Transportation

Commercial Driveway and State Highway Access Permit

Access design and permit applications for commercial entrances onto city, county or state DOT roads. Typical US fees run $2,000 to $30,000, and most projects take 1 to 6 months including DOT review. Our drawings, calculations and reports are sealed by a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the state where your project is located, ready for permit submission.

Typical US fee$2,000 to $30,000
Typical timeline1 to 6 months including DOT review
Permit drawingsSealed by a PE

What the work involves

Commercial entrances require an access permit from the road owner. The engineer designs driveway width, radii, sight distance, turn lanes, drainage and pavement, and prepares the application, sometimes supported by a traffic study. Many state DOTs have access management rules that limit driveway spacing and may require shared or right-in, right-out access.

When you need it

  • New commercial entrance on a public road
  • Change of use that increases traffic
  • Agency requires a turn lane
  • Frontage on a state highway
  • Relocating or closing existing driveways

What you receive

  • Access plan
  • Sight distance analysis
  • Turn lane design
  • Permit application exhibits

What drives the cost

Estimate. Simple city curb cuts cost less; state highway access with turn lanes costs more.

Related calculators

Stopping Sight Distance CalculatorCalculate AASHTO stopping sight distance from design speed, perception-reaction time, deceleration rate and grade.

Frequently asked questions

How much does commercial Driveway and State Highway Access Permit cost?

Across the US, commercial Driveway and State Highway Access Permit usually costs $2,000 to $30,000. Estimate. Simple city curb cuts cost less; state highway access with turn lanes costs more.

How long does commercial Driveway and State Highway Access Permit take?

Plan on 1 to 6 months including DOT review from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Do I need a licensed PE for commercial Driveway and State Highway Access Permit?

In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.

Will I also need a traffic engineer?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, commercial Driveway and State Highway Access Permit can also involve a traffic engineer or land surveyor. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide commercial Driveway and State Highway Access Permit for?

Most of our clients for this service are business owners and developers. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

Why would DOT deny or limit my driveway?

Common reasons are inadequate sight distance, spacing too close to other driveways or intersections, or safety concerns. Agencies may require shared access or turning restrictions.

Do I need a turn lane?

It depends on traffic volumes, speeds and agency warrants. A traffic study often determines it.

How long does a DOT access permit take?

Simple permits may take weeks; permits requiring roadway improvements often take months. Pre-application meetings can shorten the process.

Can neighboring businesses share a driveway?

Yes, and many agencies encourage shared access with a recorded cross-access easement. Shared access can make approval easier.

Where we provide this service

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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