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The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in Ottawa has approved a new Access By-law to regulate the construction and maintenance of driveways and walkways within the city\u2019s right of way. This by-law replaces the Private Approach By-law, aligning driveway rules with the new Zoning By-law and allowing for modest expansions without a permit.<\/p>\n
The Access By-law aims to maintain greenspace for tree planting and stormwater management while simplifying the approval process for property owners. Additionally, road cut permits will still be required for vehicular access modifications, with fees remaining unchanged for 2026.<\/p>\n
This update is significant as it streamlines regulations while promoting urban sustainability and affordability in development costs, benefiting both residents and property developers in Ottawa.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in Ottawa has approved a new Access by-law<\/u><\/a> to regulate the construction, use and maintenance of the portion of driveways and walkways that are in the city\u2019s right of way and to clarify the work property owners can undertake, sometimes without the need for a permit. The new by-law would replace the current Private Approach By-law. The Access By-law aligns the rules for driveways with those provided for in the new Zoning By-law and allows for modest driveway expansions or private walkways to connect to a sidewalk or roadway. The updated by-law will ensure there is consistent oversight, introduces flexibility for staff in approving the location and design of accesses and reduces red tape for new construction.<\/p>\n The Access By-law maintains a minimum amount of greenspace in the right of way to preserve important functions like tree planting, space for snow storage and permeable surface to absorb stormwater and reduce drainage issues. It also addresses requirements for walkways within the right of way, alongside driveways. The new by-law aligns with city policies related to growing the urban tree canopy, improving stormwater management and supporting active transportation.<\/p>\n Road cut permits are required for the construction or modification of a vehicular access as required by the Road Activity By-law. Fees for 2026 would not change and would remain the same as outlined in the Private Approach By-law. Data gathered in 2026 would be used to propose a fee schedule for 2027, in line with the city\u2019s user fee policy.<\/p>\n In other Council news, the Planning and Housing Committee approved <\/span>amending the Development Charges (DC) By-law and updating the 2026 Development Charges Background Study.<\/span><\/a> These changes will ensure the city collects the appropriate charges to fund the infrastructure projects outlined in the updated Transportation Master Plan.<\/span><\/p>\n Council approved the Transportation Master Plan update in 2025, which included a revised schedule of transportation infrastructure projects needed to support growth in Ottawa. The changes approved reflect that updated schedule as well as a new method of calculating what portion of transportation projects supports new growth and what portion benefits existing residents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a result, development charge rates for residential development would decrease by an average of one percent citywide. That includes an average decrease of one percent for residential development inside the Greenbelt and two percent outside the Greenbelt. In the rural area, residential development charge rates would remain relatively stable, increasing by an average of only 0.1 percent. The rate for non-residential development would decrease by an average of three percent citywide.<\/span><\/p>\n Development charges are one-time fees that municipalities charge on new residential and non-residential developments. They are used to fund infrastructure essential for the growth of a city, such as water and wastewater systems, stormwater management, public transit, roads, parks, recreation facilities, libraries and paramedic services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While development charges help ensure the costs of new growth are paid by those who benefit, they also represent a cost pressure that is ultimately borne by property buyers and renters. To balance the need for growth-related infrastructure against the need to ensure affordability and market viability, Ottawa maintains moderate development charge rates compared to many peer municipalities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [Thanks to the Greater Ottawa Homebuilders Association<\/a> for pointing us at this news. \u2013 ed.]<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n