Process of Getting Curb Cut and Driveway Explained

Key Terms to Know: Curb Cuts and Driveway Approaches

To help make sense of the ins and outs of curb cuts and driveway installations, let’s break down some of the essential terminology you’ll come across during the process:

• Business Driveway Curb Cut & Apron
  This refers to the specially designed opening in the curb that allows for entry and exit to commercial properties. It includes both the break in the curb and a paved section (the apron) that connects the street to the business’s parking area.
• Residential Driveway Curb Cut & Apron
  Similar to the business version, but for homes—a curb cut and apron allow vehicles to move between a public street and a residential driveway.
• Curb Cut End Slope
  This is the angled portion of the curb that gently transitions from street level up to the height of the curb itself, ensuring a smooth access for your vehicle.
• Curb Parking Space
  The segment of curb, typically about 18 feet long, where a car can park parallel to the street.
• Curb Return
  This is the curved or angled section of curb that connects different street approaches, such as where a driveway meets the road or a corner meets an alley.
• Driveway
  Any paved or designated area on private property intended for driving or parking vehicles.
• Driveway Approach
  The area between the curb cut and your private property—think of it as the welcome mat for your car, guiding it from the street onto your driveway or parking spot.
• Outside Sidewalk Line
  This imaginary line runs along the side of the sidewalk closest to the street. If there’s no sidewalk, it’s usually estimated about four feet from the edge of your property, within the street right of way.
• Parcel of Land
  Simply put, this is any lot, group of lots, or tract of land registered under a single owner.
• Person
  For the sake of these regulations, “person” can mean an individual, company, partnership, association, or corporation—basically, anyone or any organization involved.

Knowing these terms will make the process much less daunting, whether you’re considering adding a driveway or just curious about how street access works for property owners.

It’s not always possible to get a curb cut and a driveway at your property. With every single property you might not have the land or the ability to be able to do so. However, if you do have this, we’re going to explain the process that we go through. We’ve helped out many of landlords increase there parking or have the ability to have parking in general, which is a huge selling point with your tenants or can potentially make you more money.

What is a curb cut, anyway?

Before we dive into the process, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. A curb cut is essentially a break in the sidewalk or curb that allows vehicles to drive from the street onto the property—think of that little dip at the edge of your driveway. For many properties (especially in busy urban areas), getting this official access point is the first step to adding off-street parking.

There are a couple of important terms you’ll hear during this process:

• Business driveway curb cut and apron: This refers to the actual opening in the curb that provides vehicles entry to commercial property.
• Driveway approach: This is the section between the street and your private property—the paved area that connects your curb cut to a parking space, garage, or even a door at least seven feet wide designed for vehicle access.

The local city or town will require your curb cut and driveway approach to lead to a “definite” parking area on your property, not just an open yard. That means you’ll need to show a legit place for cars to go—like a garage, parking pad, or designated spot.

With that in mind, let’s walk through the steps and paperwork you’ll need to get started.

Can a Driveway Approach Be Used as a Parking Area?

It’s important to know that the city has pretty strict rules around how you can use a driveway approach. Typically, you’re not allowed to use the area between the curb and your property—the “driveway approach”—as a parking spot. The idea here is that this space is meant purely for accessing your driveway or garage, not as an extra parking space.

If you’re thinking of sneaking a car onto that strip, it’s a no-go. The city may issue fines or require you to move the car. For landlords, this means you can’t advertise this area as parking for tenants or guests. Always make sure your plans follow local guidelines, not just to avoid trouble, but to keep the property accessible and attractive to future renters.

Do You Need a Permit to Cut the Curb?

Before you even think about firing up the concrete saw or calling in your favorite paving crew, you’ll want to make sure all your paperwork is in order. A permit is absolutely needed whenever you’re planning to cut, break out, or remove any section of curb along a street or alley—no exceptions. The city wants to keep things safe and organized, and skipping this step can land you in some hot water (trust us, those fines are no joke).

So, whether you’re looking to create a new driveway approach, expand parking, or improve access, always apply for the proper permits first. The rules are there to protect everyone and prevent surprises both for you and your neighbors.

The Process

Who Oversees the Project and What Are the Rules?

All driveway approach construction is closely monitored by the city engineer. This isn’t just a ceremonial oversight—a city engineer is in charge of the entire process from start to finish. They set the standards for what materials you must use and spell out exactly how every step should be done. Think of them as the project’s referee and playbook author combined.

It’s also worth noting: if you stray from those requirements—whether it’s using the wrong materials or cutting a corner on the process—the city engineer has the authority to pull your permit. That means a project halt and possibly having to start over, so sticking to the city’s approved rules and methods is absolutely essential.

Are There Exceptions to the Permit Requirement?

Yes, there is one notable exception to keep in mind. If you’re planning to create an unpaved driveway approach—and you’re not cutting into the curb in any way—you typically won’t need to apply for a permit like you would for paved driveways or those requiring curb modification. In all other cases, though, you’ll need to complete a formal application, providing details such as construction type, driveway width, and exact property location.

For any situation involving curb cutting or paved approaches, a permit is still required, so make sure your plans align with city guidelines before starting work.

#1 Submit paperwork, plans, and request

You’re going to go down to the city and you’re going to see and talk to them and submit paperwork and plans and requests to be able to actually get this curb cut. They’re going to have a process that you can follow and many times you might want to work with a contractor that has done this before, or even an attorney, zoning attorneys are great.
Once you’ve submitted everything and made sure you’re in compliance with the necessary requirements—like making sure all forms, plans, and fees are in order—the city engineer will review your application. If you’ve satisfied all the terms and paid the required permit fee, your permit will be issued. This is an official step and absolutely necessary before any work begins.
We have ones that are fantastic that can help you get through this process.

As a general contractor and property manager, Jarrett has done this both for myself and other landlords that we manage for.

After we’ve gone to the municipality, we talk to them about what’s needed to grow out the plan. Sometimes what you’ll need is a surveyor or architect to be able to measure it out to submit these plans into the town or city.

Construction Requirements for Curb Cuts and Driveway Approaches

Once your paperwork is in, it’s time to make sure your project lines up with the city’s construction guidelines. You can’t just grab a jackhammer and start hacking away at the curb—there are some important rules to follow to avoid headaches down the line.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know:

• Curb and Gutter Removal: The first step is to completely remove the curb, including any gutter and end slopes (if your property has them), for the full width of your new driveway. Think of it as giving your property a clean slate to work with.
• Keep Your Distance from Intersections: You need to make sure your curb cut isn’t within 15 feet of the extension of property lines at a corner lot intersection. This helps keep sight lines clear and everyone safer.
• Stay Within Your Boundaries: Don’t let your curb cut wander beyond your property lines—even extensions or projections aren’t allowed. It’s got to be fully within your lot.
• Slope and Height Details: The top of the newly depressed curb should be 1 and 5/8 inches above the gutter’s flow line. From there, your concrete apron should gradually slope back over three feet, meeting the height of the regular curb.
• Safety and Liability: Both the owner and contractor are responsible for making sure pedestrians and the public are protected while work is underway. The city takes no responsibility for any injuries or damage during this stage, so proper barriers and safety measures are key.

Mapping these details out early—and double-checking your plans with your contractor or surveyor—will help you avoid costly do-overs and keep your project running smoothly.

Curb Cut and Driveway Apron Measurements and Slope Requirements

Now, let’s talk about the nuts and bolts—literally—of what the city expects when it comes to the measurements and how your curb cut and driveway apron need to be laid out.

• Width and Removal: The entire curb (or curb and gutter, if that applies to you) plus any end slopes need to be fully removed along the width where your new driveway will go. In other words, you’re getting a clean slate exactly the width of your plans—no shortcuts.
• Location Rules:
  • If you’re on a corner lot, you can’t have your curb cut closer than 15 feet to the intersection where your property lines would meet.
  • Your curb cut must stay strictly within your own property lines—no borrowing space from your neighbor or the city.
• Slope and Height Details:
  • At its lowest point, the top of the curb cut should be one and five-eighths inches (1 5/8″) above the gutter line.
  • The concrete apron—the part that connects your driveway to the street—needs to start at that same 1 5/8″ depressed curb height, then gradually slope upward over a distance of three feet (3′) until it’s flush with the regular curb face.
• Safety During Construction: It’s essential you and your contractor secure the site to prevent any injuries or property damage while the work is underway. The city isn’t going to take responsibility for anything that happens during your project.

These specifics are designed to help with drainage, access, and overall safety, and to keep things fair for all property owners. Sticking to these dimensions and slope requirements keeps you in the good graces of the city and helps the whole process go smoothly.

Permit Fees for Driveway Curb Cuts and Aprons

It’s also important to budget for the costs involved with your permit. Whether you’re applying for a residential or a business driveway curb cut and apron, the fee is $25. This is the standard rate set by most cities, so you won’t have to worry about any surprise expenses at this stage. Just be sure to include the permit payment when you gather your paperwork, and you’ll be all set for the next steps.

#2 Talk to them and contact a surveyor or architect

After we’ve gone to the municipality, we talk to them about what’s needed to grow out the plan. Sometimes what you’ll need is a surveyor or architect to be able to measure it out to submit these plans into the town or city.

#3 Submit all the needed documents and start the cut

Once you have the application process along with these plans and surveys you’re going to submit it in and if they approve it, you’re going to have that contractor go ahead schedule, usually a police detail and bring their equipment to do the curb cut.

Who’s responsible for safety during the construction?

A quick heads up—during the curb cut and driveway work, it’s actually up to you and your contractor to make sure everyone stays safe. That means you’ll want to have measures in place to protect the public from any accidents or damage while the work is underway. The city isn’t going to cover you for any damages that happen because of the construction process—so make sure your contractor knows their stuff, uses proper signage, and keeps everything secure and tidy on-site.

#4 Coordinate with a paving company

Once the curb got done, you might have to have a paving company come in and make everything look great. You have to watch obviously the season in which you do that, because maybe it’s harder than the winter time to be able to get this done.

What will happen if you are denied?

If you are denied, this happened many times, when there are neighbors that might not like you or is just very tough and there’s a certain regulations, what you’ll have to do is go through the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), and what that means is that you’re going to go in front of a board you’re going to plead your case, and most importantly, prior to that, you’re going to get signatures of support from neighbors.

We’ve gone and gotten hundreds of signatures in the past and then what ends up happening is that you’re going to have a public hearing where anybody can come ask questions, fight against you, support you, and at that time what will end up happening is that, you will then potentially find out from the ZBA after whether you’ve gotten approved for that curb cutter or not.

If you’re turned down again, you can keep going and try to fight as or you can again, just get your approval which is the best case scenario and then you have it and then you’ll go through that process that we mentioned previously.

When Can Your Driveway Permit Be Revoked?

It’s important to remember that just because you’ve been granted a permit, it doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. If, during the actual driveway construction, you—or your contractor—don’t follow the city’s rules and requirements, the city engineer has the authority to pull the permit at any point. In short, if the work isn’t up to their standards or something is missed, that permit you worked so hard for might be rescinded, and you could be back to square one.

Always double-check that your contractor understands the process, is familiar with local regulations, and is committed to following the steps properly to avoid unnecessary headaches down the road.

If you or anyone else you know is looking for proactive property managers to help guide you through the steps of adding value to your house as well as potential income, please think of Green Ocean Property Management, where you get more than a property manager, you get peace of mind.