Driveway Permit Preparation Checklist — Free PDF

Most driveway permit applications are delayed or rejected because of missing documentation — not because the project itself doesn't qualify. This checklist covers everything commonly required across U.S. jurisdictions. Not every item will apply to every project; use it as a comprehensive reference and check off what applies to yours.

How to use this checklist: Check off each item as you complete it. When you're ready to apply, print this page (Ctrl+P / Cmd+P) or bring the checklist on your phone to the permit office.

📋 Driveway Permit Preparation Checklist

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Section 1 — Identify the Right Agency

Determine who maintains your roadCity street → city public works. County road → county engineer. State highway → state DOT.

Find the correct permit office phone number or websiteSearch "[county name] county engineer" or "[city name] public works driveway permit."

Call to confirm permit requirements for your specific projectDescribe your project type (new, widening, replacement, apron) and ask what's required. Most offices give verbal guidance at no charge.

Ask about pre-application site visit (if available)Many county engineers offer free site visits to identify culvert needs and sight-line issues before you apply.

Section 2 — Property Documentation

Property address (911 address, not lot number)Some jurisdictions require a 911 address to be assigned before a permit is issued for new construction.

Property deed or parcel numberAvailable from your county auditor or assessor's office. Often required to confirm ownership.

Know your right-of-way widthAsk the permit office or check county GIS. ROW width determines where private property begins and what's in the ROW.

Section 3 — Site Sketch (Hand-Drawn Usually Accepted)

Lot dimensions and frontage along the roadShow the full width of your property along the road edge.

Proposed driveway location on the lotShow distance from property lines, from the road intersection, and from any neighboring driveways.

Driveway dimensions (width and length)Include both the apron width and the full driveway length. Apron width must meet local maximum (often 24 ft).

Sight-line distances (if on a higher-speed road)Measure and note the distance you can see in each direction from the center of the proposed apron. State DOTs require this.

Drainage flow direction shown on sketchShow which direction water flows on your property and how the driveway won't block or redirect it in a harmful way.

Section 4 — Culvert Information (if applicable)

Determine if a culvert is requiredIf there's a roadside ditch your driveway will cross on a county or rural road, a culvert permit is almost certainly required.

Get culvert specifications from the county engineerRequired diameter, length, material (CMP, HDPE, RCP), and end treatment. Do not purchase pipe before getting specs.

Confirm accepted pipe materials for your jurisdictionTravis County TX: CMP only. Many other counties: HDPE or RCP also accepted. Verify before ordering.

Know the mid-construction inspection ruleCulvert must be inspected BEFORE backfill. Schedule inspection as soon as the pipe is set in trench.

Section 5 — Contractor Information

Contractor name and state license numberRequired if using a licensed contractor. Some jurisdictions require contractor info even for homeowner-pulled permits.

Contractor insurance certificate (if required)Some jurisdictions require proof of contractor general liability insurance before issuing a ROW permit.

Confirm if DIY is allowed for your project typeROW work often requires a licensed contractor even when private-property work is DIY-eligible.

Section 6 — Additional Approvals (if applicable)

HOA architectural approval letter (if HOA exists)Separate from government permits. Get government approval first, then bring it to HOA committee. Do not confuse one for the other.

Variance application (if project exceeds local limits)Required if project exceeds maximum width, violates minimum lot size for second driveways, or has insufficient sight lines.

Stormwater review (if adding significant impervious surface)Many cities/counties require stormwater documentation for projects adding 500–2,000+ sq ft of paving.

Section 7 — Submission and Follow-Up

Complete the permit application formDownload from the agency's website or pick up in person. Fill out all fields — incomplete applications get returned.

Prepare payment for permit feeMost agencies accept check or money order; some have online payment. Typical fee: $20–$200 for residential driveways.

Submit complete package and retain a copyKeep copies of everything you submit. Note the submission date and follow up if no response within 2 weeks.

Post permit card at job site (if required)Many jurisdictions require the permit card to be visible at the construction site before work begins.

Schedule mid-construction inspection (culvert only)Call before backfilling the culvert pipe. This inspection cannot be done after the pipe is covered.

Schedule final inspection and obtain closed permit recordRequest a copy of the closed permit documentation for your files. It protects you at resale and with insurance.

To save as PDF: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac), then select "Save as PDF" from the printer options. On mobile, use Share → Print → Save as PDF.

Reminder: This checklist covers typical requirements across U.S. jurisdictions. Not every item applies to every project. Always verify specific requirements with your local permitting authority — requirements vary significantly by state, county, and city.