Why Michigan Driveway Permits Matter
Installing or widening a driveway seems simple—until you hit the permit wall. Michigan’s rules vary by city, county, and even neighborhood. Ignore them and you could face stop-work orders, fines, or the costly removal of fresh concrete. Understanding Driveway Permits and Regulations in Michigan before you call a contractor saves time, money, and headaches.
This guide walks you through the who, what, when, and how of Michigan driveway permits so you can start your project on the right foot.
Michigan Driveway Rules: State Law vs. Local Ordinances
State Statutes Set the Floor, Not the Ceiling
Michigan’s Public Act 51 gives county road commissions authority over any work within the road right-of-way (ROW). That includes the apron—the sloped section connecting your driveway to the pavement. State law requires a permit for any new or altered apron, but it leaves driveway width, setback, and surface type to local municipalities.
Your City or Township Has the Final Say
Home-rule cities like Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Lansing layer extra requirements on top of county rules. For example, Detroit caps residential driveway width at 20 ft; Troy allows up to 24 ft. Always check both county and city codes before designing your layout.
When You Need a Driveway Permit in Michigan
- New driveway onto a public road
- Widening an existing driveway beyond the permitted width
- Changing the curb cut location
- Switching from gravel to paved surface (some townships)
- Adding a second driveway leg (dual-drive or circular)
Repaving in the same footprint usually does not require a permit, but confirm with your road agency—some counties still want a “maintenance” form on file.
Common Exemptions & Gray Areas
Private Roads
If the entire length of your driveway sits on a private road maintained by a homeowners association, you typically skip the county permit. You still need HOA approval, and the association may have stricter design rules.
Agricultural Drives
Michigan grants a streamlined “field entrance” permit for farms. Width is limited to 25 ft, and the surface can remain gravel. You must prove the land is enrolled in Qualified Agricultural Property.
Emergency Repairs
Storm-damaged aprons can be replaced without a full permit if you notify the road commission within 48 hours and use the original dimensions.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Michigan Driveway Permit
- Call 811 for utility locates—required before any sketch is accepted.
- Measure the right-of-way—usually 33 ft each side of centerline on county roads; city ROW can be 60 ft total.
- Draw a site plan—hand-drawn is fine if legible. Show property lines, sidewalk, existing trees, proposed driveway width, and radius at the curb.
- Fill the county form—most road commissions use the standardized “Access Permit Application.”
- Pay the fee—ranges $35–$150 depending on county (see cost table below).
- Submit to both agencies—county road commission and city engineering if inside municipal limits.
- Wait for inspection—an engineer flags any sight-line or drainage issues.
- Schedule contractor—work must start within 180 days or the permit expires.
Required Documents Checklist
- Completed permit application (signed by property owner)
- Two copies of site plan (scale 1 inch = 20 ft recommended)
- Copy of recorded deed or tax bill proving ownership
- Photos of existing conditions
- Utility clearance ticket (811 receipt)
- Storm-water calculation (if driveway exceeds 5,000 sq ft impervious surface)
Permit Fees & Hidden Costs Across Michigan
| County/City | Base Permit Fee | Additional Inspection | Total Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent County | $75 | $50 | $125 |
| Oakland County | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| City of Detroit | $150 | $75 | $225 |
| Grand Traverse | $50 | $0 | $50 |
Pro tip: Add $150–$400 if a certified traffic sight-distance study is required on busy state highways.
Design Rules You Must Follow
Width Limits
Most counties allow 12–24 ft for a single-family driveway. Anything wider triggers commercial standards and extra storm-water review.
Radius & Angle
A 15-ft radius at the curb prevents tires from riding over the sidewalk. Driveways must intersect the road at 90° unless a 75° flare is approved by the engineer.
Clear Zone & Sight Triangle
No part of your vehicle parked on the apron can block the 10-ft sight triangle measured from the edge of the traveled road. Trim hedges and remove fences that intrude.
Surface Specifications
- Concrete: minimum 4-in. thick, 3,000 psi, with 6×6 #10 wire mesh or ½-in. rebar on 24-in. centers
- Asphalt: 3-in. binder + 1½-in. surface over 6-in. compacted aggregate base
- Pavers: must be edge-restrained and comply with ADA slip-resistance
Drainage & Environmental Notes
Michigan’s 2020 storm-water rules require that driveways not increase runoff onto adjacent properties. If you disturb more than 1 acre (including the house lot), you need a soil-erosion permit from the county water resources office. Install a shallow swale or pervious pavers to stay under the threshold.
HOA & Subdivision Restrictions
Even after the county signs off, your homeowners association can veto stamped concrete colors or mandate extra landscaping. Request the architectural guidelines packet before you order materials. Typical hot buttons:
- Brick pavers vs. plain concrete
- Street-tree replacement if roots are cut
- Snow-storage space (don’t angle the driveway toward a neighbor’s yard)
Choosing a Driveway Contractor Who Handles Permits
Verify License & Insurance
Michigan does not issue statewide driveway licenses, but contractors must carry a $500,000 liability policy and worker’s comp. Ask for the certificate naming you as additional insured.
Get a “Permit Included” Clause
Put in writing that the contractor pulls the permit, schedules inspections, and corrects any code violations at no extra cost. Drivewayz USA includes this standard in every contract.
Review the Drawings Before Submission
Make sure the plan shows your RV pad or extra width you want—changes after approval require another fee.
What to Expect During Inspection
- Pre-pour: inspector checks excavation depth, base stone, and reinforcement placement.
- Final: after concrete sets, inspector verifies apron thickness, curb cut radius, and sidewalk restoration.
- Approval letter: you need this letter on file to sell the home later; keep it with your deed.
Failed inspections cost another $50–$75 re-inspection fee, plus crew standby time—double-check everything the night before.
Penalties for Skipping the Permit
- Immediate stop-work order posted on-site
- Fines: $200–$500 for first offense; $500–$1,000 plus court costs for repeat violations
- Removal order—county can force you to tear out the new concrete at your expense
- Lien placed on property until fines paid
Insurance claims can also be denied if an unpermitted driveway contributes to an accident.
Fast-Track Timeline for a Standard Residential Permit
| Task | Typical Days |
|---|---|
| 811 utility locate | 3 |
| Site plan & application prep | 1–2 |
| County review | 5–7 |
| City review (if dual) | 3–5 |
| Pre-pour inspection | 1 |
| Concrete pour & cure | 7 |
| Final inspection | 1 |
Total: about 3 weeks if forms are ready and weather cooperates.
FAQ: Driveway Permits and Regulations in Michigan
Yes, switching from gravel to concrete is considered a surface upgrade that increases impervious area. You must obtain a driveway apron permit from the county road commission and, if inside city limits, a separate encroachment permit from the city engineer.
Most Michigan counties set the residential limit at 24 ft measured at the property line. Anything wider, or any addition of a second leg, is classified as commercial and requires a traffic impact study and storm-water management plan.
Homeowners can pull their own permits and perform the work, but you must follow the same codes and pass the same inspections. You also assume liability for any damage to the public road or sidewalk. Many counties require a bond or cash deposit ($500–$1,000) from unlicensed homeowners.
Standard validity is 180 days from the issue date. One extension of 90 days is usually granted if requested before expiration. After that, you must re-apply and pay the fee again.