Driveway / Sidewalk

Helpful Resources

  • Driveways/Sidewalks Permit (PDF)
    • Driveway Permit Cost: $45 ($30 plus a $15 processing fee)
  • Approach Permit
    • Approach Permit Cost: $45 ($30 plus a $15 processing fee)

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. 

Homes constructed on or before January 1, 1970 that have no paved alley access may construct or expand a front yard driveway using a limited parking surface.  The driveway approach must still meet City standards (concrete ).

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 Number 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.
  • EXCEPTION #1:  Residential property constructed on or before January 1, 1980 may continue using the parking surface that was originally constructed with the home as long as the surface is gravel, asphalt or macadam and has been properly maintained.
  • EXCEPTION #2:  Residential property constructed on or before January 1, 1970 and with no paved alley access may construct or expand a front yard driveway as a Limited Parking Surface.  The driveway approach apron must meet all other laws and standards and be constructed of concrete.

 A driveway in the rear yard may 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 is allowed to cover a maximum of 65% of the yard. 
  • When there is a driveway within a residential front yard where parking on the street is prohibited or restricted by ordinance, the maximum allowable area covered 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.

  • Sidewalk Permit
  • Cost: $45 ($30 and a $15 processing fee)

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 Number 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 Street Department at 972-205-3555, they can explain the Sidewalk Participation Program which is a 50/50 split between the resident and the City of Garland. Engineering will contract the repairs, and the homeowner need only pay their 50%.