Why Driveway Permits Matter in the Granite State
Adding or widening a driveway in New Hampshire is not as simple as pouring asphalt. State law and local ordinances protect public rights-of-way, storm-water systems, and neighborhood character. A single misstep—like cutting a curb without approval—can trigger stop-work orders, fines, or the costly removal of fresh pavement.
The good news? Most driveway permits in New Hampshire are straightforward if you know the steps. Below, you’ll find town-specific requirements, state statutes, design rules, and money-saving tips so your project stays legal and on schedule.
State Rules vs. Local Rules: Who Actually Controls Your Driveway?
New Hampshire divides authority between the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and the 234 cities and towns. Knowing which agency reviews your application saves weeks of back-and-forth.
When NHDOT Is the Reviewing Authority
- Any work within the legal right-of-way of a state highway (Route numbers 1-999).
- Creating a new curb cut or relocating an existing one on a state road.
- Adding a second driveway within 200 ft of an existing state-highway driveway.
If your parcel touches only a state highway, you will file the Driveway & Entrance Permit form (NHDOT Form 608) with the NHDOT District Office. Expect review by both a district engineer and a traffic specialist.
When the Town Is in Charge
Local roads—those maintained by the city or town—fall under municipal jurisdiction. Each community writes its own driveway ordinance, so setback distances, sight-line requirements, and surface materials vary widely. For example:
- Concord: 5-ft minimum setback from side property line.
- Nashua: 10-ft setback plus a 25-ft interior radius for cul-de-sac lots.
- Hanover: Paved apron required if grade exceeds 8 %.
Step-by-Step Permit Process for New Hampshire Homeowners
Follow this roadmap whether you hire a contractor or go DIY.
1. Pre-Application Site Check
- Verify road jurisdiction (state vs. local) on the NHDOT functional classification map.
- Measure sight distances: 300 ft on 35 mph roads, 450 ft on 50 mph roads.
- Locate underground utilities by calling 811 (New Hampshire One Call).
2. Hire a New Hampshire Licensed Land Surveyor (When Required)
Towns such as Portsmouth and Keene demand a stamped site plan showing property lines, setbacks, wetlands buffers, and proposed driveway alignment. Budget $600–$1,200 for a typical quarter-acre lot.
3. Complete the Application Package
- NHDOT Form 608 (state roads) or local driveway form.
- Scaled plan (1" = 20' minimum) with contours, utilities, drainage, and pavement specs.
- Photos of existing conditions.
- Homeowner’s notarized signature or contractor’s letter of authorization.
4. Submit & Pay Fees
Electronic upload is now accepted at all six NHDOT district offices. Typical state fee: $100 for the first 20 ft of width plus $5 per additional foot. Most towns mirror that schedule.
5. Wait for Site Inspection
An engineer will visit within 10–15 business days. Be present to discuss drainage; a simple swale may replace an expensive culvert.
6. Receive Permit & Final Conditions
Read the fine print: many approvals expire in 180 days. Extensions are free if requested before expiration.
Typical Timeline & How to Speed It Up
| Task | Working Days | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Utility mark-out | 2–3 | File online; attach a Google Earth map. |
| Site plan drafting | 5–10 | Ask surveyor for “permit-only” plan to cut cost. |
| State/town review | 10–21 | Follow up weekly; engineers prioritize responsive applicants. |
| Construction | 1–3 | Schedule asphalt plant first thing Monday to avoid afternoon lines. |
Total average lead time: 4–6 weeks. Starting in March beats the spring rush.
Key Design Regulations You Must Follow
Width & Radius
- Maximum residential driveway apron: 30 ft on state roads (can be wider with waiver).
- Minimum interior radius: 15 ft for 90° turns; 25 ft for commercial.
Grade & Drainage
- Maximum grade within right-of-way: 8 % (NHDOT) or 10 % in most towns.
- Storm water must not increase runoff onto the traveled way. A 12-in stone apron under the pavement edge often satisfies reviewers.
Materials & Thickness
NHDOT spec calls for:
- 8 in compacted gravel base (Subbase NH 304.1)
- 2.5 in binder course (NH 403.11)
- 1.5 in surface course (NH 403.13)
Concrete driveways must be 6-in thick with 6×6-W2.9×W2.9 welded wire mesh.
Setbacks & Sight Lines
Driveways must be:
- ≥ 50 ft from the near side of a state highway intersection (NHDOT)
- ≥ 20 ft from a fire hydrant (NFPA 1 adopted statewide)
- ≥ 5 ft from side property line unless neighbor signs a waiver
Permit Fees & Hidden Costs: Budget Like a Pro
Permit fees are only the tip of the shovel. Plan for these line items:
- State/town permit: $100–$300
- Site survey: $600–$1,200
- Wetland delineation (if within 250 ft): $1,500+
- Culvert upgrade (if required): $25–$40 per linear foot installed
- Engineered soil tests for steep lots: $400
Bundle services: some surveying firms will throw in the driveway plan for half-price when you also order a mortgage plot plan.
Top 5 Mistakes That Trigger Permit Denials
- Guessing the road jurisdiction—always confirm with GIS layer.
- Ignoring seasonal weight limits—hauling stone in April can crack town roads and void your permit.
- Too many curb cuts—NHDOT limits one per 200 ft of highway frontage for residential lots.
- Missing wetland flag—an arborist ribbon is not official; only DES- certified flags count.
- Wrong scale on plans—engineers reject anything smaller than 1" = 20'.
Hiring a Driveway Contractor: Red Flags & Green Lights
New Hampshire does not license paving contractors at the state level, so due diligence is on you.
Checklist Before You Sign
- ✓ Valid NH business registration (NH QuickStart database)
- ✓ Insurance: $1 M general liability + workers’ comp
- ✓ References from three neighbors with permits issued in the last 12 months
- ✓ Written line-item bid that separates permit fees from construction
- ✓ Agreement that contractor will pull the permit in his name (keeps liability with him)
Questions to Ask
- "What NHDOT district covers my road and who is the assigned reviewer?"
- "Will you handle the 811 utility mark-out or do I?"
- "Do you warranty settlement at the apron for five years?"
Seasonal Considerations: Frost Laws & Winter Shutdowns
From March 15 to May 1 many towns post "FROST LAW" signs that ban heavy loads. A 20-ton gravel truck can incur $500 fines and liability for road damage. Schedule material deliveries before mid-March or after the town clerk lifts restrictions. Cold-patch asphalt is a bad idea in December—wait for spring hot-mix to avoid premature cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you stay within the same footprint and don’t disturb the apron or curb, most New Hampshire towns allow resurfacing without a permit. Check anyway—some communities (Exeter, Dover) now require a “maintenance” permit to ensure storm-water controls stay intact.
NHDOT permits expire 180 days after issuance. Many towns copy that window. You can request one free 90-day extension as long as work has not started. Once construction begins, the permit remains valid until project completion, provided it is continuous.
Yes, but any expansion beyond the originally approved apron requires a new permit. Engineers will re-evaluate sight distance, drainage, and proximity to neighbors. If the widening converts lawn to impervious surface, you may also need a separate storm-water permit from NHDES.
Both NHDOT and towns can issue stop-work orders and levy fines of $100–$250 per day. You will still have to apply retroactively, often with additional engineering studies. Worst case: you pay to rip out new pavement and restore the right-of-way to original condition.