Driveway Permits and Regulations in Georgia

Why Georgia Driveway Permits Matter

Installing or upgrading a driveway seems straightforward—until a code officer knocks on your door. In Georgia, every county (and most cities) has its own driveway-permit rules tied to public safety, storm-water control, and roadway integrity. Ignoring them can trigger stop-work orders, fines, or a complete tear-out. The good news? The process is predictable when you know the steps. Below, we break down the state-level framework, local quirks, and pro tips that save Georgia homeowners time, money, and headaches.

State vs. Local Rules: Who Actually Controls Your Driveway?

Georgia DOT (GDOT) – When Your Drive Touches a State Route

If your property fronts a state route (numbered highways such as GA-120, US-23, or I-75 frontage roads), you must obtain a Driveway Permit from GDOT before breaking ground. The state’s Access Management Manual sets spacing, width, and sight-distance standards. Expect a 10- to 20-day review and a mandatory inspection after gravel sub-grade is placed, before concrete or asphalt is poured.

County & Municipal Codes – The Everyday Permits

Most Georgia homeowners live on roads maintained by the county or a municipality. In those cases, the local Public Works (or Department of Transportation & Infrastructure in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon-Bibb, and Savannah) issues the driveway permit. Cities often adopt the state manual by reference, but they can (and do) add tighter rules on setbacks, culvert sizes, and impervious-surface ratios.

Do You Need a Permit? The 90-Second Checklist

• New driveway cut through a curb or grass shoulder
• Relocation or widening of an existing apron
• Adding a second driveway (dual access)
• Replacing a gravel drive with concrete or asphalt (some counties exempt “surface only” if no expansion)
• Installing a pipe/culvert ≥ 12 inches diameter
• Any work inside a public right-of-way (even a simple pipe extension)

Rule of thumb: If a county truck could theoretically drive over the area, get a permit first.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Driveway Permit in Georgia

Step 1 – Pre-Application Homework

1. Locate your property on the GDOT county map to confirm state vs. local jurisdiction.
2. Call 811 for a utility mark-out; keep the ticket number—you’ll upload it with the application.
3. Measure proposed width at the property line (most counties cap residential at 12–24 ft).
4. Check HOA covenants; many subdivisions require architectural-review approval before the county will sign off.

Step 2 – Gather Required Documents

• Site plan (hand-drawn OK for simple rural drives; CAD or survey for urban lots) showing:
  • Existing and proposed driveway centerlines
  • Setbacks to side property lines and nearest intersecting driveways
  • Culvert length, diameter, and material (HDPE or concrete)
• Photos of the street showing sight-distance in both directions
• Driveway construction details (cross-section with base thickness, asphalt or concrete spec)
• Erosion-control plan if disturbing >1 acre (required under Georgia’s NPDES General Permit)

Step 3 – Submit & Pay Fees

Most counties use an online portal (e.g., Cobb’s Citizen Access, Fulton’s Accela, Gwinnett’s PermitTraq). Rural counties still accept paper. Typical fees:

Step 4 – Field Inspection & Approval

After fee payment, an inspector visits within 5–10 business days. He or she verifies sight distance, checks for underground utilities, and marks the exact culvert placement. If you pass, you receive the stamped permit and a 6-month construction window (12 months for GDOT).

Top 5 Permit Rejections (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Too close to neighbor’s drive – Maintain spacing equal to 3× the posted speed limit (e.g., 105 ft on a 35-mph road). Move the proposed centerline early.
2. Insufficient sight distance – On crest vertical curves, GDOT requires 500 ft. Trim vegetation or shift the drive laterally.
3. Undersized culvert – Use the county’s drainage chart; a 15-inch pipe is standard for a 12-ft drive on a 2:1 slope.
4. No erosion control – Install a silt fence and inlet protection before the first inspection.
5. HOA disapproval – Submit architectural plans to the HOA before paying county fees.

Hidden Costs Beyond the Permit Fee

• Culvert pipe: 12-in HDPE $12–$15 per ft; 24-in concrete $45 per ft
• Engineered drawings: $300–$800 for lots <1 acre; up to $2,500 for commercial
• Traffic control: $150 daily for flaggers on state routes
• Re-inspection: $50–$100 if you fail the first visit
• Road damage escrow: Some cities (Sandy Springs, Roswell) collect a $1,000 refundable deposit against cracked pavement

Budget 10–15% of total driveway cost for permit-related items.

Environmental & Storm-Water Rules

Georgia’s Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District requires a Buffer Variance if your drive crosses a 25-ft stream buffer. Expect a 30-day public notice and another $200 fee. In coastal counties (Chatham, Bryan, Liberty), additional salt-marsh permits may apply. Always keep the culvert inlet clear; clogged pipes are the #1 source of citations after the first heavy rain.

DIY vs. Hiring a Driveway Professional

Georgia law allows homeowners to pull their own driveway permits, but the liability stays with you. A licensed utility contractor or driveway company can streamline the process because they:

• Carry $1M liability insurance required by GDOT
• Own laser transits to prove sight-distance compliance
• Provide bond & warranty (5 years on concrete, 2 years on asphalt)

Drivewayz USA bundles the permit fee into every project quote and schedules the inspection—so you skip the paperwork and avoid day-off work to meet the inspector.

Realistic Timeline

Plan 4–6 weeks from concept to cured concrete.

Permit Renewals & Expirations

Georgia driveway permits expire 6 months after issue (12 months for GDOT). One free 6-month extension is allowed if construction has started. After that, you re-apply and pay the fee again. Keep a digital copy of the stamped plan on-site; inspectors routinely re-check compliance years later, especially if a neighbor complains.

Key Takeaways for Georgia Homeowners

1. Always verify jurisdiction—state routes need GDOT, everything else is local.
2. Upload a clear site plan; most rejections are drawing-related.
3. Schedule the pre-construction inspection before pouring concrete.
4. Budget for culvert, erosion control, and possible re-inspection fees.
5. When in doubt, hire a pro; the bond and warranty protect your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions