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REF_07 / PERMITTING

Driveway Approach Permit

Also known as: Curb cut permit

A separate right-of-way permit required when modifying or adding a driveway approach to a public street.

DEFINITION

A driveway approach permit (sometimes called a curb cut permit) is a separate right-of-way permit issued by the city's transportation department when a project modifies or adds a driveway approach across the public sidewalk and curb. ADUs that share the primary home's driveway rarely need one. Standalone DADU access — especially via an alley or a new flag-lot driveway — almost always triggers one, with a $400–$1,800 fee and a 3–5 week review.

NAV_GRAPH / Local data
FAQ

Frequently asked

  • What does Driveway Approach Permit mean in the context of an ADU?

    Driveway Approach Permit is part of the regulatory and technical vocabulary you encounter when permitting and building an accessory dwelling unit in Washington. Knowing the term matters because reviewers, inspectors, and your lender will use it without explanation. We define Driveway Approach Permit in plain English and connect it to the specific code citation, fee, or construction detail that affects your project. Use the related-terms section to navigate adjacent concepts you'll need on the same plan set.

    Go deeper: Glossary: Driveway Approach Permit

  • Where does Driveway Approach Permit apply in the WA ADU process?

    Driveway Approach Permit typically shows up in either the design phase (when the architect or designer is laying out plans against zoning), the permit phase (when reviewers check the submittal against code), or the construction phase (when inspectors verify built conditions match the approved set). The same term can appear in your loan documents if it affects valuation or risk. Each glossary entry maps the term to the exact phase where it matters most.

    Go deeper: Read the Seattle SDCI ADU permit process, step by step (2026) guide

  • Why should I care about Driveway Approach Permit for my project?

    Misunderstanding Driveway Approach Permit is one of the most common reasons ADU projects hit avoidable cost overruns or permit delays. A clear shared vocabulary between you, your designer, and your builder shortens decision time and reduces change orders. Bookmark this glossary and refer back as you progress from feasibility through final inspection.

    Go deeper: Glossary: Driveway Approach Permit

  • How does Driveway Approach Permit affect my ADU budget?

    Most glossary terms map to either a cost line, a review timeline, or a permit fee. Where Driveway Approach Permit drives cost, the impact is itemized in our standard fee schedule and itemized at feasibility — so by contract time, Driveway Approach Permit is a known number, not a discovered surprise. Click through to the related cost or permit page for the current Driveway Approach Permit-specific dollar range and timeline.

    Go deeper: Read the Seattle SDCI ADU permit process, step by step (2026) guide

  • Is Driveway Approach Permit regulated under RCW 36.70A.681?

    WA statewide ADU preemption (RCW 36.70A.681 / HB 1337) covers many ADU-adjacent topics: size caps, setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, height, lot-size minimums. Whether Driveway Approach Permit falls under preemption depends on its specific scope — design review, side-sewer permitting, drainage review, and tree-protection rules are generally NOT preempted, while size/setback/parking generally ARE. Each glossary entry flags the preemption status.

    Go deeper: Glossary: Driveway Approach Permit

TERM_WSDOT DRIVEWAY PERMIT

Need "Wsdot Driveway Permit" explained for YOUR lot? Get it in plain English.

Definitions help. Applying them to your specific property is what matters. Send the address and we'll explain how Wsdot Driveway Permit plays out on your build.

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