Short answer
The City of London states that widening a driveway requires a permit from its street department, that front-yard parking is not permitted and that removing a curb needs a curb cut permit from the City Engineer. Width limits are published in two places and are not identical, so confirm the limit for your lot first.
Last updated October 2, 2026
What the City publishes
The information below is summarised from the City of London's published pages ("Common homeowner projects" and "Residential Front Yard and Boulevard Parking" on london.ca), read in October 2026. Rules change, so treat this as a starting point, not legal advice, and check the current City pages.
| Topic | Published position |
|---|---|
| Permit for widening | Required, from the street department. |
| Maximum width (homeowner guidance) | Lesser of 50% of lot frontage or 8 metres (26.3 feet). |
| Minimum width | 2.7 metres (8.8 feet). |
| Combined width limit (council policy) | Lesser of 6.0 metres (19.7 feet) or 40% of the front lot line, for parking area plus driveway. |
| Parking space minimum | 2.7 m by 5.5 m (8.8 ft by 18.0 ft). |
| Coverage limit | Parking not to exceed 40% of the area between the front of the main building and the roadway. |
| Front-yard parking | Not permitted; driveways must lead to a garage or legal side or rear parking. |
| Boulevard parking | May need a Council-approved boulevard parking agreement. |
| Parking in a front yard | May need a minor variance from the Committee of Adjustment. |
| Curb removal | Needs a curb cut permit from the City Engineer. |
| Surface | Stable, dust-free hard surface such as asphalt or concrete. |
Step-by-step checklist
- Measure your lot frontage and the existing driveway width. Note the position of the garage, any trees, poles, hydrants or utility boxes.
- Decide what you want. A wider driveway leading to a garage is different from adding a front-yard parking pad.
- Read the City pages on driveways, front yard and boulevard parking and common homeowner projects.
- Contact the City and ask which permit applies, what width is allowed for your lot, whether a variance or boulevard agreement is needed and what drawings are required.
- Ask about utilities. The City says you must ensure no utilities or infrastructure are affected. Locate them before digging.
- Get the answer in writing and share it with every contractor who quotes.
- Get itemised quotes that say who applies for permits and who pays the fees.
- Do not start work until approvals are in place.
Questions to ask the City
- Which maximum driveway width applies to my lot?
- Do I need a minor variance or a boulevard parking agreement?
- Do I need to remove or alter a curb, and what does the curb cut permit require?
- What surfaces and drainage conditions apply?
- Are there rules about trees, utilities or sightlines near my driveway?
- What is the timeline and fee for the permit?
What goes wrong when permits are skipped
Unapproved widening can lead to orders to remove the new work, fines under City by-laws, problems when you sell the property and disputes with neighbours over drainage. We are not able to give legal advice, so ask the City what enforcement applies, and ask any contractor to put their permit responsibilities in writing.
Once your approvals are confirmed, the driveway widening service page explains how the concrete work is done, and the cost guide explains how to compare quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to widen a driveway in London, Ontario?
The City says yes: widening a driveway requires a permit from the street department.
How wide can a driveway be in London?
The City publishes more than one limit. One source says 50% of lot frontage or 8 metres, whichever is less. Another says 6.0 metres or 40% of the front lot line, whichever is smaller. Confirm which applies to your lot.
Can I park on my front lawn?
The City says front-yard parking is not permitted. Some arrangements may be possible with a minor variance or a boulevard parking agreement.
What is a curb cut permit?
If the City curb must be removed or altered for a driveway, a curb cut permit from the City Engineer is required and work needs approval first.
Who applies for the permit, me or the contractor?
It depends on the contractor. Ask who will apply and get it in your quote.
Is this the same in St. Thomas, Strathroy or Komoka?
No. Nearby municipalities have their own rules. See areas we cover and ask the municipality for your property.