A Driveway / Entrance permit is required to legalize your access to the public right-of-way for your leadwalks and driveways. This permit allows you to legally cross the curb. 

Procedures: 

• Residential - To obtain the right to access a residential piece of property, a site inspection with an Administrative Inspector is required to review the size of the requested curb cut and establish the material from which the approach will be constructed. A drawing of the driveway will be required if it extends beyond the width of the garage.
• Commercial - To obtain the right to access a commercial or industrial zoned piece of property, a drawing to-scale must be submitted showing the size and location of all the accesses to the property. The drawing must show the materials to be used and how the driveway is going to be constructed.

Driveway Inspections

• For the portion of the driveway on the public right-of-way, you will require an inspection.  Please call (519) 255-6257 ext. 6359 to book an appointment.  An Inspector must review the driveway location and stone base before final surface.  The Inspector must also review the final work and restoration (i.e. forms removed, sawcuts complete, backfill levelled).
  • You must call for base inspection before pouring or paving.
  • Please allow one (1) day notice for inspection.

Driveway Surface

• All new driveways must be hard surfaced with asphalt, concrete or brick to meet compliance.  This applies to the public right-of-way.

• The minimum cost of a driveway permit is $206.00.
• The cost breakdown is $156.00 for the permit and minimum $50.00 indemnity fees.
• Note:  Fees may change from year to year.

According to By-law 92-2003, for front yard paving where the purpose is other than the standard side yard driveway and garage access, (i.e. you may be able to pave 50 percent of your front yard) the following conditions will apply:

• The pavement must be one (1) metre from any above ground utilities structure.
• You must pave your driveway and approach within 24 months (extensions to be considered separately).
• Interlocking brick must have a 12” (30.5 cm) base of stone, and proper expansion joints are required.
• Corner lot properties cannot be paved at radius of curb on road.
• If pavement is within one (1) metre of the base of a tree, you must contact the Forestry Division at (519) 253-2300.
• Any deviation from the permit requirements must be made with an approved dimensioned site plan and submitted to the Engineering Department.

View the following for more details:

1. Residential Driveways
2. Driveway Approach / Front Yard Paving Diagram
3. Culverts, Sewers, Driveways and Street Opening Permits

Payment of an Indemnity Deposit (to insure the public right-of-way is returned to its pre-construction condition) is required, and will vary depending on the location of the work.  The deposit is refundable upon satisfactory restoration and final inspection of the public right-of- way. 

Engineering Department
Development and Geomatics Branch
350 City Hall Square West, 3rd Floor
P. O. Box 1607
Windsor, Ontario
Canada
N9A 6S1

Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone:  For general information, call 311.  For detailed inquires, call (519) 255-6257 Ext. 6359
Fax:    519-255-9847
Email:  engineeringdept@city.windsor.on.ca