Driveway Permit and Approach Permit
Driveway Permit Cost: $45.00
Approach Permit Cost: $45.00
Driveway repair / installations
If you wish to widen an existing driveway or pour a new driveway, a permit is required. Parking on an unimproved surface is prohibited by City ordinance.
A driveway in the front or side yard must be of either reinforced concrete or concrete pavers.
Reinforced concrete requirements: 4 inches of concrete with #3 rebar that is 18 inches on center with rebar chairs.
Concrete pavers requirements: interlocking concrete paving stones at least 2 inches thick on a base consisting of a layer of bedding sand over a minimum 4 inches of compacted crushed stone, cement treated base or soil cement base.
A driveway in the rear yard may also be of either reinforced concrete or concrete pavers; but may also be one of the following:
An asphalt surface having a minimum depth of 4 inches over a 4 inch established base consisting of compacted crushed stone, cement treated base or soil cement base.
A surface of compacted gravel or crushed rock contained within a distinct border and having a minimum depth of 6 inches.
Driveways in the rear yard may not be accessed via an unpaved alley.
Excessive driveways (meaning those that cover more than 50% of the yard) are prohibited in the City.
Exceptions:
- A circular driveway with two approaches are allowed to cover a maximum of 65% of the yard.
- A driveway within a residential front yard where parking on the street is prohibited or restricted by ordinance, the maximum allowable cover shall be increased to 65% of the yard.
Approaches:
Approaches are reviewed and approved by our Transportation Department (which is conveniently located in the same building as the Building Inspection Department).
Approaches installed / widened from a paved alley must have a 5 foot flare and must not go beyond the boundaries of your property.
Approaches installed / widened from a front entrance must have a 5 foot radius and must not go beyond the boundaries of your property.
All paving in the City right-of-way (approaches and sidewalks) must comply with the City of Garland Engineering Specifications. www.ci.garland.tx.us/home/departments/development+services/engineering/ss91A1.htm
Sidewalk Permit
Cost: $45.00
Any repairs done to the public sidewalk (excluding the private walk up to the front door) must be permitted. Additionally, a Sidewalk Bond must be on file for whoever is completing the work.
Requirements: 4 inches of concrete with #3 rebar that is 24 inches on center with rebar chairs.
Note: The rebar must be at least 3 inches from the edge of the sidewalk on each side.
However, if you wish to contact the Engineering Department at 972-205-2170, they can explain the Sidewalk Participation Program with you which is a 50/50 split with the resident and the City of Garland. Engineering will contract the repairs and the homeowner need only pay their 50%.