Toronto Front Yard Parking Loophole: Myth or Reality?
Is there a way to bypass Toronto’s strict front yard parking regulations? The answer: it depends on where you live.
The Case That Sparked the Debate
In 2019, a Parkdale resident on Springhurst Avenue found themselves unable to obtain a parking pad permit from Transportation Services. This was due to a moratorium placed by Councillor Gord Perks (Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park), which banned new front yard parking pads in the ward. In response, the homeowner sought a workaround through the Committee of Adjustments (COA), attempting to bypass the ban by applying for a minor variance.
A Victory Through Appeal
Initially, the COA denied the request. But the homeowner appealed the decision to the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB), the appeals board for COA cases. With the help of a professional planner and a planning lawyer, the appeal was successful. In December 2019, TLAB overruled the COA’s refusal, allowing the construction of a parking pad to accommodate an electric vehicle.
The appeal succeeded because the homeowner argued that the parking pad ban conflicted with the city’s climate initiatives.
Closing the Loophole
In response to the Springhurst Avenue case, Councillor Gord Perks successfully pushed for an amendment to the Municipal Code. This amendment extended the front yard parking ban to include the Building Department, effectively closing the loophole that some homeowners hoped to use.
Now, where a front yard parking ban exists at the municipal level, it applies to both the COA and the Building Department.
Challenging the Justifications
While I understand Councillor Perks’ desire to prevent residents from bypassing the ban, I challenge some of his justifications. For instance, he argues that front yard parking pads reduce on-street permit parking because curb ramps eliminate street parking spaces. However, the current By-law 918 no longer permits parking pads if they result in the loss of permit parking spaces.
Councillor Perks has also raised concerns about flooding, noting that hard surfaces contribute to stormwater runoff. However, By-law 918 requires permeable pavers, which help mitigate this issue by allowing rainwater to absorb into the ground.
What This Means for You
There are still many areas in Toronto where front yard parking pads can be approved under By-law 918, provided there isn’t a ban in the specific ward. Even in areas without bans, we can explore the possibility of gaining approval through the COA if the parking pad can be located entirely on private property.
Ready to charge into the future?
Contact Green Apple Landscaping to assess your property for a legal parking pad. From permits to construction, we’ll help you create a beautiful, functional space for your EV charging needs. Let’s drive your green goals forward—schedule your consultation today!
