Road occupancy or work permits

When you need an AOCP permit

• Renovations, extensions, pool or fence installations/removals, backyard landscaping, or any other property projects that require vehicles or equipment to be brought to the property through City parks, walkways, or trails.
• Delivery of material or supplies that requires transportation of vehicles or equipment through City parks, walkways, or trails.
• Site investigations or research projects (that have been approved) taking place on City property requiring the transportation of vehicles or equipment through City parks, walkways, or trails.
• Any other situation requiring equipment or vehicles transportation over City property.
• You may also require a building permit or a regional work permit.

Who can apply?

• Homeowners wishing to transport equipment and materials to their property over City parkland or trails.
• Contractors applying on behalf of a homeowner.
• Groups that require vehicle access to a park or trail for an approved event.

Conditions of the AOCP permit

• The AOCP permit is for crossing City property only. Crossing private property must be approved by the property owner before an AOCP permit will be issued.
• Permits are for a maximum of 30 days and may be restricted to a shorter period if City operations require. Permits can be extended at the City's discretion pending damage inspections.
• Parking of vehicles or storage of equipment and material on City property for any period of time is not allowed.
• You are responsible for ensuring that parkland, walkway, and trail users are not put at risk due to your activities. Safe pedestrian access must always be maintained within the guidelines of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• When driving on trails or parkland you should maintain a slow speed, use your flashers/beacons, stop to allow pedestrians to pass, and utilize a flagman when backing up.
• Equipment used by you for crossing City property is restricted to being rubber tracked or wheeled and not exceeding 8,000 kg. This would include a ½ ton pickup, skid steer or mini-ex. Examples of equipment not to be used includes a single axle dump truck or larger and heavy equipment such as a grader, loader, backhoe, or concrete truck.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the ground is completely dry before crossing.
• Should damages occur they are the responsibility of the property owner requesting access.

Permit Costs

• There is no cost for acquiring an AOCP permit.
• Damage done to City property not repaired within 30 days of the permit expiration and/or the expiry of the license, to the satisfaction of the city will be addressed by the City. You will be invoiced for the cost or repair at the going rate.
• Note: Applications are only considered for work done between May 1st and September 30th, should the weather permit. Permits for work done outside of these dates may be approved at the City’s discretion, dependent on weather and soil conditions.
• Note: It can take up to 10 business days for an AOCP permit to be processed. Please apply for a permit 2-4 weeks before you require it.

Apply online

• Apply online

Apply for a permit

Your application must include:

• property address
• contractor name and contact information
• existing and proposed width of driveway once completed
• scaled drawing with dimensions
• expected construction dates

Scaled drawing

Applications must include a scaled drawing (in metres) showing:

• property lines
• the house
• existing and proposed driveway widths
• curb cut width
• walkway width (if applicable)
• sidewalk and curb locations
• visibility obstructions on either side of the driveway like fences, retaining walls, shrubs, buildings or structures that are more than 0.9 m (≈ 2 ft 11⅜ in) (3 feet (≈ 914 mm)) in height

Distances

Distances to:

• hydrants
• utility poles, guy wires and boxes
• light posts
• signs
• municipal trees
• fences, shrubs, retaining walls or other structures that are more than 0.9 m (≈ 2 ft 11⅜ in) (3 feet (≈ 914 mm)) in height

Permit cost

• A driveway widening permit costs $400. We refund $249 when the project is complete, making the final cost $151.
• A deposit is required to ensure the work is completed to municipal standards and that inspections are requested. Deposits are refunded after the work has been completed, inspected and approved.

Properties on regional roads

• If your property is on a regional road, there may be an extra cost of $100. You will need to apply for and obtain a Regional Access Permit and Regional Work Permit. Apply for both permits through the Region of Waterloo. We will not approve a curb cut on a regional road without these permits.

Maximum driveway width

• Kitchener's zoning bylaw regulates the maximum driveway width and required setbacks. Here is a user guide with more information based on the type of dwelling and location. Send us an email to confirm the maximum driveway width.Guide

Contractors

• You must hire a licensed contractor to widen your curb. If you hire a different contractor before you start the project, please let us know.