A boulevard is the part of a municipal road allowance that is not the roadway or the shoulder. It usually includes the grassy strip between the sidewalk and the curb, or between the road and your property line. It can also include any municipal reserve next to a road.

Clarington’s current Boulevard By-law (2013-66) sets rules for what you can and cannot do on a boulevard because it’s part of the public highway system.

• You may request the Municipality to plant a tree in the boulevard (subject to approval and budget).
• You can have a driveway apron in the boulevard if it’s approved by the Municipality.
• Sump pumps can discharge into municipal stormwater systems or ditches if approved.

Boulevards often contain utilities (water, gas, hydro), drainage systems, and sidewalks. The rules ensure:

• Safety for pedestrians and drivers.
• Access for municipal and utility maintenance.
  
• Proper drainage and infrastructure protection.

Road occupancy refers to temporarily using or closing part of a municipal road for construction or related activities. This includes things like:

• Installing utilities or municipal services.
• Occupying the road allowance as a result of construction projects on private property (e.g., pools, fences, building projects).
  
• Placing dumpsters, cranes, scaffolding, or construction equipment.
• Parking construction vehicles or storing materials.
• Erecting temporary signs.

If any of these activities require space on a municipal road, you need a permit from the Municipality.

Clarington’s current Road Occupancy By-law (2014-022) sets rules to make sure temporary road closures or use are safe and minimize disruption. You must have a permit to:

• Do any construction activity on a municipal road.
• Transport vehicles, loads, or objects that exceed size or weight limits under the Highway Traffic Act.

They ensure:

• Public safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Proper traffic control and detours.
• Protection of municipal property and utilities.
• Clear communication with residents affected by closures.

A private entrance is any driveway, gate, or access point that connects your property to a municipal road. This includes:

• Driveways with or without culverts.
• Temporary or permanent access points.
• Any structure built to allow vehicles or pedestrians to enter from the road.

Clarington’s current Private Entrance By-law (2006-105) regulates how and when you can build, change, or use a private entrance to ensure safety and protect municipal infrastructure.

You must apply for an Entrance Permit before:

• Changing a temporary entrance to a permanent one.
  
• Creating an entrance to vacant land.
• Building a structure on vacant land.
• Changing the use of an existing entrance (e.g., residential to commercial).
• Using an entrance for site alteration or conservation work.
• Installing a temporary access.

The Municipality maintains culverts, but the property owner is responsible for driveway upkeep.

They ensure:

• Safe access for vehicles and pedestrians.
• Protection of municipal roads, drainage systems, and utilities.
• Proper planning for traffic and public safety.