Driveway and Curb Cut Rules

A vehicle access route from the street to parking on the lot, including the kerb or culvert opening.

What typically applies

These are patterns seen across many US jurisdictions. They are not the rule at your address, because zoning is adopted locally.

• A new or widened kerb opening usually requires a separate right-of-way or encroachment permit.
• Residential driveway widths often fall within a defined range set by the local street standard.
• Materials are sometimes regulated for dust, drainage or stormwater infiltration.
• Corner lots may restrict the distance of the opening from the intersection.

What most often changes the answer locally

• Whether the work touches the public right-of-way or a drainage culvert.
• Driveway width, approach angle and sight distance.
• Impervious surface or stormwater infiltration requirements.
• Parking count and whether tandem or off-street spaces are credited.
• Sidewalk, tree root and utility conflicts in the verge.

Get a checklist for your address

Questions to ask your local department

1. Ask whether a right-of-way permit is required in addition to any building permit.
2. Confirm the allowed width and the minimum spacing from intersections or neighbouring driveways.
3. Ask about culvert sizing and drainage review.
4. Check whether permeable paving is required or credited.

See all project types on the yard rules hub, or use the yard rules checker for a different project.

ZoneFig provides general reference information, not legal advice. Yard and zoning rules are adopted locally, so the only binding answer for your address comes from your city, town or county planning and building department. Typical thresholds shown here describe patterns across many jurisdictions and are not the rule at any specific property.