Grandfather Existing Driveway without Permit and Restriction

Grandfather Existing Driveway without Permit and Restriction

To all current and incoming councillors of Scarborough, Ontario

We are the residents of Scarborough. We are experiencing confusion and frustration regarding what is happening to our existing driveways and pavements.

I have lived in Scarborough Southwest, Ward 35, for almost 20 years. Suddenly, last month, on June 9th, I received a registered letter from the Transportation Services serving me with a Notice of Violation saying I illegally excavated and installed a parking pad on city property.

This came as a surprise because I have not excavated nor paved anything in the last 20 years.

Three days later an officer arrived and marked the pad in question, with orders to have the pad grassed.

That same day, three hours later, another officer came from Municipal Licensing & Standards, ordering me to move my car and not park there again. I have always parked my car in the paved spot in front of our veranda.

I was given deadlines and warnings of penalties if I did not comply with these orders.

This is a concern for many, because most of the homes in our area and all over Scarborough have similar parking pavements as mine, and it will not be long before they, too, will be receiving similar notices.
For decades Scarborough residents have had widened pavements for double parking. Suddenly now we are being told we have to grass the pavements.

The homes in my neighbourhood have 40+ ft. frontage, and more than 50\% of the frontage is grass and landscaping, providing for ample rain water absorption, if that is a concern.

Our lawns and driveways are in good proportion and balance, and look very attractive, with plenty of trimmed grass, trees, shrubs, hedges, and beautiful flowers, because we take pride in our homes and properties. We do not see a justifiable reason for what is happening, and the way these violations are served.

We have families where more than one car is needed and we need the additional parking spots.

We are hopeful as we appeal to Council to make amendments to the bylaws to include the Grandfather Existing Driveway without Permit and Restriction.

What Does Grandfather Clause Mean?

An exemption that allows persons or entities to continue with an activity they were engaging in before it became illegal through a change in regulation.