Driveway Permits and Regulations in North Dakota

Overview: Why Permits Matter for North Dakota Driveways

North Dakota’s climate, soil, and road standards make driveway construction more than a weekend DIY project. Cities, counties, and the state DOT all have rules that keep entrances safe, drain water properly, and protect public roadways. Securing the right permit before you pour concrete or lay asphalt prevents stop-work orders, fines, and expensive tear-outs.

The good news? Most permits are inexpensive and approved quickly if you follow the checklist below. This guide walks you through every step so your new driveway or widening project goes in smoothly—and stays in—for decades.

Who Requires a Driveway Permit in North Dakota?

City Streets: Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot & West Fargo

All five largest cities treat driveway aprons and curb cuts as public-right-of-way work. You must submit a site plan, pay a small fee, and wait 5–10 business days for inspection scheduling. Sidewalk repair or replacement is bundled into the same permit.

County Roads: Burleigh, Cass, Grand Forks, Ward & Beyond

If your property fronts a county section-line road, you apply to the county highway department. Culvert size, inlet/outlet details, and drainage easements are the biggest sticking points. Some counties waive fees for agricultural drives under 150 ft.

State Highways: ND DOT Access Permits

Any connection to a U.S. or state highway (e.g., US-83, ND-22) requires a ND DOT Approach Permit. Expect stricter sight-distance rules, possible turn-lane requirements, and a $250 base fee. Commercial entrances take 4–6 weeks; residential usually 2–3.

Types of Driveway Projects That Need Permits

• New residential driveway (first time cut into city street or county road)
• Widening an existing apron—adding even one foot can trigger review
• Relocating the entrance (corner lots often do this for better sight distance)
• Installing a circular or ribbon driveway that requires two curb cuts
• Commercial or multi-family entrances with higher traffic volumes
• Adding a heated driveway system that alters grade or drainage

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Driveway Permit in North Dakota

Step 1 – Call 811 & Verify Jurisdiction

Before you sketch anything, dial 811 for utility locates. While waiting, phone the city engineer or county highway office and confirm who owns the road. Misidentifying jurisdiction is the #1 reason applications get returned.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Site Plan

Most agencies accept hand-drawn plans if they are to scale (1" = 20 ft is common). Include:

• Property lines & existing structures
• Proposed apron width & radii
• Distance to nearest intersection or driveway
• Existing utilities, light poles, fire hydrants
• Drainage arrows showing water flow

Step 3 – Choose Materials & Dimensions

Standard city specs: 6-in. concrete apron, 12 ft wide for single-car, 20–24 ft for double-car. Rural counties may allow 6-in. asphalt over 8-in. gravel base. Match culvert diameter to drainage area—15-in. minimum for <5 ac, 18-in. for 5–20 ac.

Step 4 – Submit & Pay Fees

Online portals exist in Fargo, West Fargo, and Bismarck. Rural offices still want paper. Fees range $25 (small city) to $250 (state highway). Commercial is 2-3× higher.

Step 5 – Pre-Pour Inspection

Most cities require a “form & base” inspection before concrete is poured. Keep forms up and gravel moist so the inspector can check depth and reinforcement. Miss this step and you may have to cut out and redo the apron.

Step 6 – Final Inspection & Asphalt Sealing

After pour, cities inspect expansion joints, thickness, and back-of-curb drainage. Counties focus on culvert placement and seeding of disturbed areas. You receive a written release; keep it for your file. Seal asphalt after 90 days, not before.

Key Regulations by Region

Red River Valley (Fargo, Grand Forks)

Clay soils expand and contract dramatically. Cities require 6-in. non-reinforced concrete or 7-in. reinforced. Apron slope limited to 4% to prevent ice build-up on sidewalks. Sidewalk replacement is mandatory if any section is lifted >½ in.

Missouri Plateau (Bismarck, Mandan)

Rocky, well-drained soils allow asphalt aprons on residential streets. Curb reveal must be 6 in. above finished asphalt. Commercial entrances need 150 ft sight distance each direction on 55 mph roads.

Bakken Oil Patch (McKenzie, Williams, Mountrail)

County road traffic includes heavy trucks. Expect to install 24-in. minimum culvert, ½-in. thickness steel headwalls, and 50 ft gravel approach. Permits can take 6 weeks due to engineering review.

Rural Agricultural Counties

Field drives serving farmsteads are exempt from permits if under 150 ft long and <8 vehicles per day. Still call 811 and notify the township road supervisor so you’re on record.

Typical Timeline & Costs

City Projects

• Application review: 5–10 business days
• Inspection lead time: 48 hrs after request
• Total project: 2–4 weeks (weather permitting)
• Permit fee: $25–$75

County Projects

• Application review: 1–2 weeks
• Culvert delivery: 1 week
• Total project: 3–5 weeks
• Permit fee: $0–$100

State Highway Projects

• Engineering review: 2–4 weeks (residential), 4–6 (commercial)
• Construction window: May–Oct only
• Permit fee: $250 + $40 per extra lane
• Surety bond: $5,000–$25,000 depending on scope

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

1. Pouring concrete before inspection—results in removal order
2. Using an undersized culvert that washes out in spring thaw
3. Placing the driveway too close to a neighbor’s—minimum spacing is often 15 ft
4. Ignoring sidewalk slope—water must not run toward house foundation
5. Assuming “agricultural exempt” covers a hobby farm Airbnb—once traffic jumps, so do rules

Contractor Tips to Speed Approval

Experienced local pavers already know the city engineer by name. Ask your contractor to pull the permit; they can stamp the plan and assume liability. Provide them with a copy of your mortgage survey to eliminate guesswork on property lines. Finally, schedule the pre-pour inspection early Monday so rain delays don’t push you into the next week.

Eco-Friendly & Winter-Resilient Options

Permeable paver systems are now allowed in Fargo and Bismarck for aprons up to 12 ft wide. They reduce ice buildup and satisfy storm-water credits. In rural areas, consider a 20-ft concrete “track” driveway with grass in between—lower material cost and less runoff. Whatever surface you choose, slope 2% away from the house and install a pea-gravel edge strip to catch snowmelt.

Frequently Asked Questions