When to use this process

Use this application when you are proposing to install a residential driveway or patio so we can review the proposed area for compliance with stormwater and zoning requirements.

Similar process:

Civil construction plans (PDF) are required if any of these situations apply:

• Proposed change in drainage patterns
• Large amount of paving is proposed
• Proposed land disturbance of more than one acre

Get ready

Required documents

1. Sketch plan - This is not required to be drawn by a design professional such as a professional engineer, although that often is helpful.
   • If a survey of the property has been recorded in the past, you may obtain it from the York County Register of Deeds office to use as the starting place for your sketch plan.
2. Homeowners Association approval letter (example PDF) if located in a neighborhood with an HOA that enforces restrictive covenants.

Required licenses

Business licenses are required for all design professionals before approval can be issued.

•  Business license webpage

Helpful regulation references

Many regulations of the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) and other local development regulations effect site layout. While all apply, these are the key sections: 

In most cases, driveways and patios cannot run right along property lines because doing so would interfere with planned stormwater drainage from the lot. Placing these features five feet away from property lines is usually sufficient to ensure proper drainage, but the necessary amount is determined on an individual basis based on the drainage patterns on the lot.

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above.
   • Click on “New Applications"
   • Type "Driveway" into the search box
   • Click on “Residential Driveway or Patio Application” and follow the prompts from there
2. At this time, we will email you an invoice for the development fees, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms.
3. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 5 business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions to guide you in uploading your revised plans.

Separate submittals

If either of these pertain to your project, submit these applications separately through the "Apply Online" button above. We will review and permit each of them on its own.

1. Encroachment Requests: You may need to request permission to locate driveways, extend water/sewer lines, etc., with City, State or County rights-of-way
2. Certificate of Appropriateness application if located within one of the City's Historic Overlay Districts