Mississauga bans lawn parking, sets penalties of $150 and $375

Mississauga residents can no longer park, stand or stop vehicles on residential lawns, gardens and other landscaped soft areas not intended for parking under a new by-law approved by City Council on September 29, 2026.

The rules carry penalties of $150 for standard motor vehicles and $375 for heavy and recreational vehicles. According to a City of Mississauga news release, the by-law and related administrative penalties took effect on September 29.

The City says it will initially focus on education and outreach so residents understand the requirements before it moves to full enforcement and begins issuing penalties.

Residents who see a lawn parking violation can report it by calling 311. Vehicle owners who receive a penalty notice can challenge it through the City’s Administrative Penalty System, known as APS.

Complaints to be handled through parking enforcement

Council also approved changes to Administrative Penalty By-law 0282-2013, allowing lawn parking violations to be dealt with through APS rather than through the Zoning By-law.

Under the new approach, Parking Enforcement Officers can investigate complaints and issue penalty notices directly through APS. Those notices will go to the registered owner of the vehicle.

The City says the change will make enforcement more consistent, help resolve complaints faster and reduce the need for court proceedings.

Mississauga’s Enforcement team received more than 1,500 complaints about lawn parking between January 2023 and August 2026. The City cited that volume as a reason for establishing a more effective way to address violations.

Protecting landscaped areas and pedestrian access

The City says parking on lawns and other soft landscaped areas can compact soil, reduce green space and increase stormwater runoff.

Vehicles crossing curbs, sidewalks and boulevards to reach those areas can also damage public infrastructure, according to the City. Lawn parking can obstruct pedestrian access and affect the appearance of neighbourhood streets.

Raj Sheth, Mississauga’s commissioner of community services, said in the release that the by-law is intended to address residents’ concerns while protecting green space, private property and public infrastructure. He also described neighbourhood safety, character and appearance as priorities behind the change.