Driveway Permits and Regulations in Maryland

Why Maryland Driveway Permits Matter

Installing or widening a driveway seems straightforward—until you learn that every inch of pavement touching a public road is regulated. Maryland’s counties and the State Highway Administration (SHA) enforce strict rules to keep roads safe, manage storm-water, and protect neighbors’ sight-lines. Skip the permit and you can be ordered to tear out fresh concrete, pay fines, or lose a future home-sale negotiation.

The good news? Most homeowner applications are approved within two to six weeks when the paperwork is complete and the design meets code. Below is the step-by-step playbook Drivewayz installers use every day, translated into plain language you can act on.

State vs. Local Rules: Who Controls Your Curb?

State Highway Administration (SHA) Driveway Permits

If your property touches any numbered route (e.g., MD-97, MD-650, US-29), the SHA is the authority. Their Access Permit Office issues the “Access Permit” and requires:

• A scaled site plan stamped by a Maryland-licensed professional engineer (PE) or land surveyor.
• Minimum 30-ft sight-distance triangles in 25 mph zones; 250 ft at 50 mph.
• Maximum 12% grade within the right-of-way.
• 2-in. drop from edge of pavement to the apron lip (prevents ponding on state road).

County & Municipal Driveway Regulations

Local roads fall under county or city codes. Each jurisdiction layers its own standards onto the SHA “Residential Driveway Policy”:

• Montgomery County: Requires a “Roadside Development Permit” and enforces a 20-ft setback from side property lines for corner lots.
• Prince George’s County: Demands permeable pavers for any driveway > 1,500 ft² to meet new storm-water rules.
• Anne Arundel: Limits apron width to 30 ft or 40% of lot frontage, whichever is less.
• Baltimore County: Flags applications for shared driveways and requires recorded maintenance agreements.

Tip: Call the local “Permit Counter” before you design. Ask for the latest “driveway checklist” and email address for expedited review.

The Maryland Driveway Permit Process, Step by Step

Step 1: Confirm Jurisdiction

Look at your road name on Google Maps—numbered routes are SHA. Otherwise, start with the county. Still unsure? Email both; overlapping reviews waste weeks.

Step 2: Hire a Design Pro (Sometimes Optional)

SHA always wants a stamped plan. Counties may waive the engineer for standard single-family driveways if you use their template drawing. For widening < 2 ft, Montgomery County even offers an “over-the-counter” permit if you bring photos and a hand sketch.

Step 3: Prepare Your Site Plan

Must-haves on every plan:

1. North arrow, scale, and your SHA permit number box (blank until assigned).
2. Property lines, easements, and any existing utilities within 5 ft of proposed apron.
3. Proposed driveway width, radii (minimum 15 ft for SHA), and distance to nearest neighbor’s driveway.
4. Spot elevations at edge of pavement, property line, and garage slab.

Step 4: Submit and Pay Fees

SHA’s online portal is mdotsha.permits.cloud. Upload a single PDF < 25 MB. Typical fees:

• SHA base permit: $375
• County surcharge: $75–$150
• Expedited review (optional, 7-day turnaround): +$1,200

Step 5: Wait for Comments

Standard review is 14–21 calendar days. Inspectors often ask for:

• Clearer utility mark-outs—call 811 first!
• Revised radii to fit a future sidewalk widening.
• Additional drainage details (e.g., 12-in. stone sump under apron).

Respond within 10 days or risk having your file closed.

Step 6: Receive Permit & Schedule Inspections

Print the stamped plan and keep it on-site. SHA requires a pre-pour and final inspection; counties may add a “form inspection” before concrete. Miss an inspection and you’ll jack-hammer to prove rebar placement.

Step 7: Final Sign-Off & Record Drawing

After passing inspection, upload photos of the finished work. SHA mails a “Permit Closure” letter—file this with your deed; buyers’ lenders often ask for it.

Top 5 Violations Drivewayz Fixes Every Year

1. Curb Jump Without a Permit

Homeowners pour a new apron only to receive a SHA “violation notice” because the curb-cut altered storm-water flow. Cure: remove and rebuild with proper inlet.

2. Width Creep

Adding an extra 6 in. on each side for “easier basketball” pushes you over the 30-ft max. Solution: saw-cut and remove excess, then reseed the strip.

3. Sight-Triangle Obstruction

Retaining walls, hedges, or fence posts placed inside the triangle force cars into the travel lane. Fix: relocate the obstruction or apply for a variance (rarely granted).

4. Unapproved Shared Driveway

Two neighbors split the cost but never recorded a maintenance agreement. When one sells, the lender demands the permit and agreement. Drivewayz drafts the document and files it for $250.

5. Wrong Materials on State ROW

Decorative pavers laid over the apron edge can come loose under snowplows. SHA requires asphalt or concrete for the first 5 ft. Swap the section and repaint to match.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Engineering & Surveying

$800–$1,800 for a licensed PE to measure elevations and draft the plan. Corner lots or steep grades push the high end.

Traffic Control Plan

Any work within 2 ft of the travel lane needs cones, signs, and sometimes a flagger. Budget $75 per day flagger fee plus $250 for temporary traffic control drawings.

Tree Mitigation

Remove a 24-in. oak in Montgomery County and you’ll pay $300 per inch diameter into the forest conservation fund—$7,200!

Utility Relocations

Verizon or BGE may charge $1,000–$3,000 to lower a service lateral that crosses your new apron. Request mark-outs early; you can shift the driveway 2 ft and save thousands.

Bond & Insurance

SHA demands a $5,000 performance bond and proof of $1 M liability insurance. Most driveway contractors carry these; verify before you sign.

Insider Tips for Faster Approval

Use the County’s Standard Details

Copy their CAD curb-return detail onto your plan—reviewers recognize it and skip redlines.

Submit in the Off-Season

January–March sees 40% fewer applications. Reviewers pick up new files in days, not weeks.

Bundle Projects

If you’re also adding a retaining wall or sidewalk, file one “site improvement” permit instead of separate cases. One fee, one review cycle.

Photograph Everything

Before, during, and after shots reduce back-and-forth emails and can substitute for a second site visit.

Eco-Friendly Regulations You Should Know

Maryland’s “Stormwater Management Act” now treats driveways as impervious surface. Counties are tightening rules:

• Prince George’s requires permeable materials for new drives > 1,500 ft².
• Howard County gives a 50% credit on impervious fee if you install a permeable paver system with an under-drain.
• Anne Arundel asks for a 10-ft vegetated buffer between the apron and public storm drain.

Permeable installations cost 15–20% more upfront but qualify for state rebates up to $2,500 through the RainScapes program.

Frequently Asked Questions