Landscaping Regulations and Calculation


Landscaping Definition

Landscaping is an area used for trees, plants, decorative stonework, retaining walls, walkways, other landscape or architectural elements. Driveways, areas for loading, parking or storing of vehicles are not landscaping.

Soft Landscaping Definition

Soft landscaping is a defined term under Zoning By-Law 438-86 and reads; an open, unobstructed area that supports the growth of vegetation, such as grass, trees, shrubs, flowers, other plants that permits infiltration into the ground. Soft landscaping must allow for the planting of, and be sustaining of, plant material.

Soft landscaping excludes hard-surfaced areas such as decorative stonework, retaining walls, walkways, or other hard-surfaced landscape-architectural elements. Artificial turf is not acceptable or considered to be soft landscaping and is, therefore, not permitted.

General Rules About Driveways and Landscaping:

  • In no case can the driveway exceed the width of the parking spaces (garages) located behind the front wall of the building.

  • For a lot frontage of fewer than 6 meters, the maximum permitted driveway width is 2.6 meters, and 100% of the front yard area not covered by a permitted driveway, must be landscaping. Of this, at least 75% must be in the form of soft landscaping.

  • For a lot frontage of 6 meters to less than 15 meters, the maximum driveway width is 6.0 meters, and a minimum of 50% of the front yard area must be landscaping. Of this, at least 75% must be in the form of soft landscaping.

  • For a lot frontage of 15 meters to 23 meters, inclusive the maximum driveway width is 9 meters, and a minimum of 60% of the front yard area must be landscaping. Of this, at least 75% must be in the form of soft landscaping.

  • For a lot frontage greater than 23 meters, the maximum permitted driveway width is 9 meters and a minimum of 60% of the front yard area must be landscaping. Of this, at least 75% must be in the form of soft landscaping.

  • If a lot does not have a permitted driveway in the front yard, a minimum of 75% of the front yard must be soft landscaping.

    If all of the parking spaces are in the rear yard, the maximum driveway width is 2.6 meters.