Land records · Parcel maps · October 7, 2026
What Is a Driveway Permit? When You Need One
What is a driveway permit? Approval from a city, county, or state road agency to build or change a driveway that connects to a public road.
What is a driveway permit? A driveway permit is approval from the government agency that controls a road, such as a city public works department, county road department, or state transportation agency, to build, widen, relocate, or pave a driveway connection to that road. Because the part of the driveway between the road and the property line usually sits in the public right of way, the agency sets standards for location, width, materials, drainage, and sight distance. Many places also require a permit for work entirely on private land, especially if it involves grading or new impervious surface. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Who issues driveway permits
| Road type | Typical permitting agency |
|---|---|
| City street | City public works or engineering |
| County road | County road or highway department |
| State highway | State department of transportation |
| Private road | No public permit, but HOA or easement rules may apply |
To find out who controls a road, see how to find out if a road is public.
What the agency reviews
- Location relative to intersections and other driveways.
- Sight distance for safe entry and exit.
- Width and turning radius.
- Drainage, including culvert pipes under the driveway in ditch areas.
- Materials in the right of way.
- Number of driveways allowed per lot.
Culverts
On roads with roadside ditches, the agency often requires a culvert of a certain size so the driveway does not block drainage. Some agencies install culverts for a fee; others require the owner’s contractor to install them to standard.
Driveway permit vs curb cut
On streets with curbs, the opening in the curb is called a curb cut, and its construction is often part of the driveway permit. On rural roads without curbs, the permit focuses on the apron and culvert.
Access across someone else’s land
If a driveway crosses another person’s property to reach the road, the owner needs an access easement in addition to any road permit.
When permits are needed
Permits are typically needed for new driveways, relocating or widening an existing one, changing from gravel to pavement in the right of way, and adding a second driveway. Routine resurfacing on private land may not need one.
Finding past driveway permits
Road departments keep permit records, and some building departments track them with other permits. See how to find building permits for a property.
Example
An owner building a house on a county road applies for a driveway permit. The county requires the driveway to be at least 100 feet from an intersection, specifies a 15-inch culvert under the apron, and inspects the work before the building department issues the certificate of occupancy.
State highway access
State agencies often have stricter access management rules on busy highways and may limit new driveways, require shared access, or direct access to a side street.
Bottom line
A driveway permit is approval from the road agency to build or change a driveway connecting to a public road, covering location, width, drainage, and sight distance. Identify who controls the road before applying, and secure an easement if crossing another’s land. Find county road offices via the Platbookmapper map.
What is a driveway permit FAQ
Do I need a permit for a driveway?
Usually, if it connects to a public road.
Who issues driveway permits?
The agency that controls the road.
What is a driveway culvert?
A pipe under the driveway to carry ditch water.
Can I add a second driveway?
Possibly, if local rules allow it.
Do I need a permit to repave my driveway?
Sometimes, especially in the right of way.