Winnipeg Driveway Widening Site Plan | Access & Drainage

Example of a Winnipeg driveway widening site plan showing property boundaries, the existing and proposed driveway, street access, boulevard, sidewalk, parking area, and surface-drainage direction.

Widening a residential driveway can provide easier access to a garage, create space for side-by-side parking, or improve the connection between a driveway and an approved parking area. Where the work supports a new backyard garage, review our

Winnipeg detached garage site plan guide

as well.

However, a driveway project can affect more than the paved area on private property. It may also require changes to the curb, boulevard, sidewalk, or public right-of-way. Those portions are regulated by the City of Winnipeg and cannot simply be widened by a homeowner or paving contractor without approval.

A clear Winnipeg driveway widening site plan shows the existing and proposed layout from above. It identifies the property lines, house, garage, parking area, driveway, private approach, curb, sidewalk, boulevard, utilities, trees, drainage features, and all important dimensions.

This guide explains when permits may be required, what the site plan should show, how wide a residential approach can be, how parking affects approval, and why drainage must be considered before paving begins.

Driveway versus private approach: what is the difference?

The words driveway and approach are often used as though they mean the same thing, but the City treats them as separate parts of the vehicle-access route.

• Driveway: The portion located on the homeowner’s private property.
• Parking area: The space on private property where vehicles are legally parked or stored.
• Private approach: The portion crossing the public right-of-way between the private property and the street.
• Approach flare: The widened section near the street that helps vehicles turn into and out of the approach.
• Boulevard: City property located between the street and private property, which may include grass, trees, utilities, and a sidewalk.

A project may widen only the driveway on private property, only the approach across the boulevard, or both.

That distinction is important because paving more private yard space does not automatically authorize a wider curb opening or modification to City property.

Is a permit required to widen a Winnipeg driveway?

The City states that anyone wishing to install, repair, alter, relocate, or widen a private approach must obtain an Approach Construction Permit before work begins.^[1]

The approach permit applies to work within the public right-of-way, including changes involving:

• The curb or curb cut
• The sidewalk crossing
• The boulevard
• The approach flare
• The connection to the road
• A culvert on a rural-style roadway
• Removal or relocation of an existing approach

The City’s 2026 manual states that every owner proposing an approach—or a relocation or widening of one—must submit a written application. The application is reviewed for compliance with the Private Access By-law and other applicable requirements.^[2]

Residential approaches on regional streets

A driveway connected to a regional or major street can require a different review process from a driveway on a normal residential street.

Access may be restricted where:

• The street is a major arterial route
• The property already has another practical means of access
• The proposed approach affects traffic movement
• The driveway is too close to an intersection
• The proposal conflicts with a bus stop, signal, sign, or public infrastructure

Applicants should use the City’s street classification and address tools or contact Public Works before assuming that the normal residential process applies.

Is a development permit or variance required?

A driveway leading to a legal off-street parking area may qualify for a development-permit exemption when it follows the applicable approach, setback, parking, and zoning rules.^[2]

The City’s Private Access Manual explains that front-yard parking is generally permitted when the driveway leads to an actual parking space. Related projects may also need a

Winnipeg carport site plan

or a

Winnipeg home addition site plan

when the parking area serves a new attached structure.

Examples of approved parking destinations can include:

• An attached garage
• A detached garage
• A side-yard parking space
• A rear-yard parking space
• Another approved off-street parking area

A development permit and variance may be required where the widening or driveway geometry extends beyond the width of the garage and does not lead to a garage, side yard, or rear-yard parking area.^[2]

In practical terms, paving extra front lawn to create an oversized front-yard parking pad is not automatically permitted simply because there is room on the lot.

Why a site plan may be required

The City advises applicants to submit a Surveyor’s Building Location Certificate showing the proposed approach. As an alternative, the City may accept a well-drawn site plan showing:

• All property dimensions
• The locations of buildings
• The location of the proposed approach
• The dimensions of the proposed approach

This information allows the reviewer to determine whether the driveway widening fits between the property boundaries and avoids conflicts with public infrastructure.^[1]

For a broader overview of local permit drawings, see our

Winnipeg site plan for permit guide
.

What should a Winnipeg driveway widening site plan show?

1. Property boundaries

Show the complete property, including the front, rear, left-side, and right-side property lines.

The City does not establish the property boundaries for the approach applicant. The 2026 Private Access Manual states that property lines should be established by a surveyor and clearly marked before construction.^[2]

The approach flares should not extend beyond the projection of the property lines unless the City has specifically approved a deviation.

Do not automatically use:

• A fence
• The edge of the existing driveway
• The edge of the sidewalk
• The curb
• A row of shrubs
• An online parcel overlay

as proof of the legal boundary. Where new fencing or gates are proposed beside the driveway, see our

Winnipeg fence site plan guide

for property-line, gate, corner-lot, and visibility considerations.

A permit site plan is not automatically a legal survey. Read our guide explaining the

difference between a site plan and a survey in Canada
.

2. Existing house and garage

Show the footprint of the existing house and clearly identify the garage. Where the project forms part of a larger backyard-building proposal, our

Winnipeg accessory-building site plan requirements

explain what should be shown for sheds, garages, workshops, and similar structures.

The relationship between the driveway and garage is important because the proposed widening should provide functional access to an approved parking area.

Include:

• The width of the garage
• The garage-door location
• The number of garage bays
• The distance between the garage and front property line
• Any porch, steps, retaining wall, or projection near the driveway

3. Existing driveway

Show the complete existing driveway and label its current width.

The site plan should identify:

• The driveway surface material
• The private-property portion
• The existing public approach
• The existing curb opening
• The sidewalk crossing
• The point where the driveway meets the garage or parking area

This makes it clear which portions are already present and which portions will be altered.

4. Proposed widened area

Use shading, hatching, colour, or a clear outline to distinguish the proposed widening from the existing driveway.

Show:

• The proposed driveway width
• The length of the widened area
• The proposed parking-area dimensions
• The proposed approach width at the property line
• The curb or street-side opening
• The proposed flares
• The surface material

Do not show only the final total width. Reviewers should be able to see how much of the project is existing and how much is proposed.

5. Property-line approach width

The most important approach measurement is normally taken at the property line.

Winnipeg’s 2026 Private Access Manual identifies 6.5 metres as the maximum conforming width for a residential private approach at the property line.^[2]

A wider proposal may be considered non-conforming and can require a separate approval or appeal process.

6. Approach flares

The 2026 manual states that standard residential approach flares are 0.75 metres on each side.^[2]

The flare widens the approach near the roadway. It does not mean the entire driveway can be widened to the same street-side dimension.

The complete approach geometry must follow the applicable City standard drawing and remain within the projected property boundaries.

7. Street, curb, sidewalk, and boulevard

Show the public right-of-way in enough detail to understand the proposed access.

Label:

• The street
• The curb and gutter
• The sidewalk
• The grass boulevard
• The front property line
• The existing and proposed curb access

Where no sidewalk exists, show the edge of pavement, shoulder, ditch, or culvert where applicable.

8. Parking area

The site plan should show where vehicles will park after entering the property.

The parking area should:

• Be located on private property
• Lead to a garage or approved parking space
• Allow vehicles to fit without extending onto the sidewalk or boulevard
• Remain clear of required pedestrian routes
• Comply with applicable zoning requirements

Do not treat the public approach as an additional parking stall. The City states that parking or storing vehicles on the boulevard is prohibited, and the approach is considered part of the City boulevard.^[1]

Where the driveway serves a proposed carport rather than an enclosed garage, coordinate the access dimensions with the

carport’s site plan, setbacks, and roof footprint
.

9. Driveway drainage direction

Show how water is expected to move across the proposed driveway. Include slope arrows and available elevations where appropriate.

The correct direction depends on the property’s established lot-grading pattern.

Winnipeg properties may use:

• Rear-to-front drainage toward the street
• Split drainage toward the street and rear lane
• Split drainage toward the street and a rear-yard swale

The image shows the new driveway draining toward the street. That may be suitable on a property with an approved rear-to-front pattern, but it should not be assumed for every property.^[3]

10. Drainage swales and easements

Show any drainage swale running beside or across the proposed widening.

The City states that drainage swales:

• Carry surface runoff toward a street, lane, catch basin, or retention area
• May be protected by a registered swale easement
• Must remain unobstructed and free draining
• Should follow the elevations established by the approved lot-grading plan

Filling a swale to create a wider driveway can cause ponding, basement moisture, or runoff onto neighbouring property.^[3]

11. Trees and landscaping

Show City boulevard trees and significant private trees near the proposed widening.

The 2026 manual requires approaches to maintain at least two metres of clearance from the outer edge of a tree trunk unless approval is granted by the City Forester.^[2]

A widening project can affect:

• Tree roots
• Boulevard landscaping
• Street-tree protection zones
• Snow storage
• Required green space

12. Hydrants, poles, and utility equipment

Show nearby:

• Fire hydrants
• Hydro poles
• Communication pedestals
• Guy wires and anchors
• Streetlights
• Utility boxes

The City’s 2026 manual states that where an approach is proposed less than 1.5 metres from an obstruction such as a hydrant, hydro pole, or communication pedestal, the applicant is responsible for arranging relocation and discussing the matter with an inspector.^[2]

13. Manholes and catch basins

Show any manhole, catch basin, curb inlet, or drainage structure near the proposed approach.

These features may need adjustment, isolation, protection, or replacement. The homeowner can be responsible for costs associated with changes needed to accommodate the driveway widening.

The City directs applicants to contact the approach inspectors before excavating where a manhole or catch basin is present.^[2]

14. North arrow and drawing scale

Include a north arrow and use a consistent drawing scale.

Written dimensions should remain the primary source of measurement, and all text should remain readable when the plan is exported to PDF.

Our

residential site plan checklist

can help you organize the property information before drafting begins.

How wide can a Winnipeg residential driveway approach be?

The current maximum conforming residential approach width is 6.5 metres at the property line.^[2]

That does not necessarily mean every property will be approved for a 6.5-metre approach. The proposal may also be affected by:

• Property width
• Garage width
• Available parking location
• Distance to an intersection
• Street classification
• Existing trees
• Fire hydrants and utility poles
• Sidewalks and accessibility requirements
• Manholes and catch basins
• Neighbouring approaches
• Zoning and front-yard parking restrictions

A proposal wider than 6.5 metres at the property line is non-conforming under the standard rules. The applicant may be informed of the non-conformity and given information about the applicable appeal process.^[1]

Can you widen a driveway beyond the garage?

The City’s manual draws an important distinction between a driveway that reaches approved parking and a wider paved area that simply creates additional front-yard parking.

A widening or geometry change beyond the width of the garage can require a development permit and variance when it does not continue to a garage, side-yard parking area, or rear-yard parking area.^[2]

Reviewers may consider:

• Whether the additional pavement serves a legal parking stall
• How much front yard will remain landscaped
• Whether vehicles can fit entirely on private property
• Effects on neighbouring properties
• Pedestrian safety
• The total width of the curb access
• Effects on street parking
• Compatibility with nearby properties

A six-metre-wide parking pad should not be assumed to be approved merely because two vehicles can physically fit on it.

Driveway drainage and lot grading

Widening a driveway replaces absorbent lawn or soil with a hard surface. This can increase the speed and volume of runoff during heavy rain and spring snowmelt.

The City identifies property owners as responsible for:

• Maintaining established and approved lot grades
• Ensuring water from their property does not damage neighbouring property
• Keeping drainage swales unobstructed
• Maintaining proper slope away from the house foundation

A driveway should not create a low area that directs water toward:

• The garage door
• The house foundation
• A basement window well
• A neighbouring driveway
• A neighbouring foundation
• A blocked swale

Improper grading can contribute to standing water, basement dampness, foundation damage, or flooding.^[4]

Do not confuse driveway drainage with downspout drainage

A properly graded driveway may direct surface runoff toward a street when that matches the approved lot-grading pattern.

However, the City separately prohibits directing roof downspouts onto:

• Neighbouring property
• A street
• A public lane
• A boulevard
• A sidewalk

Downspout extensions must remain on the owner’s property and follow the established lot-grading direction.^[5]

Sidewalk and curb considerations

Where a driveway crosses a public sidewalk, the approach must be constructed to the City’s standards so pedestrians can use the sidewalk safely.

The project may need to address:

• Sidewalk thickness and reinforcement
• Crossfall through the approach
• Detectable surfaces where applicable
• Curb and gutter removal
• Full-depth saw cutting
• Matching the street’s existing finish
• Protection of the sidewalk during construction

The City’s 2026 manual states that a two-to-four-percent crossfall is required through certain approaches where proposed sidewalks are constructed at the property line in new developments.^[2]

The correct crossfall and elevations must be established for the specific approach rather than copied from a general illustration.

Who can perform the work?

The City states that only a licensed private-approach contractor may construct, remove, relocate, or modify a private approach within the public right-of-way.^[1]

A general landscaping or paving contractor should not perform public approach work unless the contractor holds the required City licence.

The licensed contractor is responsible for:

• Obtaining a copy of the permit
• Following the approved geometry
• Protecting City infrastructure
• Arranging required inspections
• Following City construction specifications
• Using approved materials
• Correcting deficiencies at the contractor’s or owner’s expense

Inspections and unauthorized driveway work

The 2026 manual requires residential approach inspections to be arranged with the appropriate City inspector.

If approach work is completed without the required inspection, the permit holder may have to:

• Demonstrate at their own cost that the approach complies with the by-law; or
• Reconstruct the approach at their own expense.

Completing the curb, sidewalk, or boulevard work first and applying afterward can therefore become considerably more expensive than obtaining approval before construction.^[2]

Common driveway widening site-plan mistakes

• Showing only the proposed pavement and not the complete property
• Failing to distinguish the driveway from the public approach
• Leaving the property lines off the drawing
• Assuming the existing driveway edge marks the boundary
• Failing to show the existing and proposed widths separately
• Showing an approach wider than 6.5 metres without identifying it as non-conforming
• Using a nine-metre curb opening as a standard approved dimension
• Failing to show the approach flares
• Leaving the sidewalk and boulevard off the plan
• Failing to show where vehicles will legally park
• Using the boulevard or approach as part of the parking stall
• Widening beyond the garage without checking zoning requirements
• Directing drainage toward the street without checking the established grading pattern
• Blocking a drainage swale
• Directing runoff toward a neighbouring property
• Leaving hydrants, poles, trees, or utility equipment off the plan
• Ignoring a manhole or catch basin in the proposed approach
• Failing to show a street or rear lane
• Submitting an undimensioned satellite image
• Using labels too small to read in the final PDF

See our article on

common site plan mistakes that delay permit approval

for additional guidance.

What to provide when ordering a driveway site plan

Collecting accurate information before drafting begins can reduce corrections and approval delays.

Useful information includes:

• The complete property address
• A Surveyor’s Building Location Certificate, survey, or other property document
• The current driveway width
• The proposed driveway width
• The proposed approach width at the property line
• The preferred curb-access layout
• The garage width and garage-door location
• The intended parking arrangement
• The existing driveway surface material
• The proposed surface material
• Photos of the driveway, curb, sidewalk, and boulevard
• The location of street trees
• The location of hydrants, poles, utility boxes, and signs
• The location of manholes and catch basins
• Known lot-grading or drainage information
• Existing swales or drainage easements
• Any correspondence already received from the City

Homeowners can also review our

Manitoba site plan services guide

and our article explaining

what municipal reviewers check first on a site plan
.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to widen my driveway in Winnipeg?

An Approach Construction Permit is required when the work installs, widens, alters, relocates, repairs, or reconstructs the private approach within the public right-of-way. Additional zoning approval may be required for the private-property parking arrangement.

How wide can a residential driveway approach be?

The City’s 2026 Private Access Manual identifies 6.5 metres as the maximum conforming residential approach width at the property line.

Can the curb opening be nine metres wide?

A nine-metre curb opening should not be treated as the normal conforming standard. The City limits the standard residential approach to 6.5 metres at the property line and uses approved flare dimensions near the street. A wider design may be non-conforming and require additional approval.

Can I widen the driveway across my front lawn?

It depends on where the widened area leads. A driveway leading to an approved garage or side- or rear-yard parking space may qualify for an exemption. Widening that creates additional front-yard parking beyond the garage width may require a development permit and variance.

Can I park on the driveway approach between the sidewalk and street?

No. The City states that vehicles cannot be parked or stored on the boulevard. The approach crossing the boulevard remains part of City property.

Should a widened driveway slope toward the street?

Only when that direction matches the property’s established lot-grading pattern. Some Winnipeg lots use rear-to-front drainage, while others use split drainage toward a rear lane or swale.

Can the driveway direct water onto my neighbour’s property?

No. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that surface water originating on their property does not damage neighbouring property.

Can I use any contractor to widen the curb access?

No. Only a contractor licensed by the City may construct, remove, relocate, or modify a private approach within the public right-of-way.

What if there is a City tree beside the driveway?

The City’s manual generally requires two metres of clearance from the outside of a tree trunk unless approval is granted by the City Forester.

Does a site plan replace a property survey?

No. A site plan shows the proposed driveway using available property information. A Manitoba Land Surveyor establishes the legal property boundaries.

Order a Winnipeg driveway widening site plan

A well-prepared site plan helps the City understand the existing and proposed driveway widths, parking arrangement, approach geometry, property boundaries, drainage, sidewalks, boulevards, and possible infrastructure conflicts.

Siteplans.ca prepares residential permit site plans using available property records, client-provided measurements, photographs, surveys, and project information. Reasonable edits are included when a reviewer requests drawing changes within the original project scope.

Approach, parking, zoning, drainage, construction, and property-line requirements can change and may vary by street and property. Confirm current requirements with the City of Winnipeg before construction. Siteplans.ca does not replace a Manitoba Land Surveyor, engineer, licensed approach contractor, drainage professional, or municipal authority where those services are required.