached dwellings, driveways are required to be at least 0.91m (3’) apart (0.455m on either side of the property line). 

Additional conditions 

No tree may be felled in the expansion of a driveway unless it is done in accordance with the By-Law Concerning the Protection of Trees in the Zoning By-law #2217 (PDF).

No tree on City property may be removed in the process of driveway expansion unless otherwise authorized by City Council. 

No driveway curb or retaining wall is permitted to be less than 0.6m (2’) from a City sidewalk or curb. 

In no case shall a driveway be built contiguous to a pathway. It shall be separated by a strip of grass or a permanent structure such as a flower box of at least 0.76m (2’6”) in width over at least 80% of the said driveway length. This measurement is taken from the garage door to the City sidewalk or curb. A permanent structure such as a flower box must have a height of at least 10.15cm (4”) and may not be built at a distance inferior to 0.60m (2’) from the city sidewalk or curb. 

Access ramps 

For all driveway enlargements, the City sidewalk needs to also be modified accordingly. The cost of this modification must be paid by the applicant. A non-refundable deposit is required to be submitted when the permit is issued to cover the cost of altering the access ramp (sidewalk). The deposit depends on how much of the sidewalk needs to be altered but normally costs between $1500 and $3000 over and above the standard permit fees. 

How to apply for a permit 

1. Check the applicable regulations 

1. Driveways are regulated in Chapter 7 of the Zoning By-law #2217 (PDF). 
2. All building modifications are regulated in the Construction By-law #2593 (PDF).  
3. Costs of permits and fees, including the damage deposit for public property, are listed in the Fee Schedule. 

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list and other regulations may apply. If you have any questions pertaining to these regulations, please book an appointment to meet with a member of the Urban Planning Department. 

2. Required documents (all items in this list are mandatory) 

1. A valid Certificate of Location, prepared by a licensed land surveyor. Please consult the Ordre des Arpenteurs-Geomètres du Québec website for an example (PDF).
2. A site plan drawn to scale indicating the existing and proposed position and dimensions of the driveway. 
3. An itemized contractor’s cost estimate, listing the associated costs of all materials and labour for the project. 
4. If you are not the property owner as listed on Montreal’s property assessment roll, you must complete the following procuration form (PDF).  

NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by the permit agent. 

3. Submit a permit application 

1. After preparing the necessary documents, the permit application can be easily completed and submitted online.  
2. You will be provided a reference number following the submission of your application. 

4. Analysis of the permit application 

1. The Urban Planning Department will begin the analysis of your permit application as soon as all required information is submitted. 
2. If additional information is required, a staff member will contact you. 
3. If you have not received timely communication or updates regarding your permit application, we kindly ask you to send us an email at [email protected]. 
4. No work can begin until you receive a valid construction permit. 

5. Issuance and payment of the permit 

1. When the analysis of your permit application request is complete, you will receive an email with steps to pay for the permit. A permit will only be issued once the payment has been successfully received and processed. 
2. For driveway alteration permits, there is a non-negotiable damage deposit listed in Article 2.3.9 of the Tariff By-law #2655. This deposit is returned once the City inspector concludes that no damage was done to public property. 
3. Since driveway extensions require the modification of the access ramp across the city sidewalk, the fees listed in Article 2.3.8 of the Tariff By-law #2655 will apply. 
4. Once issued, the construction permit must be visible from the street in the front of the property. 

6. Inspection during the construction and completion 

1. Throughout the construction process, the City inspector will visit the site for compliance with the work listed in the permit description and the applicable municipal by-laws. 
2. After the work is completed, please contact the designated inspector listed in the permit description. 

7. Reimbursement of damage deposit 

1. If the final inspection concludes that no damage was caused to public property, the reimbursement of the damage deposit will be issued within 6-8 weeks. For more information, please contact the Urban Planning Department ([email protected]) 

Have questions? Need assistance to apply for a permit? We are here to help!

Book an appointment to meet with the Urban Planning Department.