Most driveway paving on private property doesn't require a building permit in Cedar Rapids, but you need a right-of-way permit if your work touches the city sidewalk, curb, or street approach.
In Cedar Rapids, you don't need a building permit to repave an existing driveway on your own property. However, if your project involves any work in the city right-of-way, which includes the area between your property line and the street, you must get a right-of-way permit from the Public Works Department before work starts.
Right-of-way work includes replacing or adding a driveway approach where it crosses the sidewalk and meets the street, cutting a new curb opening, or widening an existing driveway entrance. Even if your contractor is doing all the work, the permit is required. The fee for a new driveway approach or replacement is $50 per driveway. If your project includes both a new driveway approach and sidewalk work, the fee is still $50 total.
The City of Cedar Rapids requires you to apply online for right-of-way permits. You can set up an account at my.cedar-rapids.org/account/login and then apply through the online portal. If you have questions or need help activating your account, email rightofwaypermit@cedar-rapids.org or call the Public Works ROW/Real Estate Division at 319-286-5777.
Your application needs to include a site map showing the width of your driveway at the sidewalk and at the street, the location of the approach, and dimensions from your property lines. The city provides a tool to help you create the required site map. Contractors working in the right-of-way must have a bond on file with the City Clerk as required by Section 9.27 of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Code. Homeowners doing their own work must provide proof of homeowner's insurance. Permits are typically issued within three business days if your application is complete and no revisions are needed.
All driveway work in the right-of-way must meet City of Cedar Rapids standards, which are detailed in Chapter 33F of the municipal code covering driveways, parking lots, and loading areas. Your driveway approach must be built to city specifications for materials, slope, and drainage.
The city requires inspections before and after concrete is poured for approaches and sidewalks. To schedule pre-pour and post-pour inspections for your right-of-way work, contact Public Works at 319-286-5846. Keep your permit on site during construction. If an inspector shows up and you can't produce the permit, work will be stopped immediately. Failure to get a permit before starting work results in a 100 percent surcharge on top of the standard permit fee.
If your home is on a Linn County road rather than a city street, you need a Linn County permit instead of a city permit. Any work within county right-of-way, including paving a driveway approach, requires a Permit to Perform Work Within County Right-of-Way from Linn County. The same applies if your property fronts an Iowa DOT state highway. You would need an Application to Perform Work Within State Highway Right-of-Way from the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Rules and standards change, and every property is a little different depending on setbacks, drainage, and existing infrastructure. If you're not sure whether your project needs a permit or which agency has jurisdiction over your street, contact the Cedar Rapids Public Works Department at 319-286-5777 before you start. It's easier to ask up front than to deal with a stop-work order or fines later.
Also in our network: Cedar Rapids Deck Permits: Rules and Requirements 2024, Cedar Rapids Drainage Permits: Rules and Requirements.
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