Do you need a driveway permit in Windsor?

The short version

• You need a driveway/access permit to cross the boulevard or cut the curb, for driveways and front walks.
• As of March 1, 2026, the permit costs $298, plus an indemnity fee of at least $1,000. Fees can change each year.
• Homes need a scaled drawing of the driveway with the application.
• The City inspects twice: the stone base before you pour, then the finished work.

This is a plain-language summary of the City of Windsor's Driveway/Access Permits page and standard drawings. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the City before you start.

When you need a permit

The City requires a driveway/access permit to reach the public right-of-way from private property, for both driveways and lead walks (the walk from the sidewalk to your door). It's what allows you to cross the boulevard or cut the curb.

The City's page doesn't say whether replacing a driveway in the same spot needs a new permit. If the work touches the boulevard, the approach or the curb, ask the Right-of-Way Division first: (519) 255-6257 ext. 6359 or 6483.

What you need to apply

• A scaled drawing of the driveway, so the City can review the size and location of the curb cut and the approach.
• The Right of Way Permit Application.
• Payment of the fees.

What it costs

As of March 1, 2026, a driveway permit is $298, plus an indemnity fee of at least $1,000. The City also says an indemnity deposit varies by location, and that it's refundable 45 days after satisfactory restoration and final inspection of the public right-of-way.

The two inspections

The part of the driveway on the public right-of-way is inspected twice. Book by calling (519) 255-6257 ext. 6359 or 6483, with one day's notice.

• Before pouring or paving: an inspector reviews the driveway location and the stone base.
• After the work: the inspector reviews the final surface and the restoration, such as forms removed, saw cuts complete and backfill levelled.

Rules for the driveway itself

• New driveways have to be hard surfaced on the public right-of-way, to City standards.
• Anything other than asphalt or concrete needs a Driveway Waiver with your application.
• Residential driveways have to be at least 2.5 m wide unless the City Engineer approves otherwise. Maximum widths follow the City's engineering best practice.
• Raised curbs bordering the approach aren't allowed on the public right-of-way, and have to end at the property line.
• Front-yard paving beyond a standard side-yard driveway has to stay 1 m from above-ground utilities, and the driveway and approach have to be paved within a year.

Outside Windsor

LaSalle, Tecumseh, Lakeshore, Amherstburg and the other towns in Essex County have their own rules, so check with your town before you pour.

The City's Driveway/Access Permits page →

Planning a new driveway?

We pour concrete driveways across Windsor-Essex: old one out, solid base, clean pour. We'll measure at the free estimate, look at the approach and the curb with you, and give you a written quote the same day.

What a concrete driveway costs in Windsor →