Driveway Permits Permit & Inspection Process
A driveway permit is required to construct a new residential or commercial driveway apron; to install a temporary construction entrance; or to restore and repair an existing driveway apron. The apron is the driveway entrance and is located from the edge of the roadway to the property line. Construction must conform to Montgomery County design standards.
If expanding an existing drive aisle or constructing a parking pad within your own property, be sure to check the Zoning Ordinance to determine front lot coverage limits.
- If the proposed driveway entrance will connect to a Montgomery County roadway, a permit is required. If the proposed location is a State or municipal roadway, you must obtain a permit from that jurisdiction.
- If the existing driveway entrance connects to a Montgomery County roadway and construction activity may damage the apron, a restoration/repair of a driveway permit is required.
- If there is no existing entrance and construction activity requires access to a property from a Montgomery County roadway, a driveway permit will be required for construction in excess of 1,000 square feet.
- If the proposed work impacts a roadside tree, a tree protection plan may be needed.
- If proposed work requires removal of a roadside tree a Maryland Department of Natural Resources Tree Care Permit is required.
- Be sure and check the Zoning Ordinance to ensure you know how much front lot coverage is allowed on your property.
- When the proposed work is on an arterial roadway (80' right of way width or greater) or within the Central Business District (Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton) and/or needs sidewalk closure for more than 15 days, the applicant must submit a site specific Temporary Traffic Control Plan (TTCP) to be approved by the Department of Transportation.
At a minimum a scalable plan showing the proposed or existing driveway location will need to be provided. When a tree protection permit is required, a plan meeting the Roadside Tree Plan requirements will also need to accompany your plans. When submitting electronically you will need to meet the ePlans submittal requirements for Driveway Permits.
Typically a driveway permit will be issued within 2 – 3 weeks from submittal depending on DPS staff workload.