Short answer
In London, Ontario, widening a driveway needs a permit from the City, and front-yard parking is not permitted. The City publishes width limits and requires a curb cut permit if a curb must be removed. Confirm the limit for your lot with the City before any concrete is ordered.
What the City of London says
The City of London publishes two relevant sources: its homeowner guidance on common projects and its council policy on residential front yard and boulevard parking. Together they cover who can widen a driveway, how wide it can be and what approvals are needed. The information below is summarised from those pages and may change, so check the current version before you start.
| Topic | What the City publishes |
|---|---|
| Permit | Driveway widening requires a permit from the City's street department. |
| Maximum width (homeowner guidance) | The lesser of 50% of the lot frontage or 8 metres (26.3 feet). |
| Minimum width | 2.7 metres (8.8 feet). |
| Front-yard parking | Not permitted. Driveways must lead to a garage or a legal side or rear parking area. |
| Front-yard projection | A driveway or an adjoining walkway may project up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) into the front yard. |
| Combined limit (council policy) | Parking area plus driveway no more than 6.0 metres (19.7 feet) or 40% of the front lot line, whichever is smaller. |
| Parking space size | At least 2.7 metres (8.8 feet) by 5.5 metres (18.0 feet). |
| Surface | A stable, dust-free hard surface such as asphalt, concrete or similar. |
| Boulevard or front-yard parking | May need a minor variance, a boulevard parking agreement approved by Council, or both. |
| Curb removal | Requires a curb cut permit from the City Engineer. |
How widening is done
Once the width is approved, the concrete work follows the same principles as a new driveway, with a few extra details because the new slab has to join an existing one.
- Layout and approvals. Stake the new edge, check utilities and confirm permit conditions.
- Excavation and base. Remove sod and soil, add and compact granular base to match the existing driveway.
- Joining the old slab. Dowels or tie bars can help hold the new slab level with the old one; a contractor should explain the plan.
- Forms, reinforcement and pour. The mix, thickness and finish should match the existing driveway where possible.
- Joints and finish. Control joints are aligned with the existing joints, and the finish is matched as closely as practical.
- Curing, sealing and restoration. Edges are backfilled and grass is reinstated.
Because concrete weathers, a new slab beside an older one often looks different at first. Sealing both and choosing a similar finish helps them blend. See our concrete driveways page for what a good driveway build includes.
Common widening mistakes to avoid
- Starting work before confirming the permit and the allowed width.
- Paving onto the public boulevard without approval.
- Letting the new slab drain toward the house or toward a neighbour.
- Skipping base preparation because the "old driveway looks fine".
- Mismatched thickness or joints that make the new section crack away from the old one.
- Assuming a contractor has handled permits without asking to see them.
Cost
Widening costs are driven mainly by the added square footage, the amount of excavation, how the new slab is joined to the old and whether you need approvals or curb work. As a reference only, a published Ontario guide (HomeStars, August 2026, Ottawa-based) lists site preparation at about $0.40 to $2 per square foot and permits at roughly $50 to $300, and puts driveways at about $2,500 to $7,000 per project. These are ESTIMATE figures. See the cost guide.
Questions to ask your contractor
- Who is responsible for confirming the City's requirements and applying for permits?
- What width do you recommend for my lot and why?
- How will the new slab be tied into the old one?
- What will be done about drainage?
- Do you carry liability insurance and a current WSIB clearance certificate?
- What is the warranty on the new work?
Read the widening permit guide for a step-by-step checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to widen my driveway in London, Ontario?
The City of London states that widening a driveway requires a permit from its street department. Confirm current requirements with the City before starting.
How wide can my driveway be in London?
The City's homeowner guidance gives a maximum of 50% of the lot frontage or 8 metres, whichever is less, while its council policy on front-yard and boulevard parking gives a combined limit of 6.0 metres or 40% of the front lot line. Check which applies to your lot.
Can I park in my front yard in London, Ontario?
The City says front-yard parking is not permitted and that driveways must lead to a garage or legal side or rear parking area. Parking on a boulevard or front yard may need a minor variance or a Council-approved agreement.
Do I need a curb cut permit?
If a City curb must be removed, the City requires a curb cut permit from the City Engineer, and work needs approval beforehand.
Will the new concrete match my old driveway?
Not exactly at first. Matching the mix, finish and sealer helps, and the colours converge over time as the new slab weathers.
How long does widening take?
Many widenings can be done in a few days of work, plus time for approvals, curing and weather. Your contractor can give you a realistic schedule.