In Oakville and the Halton Region, building a second driveway for a rental suite is generally prohibited. Current municipal bylaws strictly limit residential lots to a single driveway apron (the portion connecting to the street). While parking for an additional residential unit (ARU) is mandatory, it must typically be accommodated by widening an existing driveway or utilizing tandem parking rather than creating a second curb cut.
The Deep Dive: Parking Requirements vs. Entrance Restrictions
When homeowners in neighborhoods like Glen Abbey or Joshua Creek look to legalize a basement apartment or build a garden suite, they often encounter a regulatory "Catch-22." Provincial and municipal laws require at least one dedicated off-street parking space for the tenant in addition to the spaces required for the primary residence. However, the Town of Oakville is highly protective of the "streetscape" and municipal right-of-way.
Under Zoning By-law 2014-014, most residential zones are permitted only one entrance from the street. This logic is rooted in maintaining "soft landscaping" (grass and trees) to manage stormwater drainage and preserving on-street parking for the community. Attempting to install a second curb cut without a permit can lead to significant fines and the mandatory cost of restoring the boulevard to its original state.
Local Nuance and Exceptions
There are very specific scenarios where the rules may shift, though they are rare for standard suburban lots:
-
Corner Lots: A second entrance may sometimes be permitted on the "flankage" (side) of a corner lot, provided it meets strict setback and sightline requirements.
-
Tandem Parking: Oakville’s updated ARU bylaws explicitly allow for tandem parking (one car parked behind another) to satisfy the tenant parking requirement, eliminating the absolute need for a second driveway.
-
Width Maximums: For lots with a frontage between 12.0m and 18.0m, the maximum driveway width is generally 50% of the lot frontage. If your lot exceeds 18.0m, the width is typically capped at 9.0 meters unless a minor variance is granted.
Quick Checklist for Oakville Landlords
-
Permit First: Never cut a curb or pave a boulevard without a Driveway Permit from the Town’s Development Engineering department.
-
Landscaping Ratios: You must maintain a minimum percentage of "soft" area in your front yard to comply with drainage and aesthetic bylaws.
-
ARU Registry: All rental suites must be registered with the Town of Oakville’s Additional Residential Unit Registry to be considered legal.
-
Zoning Certificate: Always obtain a Zoning Certificate of Occupancy before beginning any conversion to ensure your parking plan is compliant.
Team Up with Martin Group
Navigating the intersection of Halton zoning bylaws and property investment requires a seasoned eye to avoid costly compliance errors. Whether you are maximizing a property in Bronte or looking to add a garden suite in Southeast Oakville, we provide the data-driven insights you need to grow your portfolio safely. Contact Martin Group today for expert advice.
Profit from our experience.
