Q:        When is a Driveway Apron Permit required?

A:        All driveways placed in the right-of-way must be permitted. Marion County issues permits only in county rights-of-way. If your property fronts on a state right-of-way you will need to obtain your permit from the Florida Department of Transportation. Please call their office for information on driveways connecting to state roads.

Reconstruction of an existing driveway requires a permit. Additionally, the driveway apron must be brought up to current county standards.

Maintenance: Minor maintenance of existing driveway facilities in the right-of-way does not require a permit. This would include re-coating an existing asphalt driveway with sealer or cleaning out a clogged culvert pipe. However, any excavation of the driveway apron or the adjacent area of the right-of-way does require a permit.

Building Construction, placement or replacement of a mobile/modular building: When you or your contractor obtain building permits, a driveway apron and right-of-way review is automatically triggered. A site inspection is done to determine the existing condition of the right-of-way which is documented as well as to determine the proper type of driveway apron that is needed based on the specific site. Existing driveways are required to be brought up to current standards.

Q:        Do I need to put in a culvert pipe?

A:        This is determined on a case by case basis when the initial inspection is done. It depends on such factors as the depth of the existing or proposed drainage ditch swale in front of your property, and diameter of the pipe is specified to accommodate the anticipated stormwater flow. The minimum diameter for residential driveways is 15 inches and 18 inches for commercial driveways.

Q:        What inspections do I need and how do I order them?

A:        The initial inspection mentioned above is done automatically when you apply for your permit. A form up inspection is needed before you pour concrete or pave with asphalt. At the point that a concrete driveway is formed up and has the welded wire fabric in place, a # 354 Form up inspection is called in. After all work is completed a # 352 final inspection is called in. Please call the Automated Inspection Request System (AIRS) at 438-2477 to request these inspections. Please have your permit number when you call for inspections. Please do not call for the final until all work, right-of-way restoration and cleanup is completed. Re-inspection fees are charged if the job is not ready. All inspections called in before 3:30 pm are done the following business day. Depending on work load, we try to do all form up inspections in the morning so concrete can be poured that same day.

Q:        How long does it take to obtain a permit?

A:        Unless there are unusual circumstances, permits are issued within 3 days of application. If there is a problem, you will be contacted by phone.

Q:        What is the cost of the permit?

A:        Initial review including site inspection and final inspection costs a total of $60.00. If a form up Inspection is required there is an additional $ 30.00 fee. Working without a permit, double permit fees are charged. 

Q:        May I start work before the permit has been issued?

A:        No. But you may use this time to call for utility locates in the right-of-way. State law requires you to contact Sunshine State One-Call 48 hours before you dig in any right-of-way. http://www.callsunshine.com/SSOCOF/  The toll free number is (800)432-4770. Failure to do so will subject you to fines.

Q:        Who do I call if I have additional questions?

A:        Please call us at the Right-of-way Permitting Division Office, (352) 671-8686, Monday thru Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm or contact us via email