Driveway Permits and Regulations in Oregon

Driveway Permits and Regulations in Oregon: The Homeowner’s Roadmap

Adding or upgrading a driveway in Oregon is more than picking pavers and paint stripes. Every city and county follows its own driveway permit rules to keep streets safe, drainage clear, and traffic flowing. Miss a step and you could face stop-work orders, fines, or the dreaded “tear-it-out” notice. This guide walks you through the statewide framework, local quirks, and proven shortcuts so your project rolls smoothly from the first sketch to the final inspection.

Oregon’s State-Level Framework for Driveway Construction

While there is no single “Oregon driveway permit,” three state statutes shape every local ordinance:

• ORS 374.310: Gives counties authority over approaches to state highways.
• ORS 105.672: Sets liability standards for private road maintenance (important for shared driveways).
• Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 734-060: Details sight-distance, slope, and surface requirements for new approaches on state roads.

Think of these as the baseline; your city or county overlays tighter rules on top. Always check local code first, state second.

City & County Driveway Requirements You Can’t Ignore

Portland Metro Rules (Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Lake Oswego)

• Permit name: “Approach & Driveway Permit” issued by the City Transportation Bureau.
• Max width: 12 ft for single-family, 24 ft for corner lots (measured at sidewalk).
• Materials: Porous pavers encouraged; asphalt must be 2.5" compacted over 4" rock.
• Tree preservation: 3-ft clearance from trunk of street trees > 6 in diameter.

Eugene & Springfield Lane County Standards

• Permit name: “Private Approach Permit.”
• Sight distance: 150 ft on roads ≤ 35 mph; 300 ft on ≥ 40 mph.
• Drainage: Culvert sized by county hydrology calculator; 15-year storm minimum.
• Recycled content: City offers 10% permit rebate when ≥ 40% recycled aggregate is used.

Bend & Central Oregon (Deschutes County)

• Firewise rules: Driveways ≥ 12 ft wide with 13 ft 6 in vertical clearance for emergency vehicles.
• Snow-load edge restraints: Concrete curbs or 6×6 timbers required on slopes > 5%.
• Decomposed granite not permitted within 3 ft of public roadway edge.

Rural & Coastal Counties (Clatsop, Tillamook, Coos, Curry)

• County road approach permits often handled by Public Works, not Planning.
• Storm-water infiltration trenches mandatory where no storm sewers exist.
• Driveway rock must be ¾"–1½" crushed; river run is rejected because it rolls under tire load.

How to Apply for a Driveway Permit in Oregon (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Pre-Application Site Meeting

Most jurisdictions offer a 15-minute “curb conference” free of charge. Bring a quick sketch with property lines, existing utilities, and proposed radius. You’ll leave with a checklist of overlays (tree, storm, sewer) that may add review time.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

1. Scaled site plan (1" = 20' is typical) showing sidewalk, property pins, and setback lines.
2. Profile drawing of driveway slope (county provides template).
3. Traffic sight-distance worksheet (filled by applicant, verified by staff).
4. Utility clearance letters from gas, electric, telecom (call 811 first).
5. HOA approval letter if in a planned community.

Step 3: Submit & Pay Fees

Portland charges $180 base + $60 inspection; Eugene $150 + $40 storm review; rural counties $75–$125. Online portals speed processing; mailed paper plans add 7–10 days.

Step 4: Wait for Conditions Letter

Expect 2–4 weeks. Typical conditions: upsize culvert, add ADA-compliant detectable surface, or relocate light pole. Respond in writing; silence = approval of conditions.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

• Pre-grade: Verify staking and erosion control.
• Sub-base: Compaction test (95% Modified Proctor).
• Final: Surface tolerance ± ¼" in 10 ft, drainage flow lines correct.

Permit Costs & Hidden Fees Across Oregon

Tip: Ask for “one-trip” inspection slots; a second truck roll can cost more than the permit itself.

DIY vs. Hiring a Driveway Contractor in Oregon

When You Can DIY

• Gravel driveway < 150 sq ft on your own land, no public road approach.
• Existing asphalt overlay < 1" thick (classed as maintenance, not new construction).
• Farm tracks > 100 ft from county road (verify with Rural Fire District).

When You Must Hire a Licensed Pro

• Concrete or asphalt connecting to public road (state requires CCB license).
• Culvert installation (must be bonded for highway work).
• Projects in Portland’s “Green Street” zones—contractor must hold Erosion Control Certificate.

Verify any contractor at www.oregon.gov/ccb; look for the “Driveway & Sidewalk” specialty classification.

Typical Timeline from Permit to Parking

• Week 1: Site meeting & utility locates.
• Week 2–3: Drawings & application submission.
• Week 4–6: City/county review & conditions response.
• Week 7: Permit issuance & contractor scheduling.
• Week 8–9: Construction (weather dependent).
• Week 10: Final inspection & approval letter.

Rainy season (Nov–Mar) can double sub-base drying time; plan concrete pours for 45 °F+ and falling to avoid surface crazing.

Top 5 Homeowner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Guessing property lines. Pay $400 for a licensed survey—cheaper than tearing out a driveway on the neighbor’s land.
2. Ignoring tree preservation. Portland fines $1,000 per inch diameter for unpermitted street-tree removal.
3. Wrong culvert size. Use the county’s online flow calculator; upsizing one diameter costs an extra $80 but saves a $500 redo.
4. Skipping erosion control. A $30 silt fence prevents $1,000 sediment fines and angry downstream neighbors.
5. Weekend concrete pours. Inspectors don’t work Saturdays; an unapproved slab may need core samples ($300) to prove thickness.

Green Incentives & Rebates for Oregon Driveways

• Portland’s Clean River Rewards: 100% storm-water discount for driveways that install permeable pavers or infiltration trenches.
• Eugene Water & Electric Board: $0.50/sq ft rebate up to $1,500 for porous concrete.
• State Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) extension: Recycled-content asphalt mixes qualify for $0.15/sq ft, saving up to $300.

Keep receipts; most programs require a copy of the final driveway permit to release funds.

FAQ: Quick Answers to Oregon Driveway Permit Questions