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Detached / Details / Accommodating Cars / Parking options /

3.3Parking behind the house

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​​Design Checklist​

  1. Parking behind the house is safe and adds to the amenity of the house and rear yard.
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Regulatory Note
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Regulatory Note

Regulatory Note

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​​​​This is a traditional pattern of garage and parking location which ensures that the garage does not dominate the street edge. In some instances, access to parking behind the house might be from a rear lane.


However, this approach requires extensive hard paving which can increase stormwater runoff. In addition, a relatively long driveway can be an inefficient use of space, unless the driveway is carefully designed as a multi-functional space with other benefits such as play for older children, separation from neighbours or neighbourhood character retention.​​

Better Design Practice

Locate garages within the rear yard: 
  • Where they can connect with and support activity in the private rear yard; 
  • On the southern side of the lot, to maximise sun exposure to the rear yard; 
  • Where they might contribute to wind shelter on an exposed site 
  • Where they can contribute to privacy for both the rear yard and the neighbour.

Avoid large areas of asphalt or concrete.
Consider expressing joints in the paving, using modular paving, or breaking up any large areas of hard surface with a second material. Use planting to provide further visual interest.

Use appropriate landscaping and lighting.
This is to provide good visibility and helps to make the driveway attractive and safe. 

Consider how to provide for the safety of small children along the driveway and rear yard.
For example by having a separate path and low front fencing.