MenuDriveway Cuts
This process is for obtaining a right-of-way permit(s) for a driveway cut(s) to existing residential parcels that contain a dwelling(s) or propose a dwelling(s).
See the City of Raleigh Development Services Glossary
for any unfamiliar terms.
Are there any prerequisites/requirements for this process?
- A copy of the approved plan and right of way permit must be on site prior to the Inspection
- Right of Way dedication may be required in some cases such as insufficient road right of way, potential construction projects, road reclassification upgrades, etc.
- A driveway cut permit is not required for work done on your property. If work extends to the right of way, then a driveway cut permit is required. However, clients are advised to contact the Stormwater Utility Management Division and/or the Zoning Division to determine if permits from these areas are required
Note: The 3.5 foot distance only applies in the right of way. The driveway may be as close to the property line as desired without encroaching on neighboring property or the right of way. (See Driveway Cut Plan -Sample Drawing D )
How do I start the process?
Submit a plan to the City of Raleigh at the Development Services Customer Service Center located at One Exchange Plaza Suite 400. See plan requirements below.
What do I need to submit to the City?
| SUBMITTAL PACKAGE | |
| Required for Submittal | City of Raleigh Permit Application A plan of the project property must be provided. A GIS plat/aerial will be acceptable Label scale of plan, or NTS, if not to scale |
Where can I find detailed information regarding submittals?
The Plan must show:
- Property lines and dimension of the subjects lot, if not to scale
- Show location of residential structure
- Locate and dimension all existing and proposed driveways, and their radii. Residential driveways are required to be between 10 feet and 24 feet wide and perpendicular to the street within the right-of-way
- The driveway must be a minimum 18 feet in length as measured from the right-of-way line to the face of the garage or structure
- Label street name and dimension street of right-of-way(s)
- For corner parcels, a minimum of 20 feet is required for the minimum corner clearance from the point of tangency from intersection radius to the driveway edge of pavement
- Driveway must be set back a minimum of 3 1/2 feet from adjacent property line within the right of way
- For more than one driveway on a single lot, a spacing of at least 20 feet is required from any other driveway on the same lot
- If more than two (2) points of access (existing and/or proposed) are requested on a lot, a variance will be required from the Public Works Department (Variance Application)
- Show and dimension any existing curb and gutter, and existing sidewalk
- Plans shall bear the Note: "ALL CONSTRUCTION SHALL BE PER CITY OF RALEIGH AND/OR NCDOT STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS."
- Show recorded sight distance triangles or sight easements across the property frontage
A variance may be requested for the following items: (Variance Application)
- More than two driveway access points on a single lot
- Not meeting the 20-foot minimum corner clearance requirements
- Not meeting the 3.5-foot setback to adjacent property lines
If a variance is required, it must be submitted to the Zoning Division located on the 4th floor of One Exchange Plaza. The request will be reviewed and the client will be informed of the decision within five (5) business days. Upon approval, the plan must be submitted to the Zoning Division prior to permit issuance.
What additional documents may be helpful?
- Driveway Cut Plan - Sample Drawing A
- Driveway Cut Plan - Sample Drawing B
- Driveway Cut Plan - Sample Drawing C
- Driveway Cut Plan - Sample Drawing D
- Certificate of Appropriateness (Historic Districts & Landmarks, if site is in a historic district)
Where do I submit my application?
All commercial plans should be submitted to the Development Services Customer Service Center.
What are the keys to success?
- The Contractor must be bonded and insured
- Contractor information (contractor license, contact information, business license, workers compensation, liability insurance, etc.) must be complete, current and valid in the City of Raleigh Contractor file
- Contractor must have a City of Raleigh Business License, if work is being done within the City Limits of Raleigh
- Contractors performing work in the Right of Way must have workers compensation, general liability insurance and a $5,000 bond to work in the Right of Way
- You must show a plan with the existing and proposed work or driveway cuts to be done
What fees are involved and when do I pay them?
- Right of Way Permit is a minimum permit fee
- A Street Cut Permit, only when required
- See Development Fee Schedule for current rates
*A Fee-in-Lieu for 1/2 of a five foot sidewalk and/or road improvements may be charged, if the plan meets the following: (Note: These conditions are not applicable for an existing house.)
- The dwelling is a new home on a vacant lot and there is no sidewalk on either side along the frontage of the lot
- The dwelling is a "tear-down and re-build" on an existing lot that contained a dwelling previously and there is no sidewalk on either side along the frontage of the lot
- The public street adjacent to the property is unimproved. (i.e. dirt, gravel)
- The public street adjacent to the property has no curb and gutter
How long will this process take?
- Approximately eight (8) business days for the standard residential review process
- One (1) to seven (7) business days for driveway review process
