How can buyers find a Markham home with parking for multiple cars?Count the real spaces, not the listing number. Check the driveway width and length, whether the garage fits a car today, and whether the driveway was widened within Markham’s Extended Driveways By-law. That by-law generally limits a driveway to about 2 metres wider than the garage door and keeps part of the front yard as landscaping. Markham also restricts overnight street parking, with paid exemptions, so do not count on the street for daily parking.
Two working parents, an adult child who drives and a visiting grandparent can add up to four cars quickly. In Markham, where many homes have narrow lots and double garages used for storage, parking can decide whether a home works day to day.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, helps buyers measure parking the way they will actually use it.
Count the real spaces
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Driveway width | Single, double or widened |
| Driveway length | Long enough for two cars in tandem without blocking the sidewalk |
| Garage | Fits today’s vehicles, with room to open doors |
| Laneway or rear garage | Common in some newer communities such as Cornell |
Markham’s driveway rules
Under Markham’s Extended Driveways By-law (2006-96), a driveway can generally extend up to 2 metres beyond the width of the garage door, and no closer than 1.83 metres to the side lot line. Lots under 10.1 metres wide must keep 25% of the front yard landscaped; wider lots must keep 40%. The City says a permit is not required, but the work must meet the by-law and be done by a licensed driveway contractor.
If the home you like has a very wide driveway, ask when it was paved. Oversized paved areas may not meet the by-law. See the related post on decks, sheds and driveways for more.
Street parking
Markham restricts overnight street parking. Since October 1, 2026, each overnight parking exemption costs $6, with up to 10 per licence plate. That works for occasional guests, not for a household car every night.
Need room for more than two cars?
Michael John Lau can short-list Markham homes with practical parking for your household.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Home types and parking
- Detached with a double garage: often four spaces, if the garage is usable.
- Semis and towns: often two to three spaces.
- Laneway homes: parking at the back, with a quieter street in front.
- Condos: spaces depend on what is owned or leased. Ask early.
Before you offer
- Park your own cars in the driveway at the showing if you can.
- Measure the garage interior.
- Ask when and how the driveway was widened.
- Check for shared driveways or easements on the survey.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you offer.
Parking is easy to overlook at a showing and hard to fix after closing. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How wide can a driveway be in Markham?
Generally up to 2 metres wider than the garage door, with landscaping and side-yard limits.
Do I need a permit to widen my driveway in Markham?
The City says no permit is required, but the work must meet the by-law and use a licensed contractor.
Can I park on the street overnight in Markham?
Overnight street parking is restricted. Exemptions cost $6 each, up to 10 per plate.
How many cars fit on a typical Markham driveway?
Often two to four, depending on width, length and the garage.
What is a laneway home?
A home with a rear garage reached by a lane, common in some newer communities.
Should I check the garage size?
Yes. Measure it, because many garages are too tight for larger vehicles.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Driveway rules are from the City of Markham driveway extension brochure (By-law 2006-96 and Driveway Paving Contractors By-law 2006-314). The overnight parking exemption fee is from the City of Markham (October 1, 2026). Confirm details with Markham By-law Enforcement. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
