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London ARU guide

London ARU Parking And Driveways: Current Rules And Proposed Changes

London's current ARU direction is helpful for homeowners with tight lots: no additional parking is required for an ARU. That does not mean every driveway change is allowed, so parking should be reviewed as part of the site plan rather than treated as a separate afterthought.

Reviewed 2026-07-20 · Independent information, not City approval

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Decision guide

Check the property before you spend on plans

Use the lot, funding, rent-cap and servicing screens to decide whether the next step should be design work, a builder conversation or more research.

  • Check the address
  • Compare funding agreements
  • Confirm the rent math
  • Budget the hidden costs

No Extra Parking Required

Under London's current ARU framework, an additional parking space is not required just because an ARU is added. This can make smaller lots, mature neighbourhoods, and campus-area properties more realistic because the project does not need to sacrifice green space for a new stall. For rental-heavy areas, pair this with the student-rental ARU guide.

No extra parking required does not mean no site-plan review. Existing driveway and access conditions still matter.

Driveway Restrictions

London also restricts adding a new driveway simply to serve the ARU. That policy direction protects streetscape, walkability, drainage, and green space. Before widening pavement or planning a new curb cut, confirm whether the existing driveway arrangement can remain as-is and whether the site plan still satisfies zoning and access requirements.

  • Do not assume a second driveway is available for a backyard suite.
  • Keep driveway changes out of the budget until the site plan is checked.
  • Consider tenant access, snow storage, waste storage, and emergency access together.

Parking-Risk Checklist Before You Pave

Use this checklist to decide whether parking is a true project issue or just an unnecessary lot change.

  • Check whether the site plan already works without a new stall
  • Treat driveway widening as a zoning question, not a default upgrade
  • Keep green space unless the property actually needs more paved area
  • Review tenant access, snow storage, waste storage, and emergency access together

If the lot works without new paving, do not spend money on asphalt just to feel safer.

FAQ

Common questions, answered plainly

Does London require an extra parking space for an ARU?

Current London ARU rules do not require an additional parking space solely because an ARU is added.

Can I add a new driveway for my ARU tenant?

Do not assume so. London restricts adding a new driveway to serve an ARU, so driveway changes should be reviewed before they are included in a plan.

What should I check before paving more of the lot?

Confirm the site plan, driveway rules, access, drainage, and whether the project still works without losing green space or creating a new zoning issue.

Are London’s ARU parking and driveway rules changing?

The City has a separate parking-provisions amendment process that proposes broader changes, including ARU-associated driveways. The current ARU page still says no extra parking is required and a new driveway to serve an ARU is not permitted. Treat the proposal as pending and confirm the rule in force for the property before changing a driveway.

Check Parking Before You Pave

Use the audit tool to think through site fit before you spend money on driveway or layout assumptions.

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Next checks

01 London ARU Zoning Rules Check zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, and detached ARU placement rules.