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Driveway Permits

Why do I need a driveway permit?

If you’re building or modifying a driveway that connects to a borough road, you need a Driveway Permit. Driveways are located in the borough’s public right-of-way, which is used for roads, drainage, utilities, and snow removal. Permits ensure your driveway is placed safely and won’t cause flooding, sightline issues, or hazards to the traveling public.

A driveway permit helps protect your property, your neighbors, and public infrastructure by ensuring:

  • Safe access to and from the roadway

  • Proper drainage and culvert placement

  • Visibility for turning vehicles

  • Room for snowplows and emergency access

When is a permit required?

You need a borough driveway permit if you are:

  • Building a new driveway

  • Paving, widening, or relocating an existing driveway

  • Connecting an unpermitted driveway to a borough road

  • Changing your land use in a way that increases traffic (e.g. rental units, subdivisions, businesses)

Please note:

  • If your driveway connects to a private road, a borough permit is not required

  • Properties within Palmer, Wasilla, or Houston city limits typically do not need a borough permit
    → Check your location here

  • If connecting to a State-maintained road, you may need a State driveway permit

  • Always confirm jurisdiction before applying

Which permit type do I need?

Permit types are based on how much traffic your property generates during the busiest hour of the day:

  • Low Volume Driveway
    For homes or similar uses with 10 or fewer vehicle trips during peak hour

  • High Volume Driveway
    For commercial properties, multifamily housing, or subdivisions with more than 10 vehicle trips per peak hour

Not sure which category applies? The Permit Center can help you determine the correct type during the application process.

How to Apply

All driveway permits are processed through the Permit Center in the Planning Department.

  • Click the Apply Online button (top right of this page) to start your application

  • Fee: $50, payable at the time of application

You may be asked to submit:

  • Driveway location, width, and slope

  • Culvert details (if needed)

  • Traffic volume estimates

  • Engineered drawings (required for high-volume or complex driveways)

You must wait for approval before beginning construction. Final approval is given after a borough inspection confirms the work meets standards.

MSB Driveway Permit Application Process:

  • Application for access to a Borough roadway and driveway permit application fee are received by the Permit Center.

  • Applicant marks the proposed driveway location at the property using stakes, paint, or flagging.

  • MSB Inspector evaluates drainage, line of sight, and any other safety concerns that impact the roadway. 

  • Permit Center notifies applicant of construction standards required for the driveway. Applicant has one year from the date of the notification to complete the driveway. Applicant may request for extension if necessary.

  • Once driveway installed, applicant notifies the Permit Center by email, phone, online, or in person that the driveway construction is completed.

  • MSB Inspector re-inspects the driveway to determine if the driveway meets the Borough standards.

  • If the driveway meets the Borough standards, a permit is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a driveway permit?
Driveways are in public right-of-way. Permits make sure they’re placed safely and don’t block drainage, traffic, or maintenance.

Do I need a permit for a second driveway?
Yes. Any new access point to a borough-maintained road requires a separate permit.

I’m just repaving—do I still need a permit?
Yes. Repaving or changing the surface counts as a modification.

Who installs and maintains the culvert?
The property owner. The borough determines the type and size required.

Can I build my driveway without a culvert?
Only if the borough determines one isn’t necessary based on site drainage.

Can I build my driveway first and apply later?
No. Construction without a permit may result in removal or extra costs.

What happens if I already have a driveway but no permit?
You must apply to bring it into compliance, especially if changes are being made.

How long does it take to get a permit?
Time varies based on workload and complexity. Submit early in your project timeline.

Technical Details & Code Reference

Driveways must meet standards in MSB Chapter 11.12, including:

  • Width, slope, and curve radius

  • Drainage and culvert requirements

  • Minimum distances from intersections and other driveways

  • Safe sight triangles and visibility

  • Engineering requirements for high-volume driveways

  • Traffic impact analysis and turn lane studies for larger developments

📘 View full driveway standards in borough code

Questions?
Email the Permit Center: permitcenter@matsugov.us

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