Permits

Building permits

To obtain a building permit, contact the city or township in which the property is located. 

Septic systems

For septic system permits, contact the Department of Public Health & Environment.

Types of permit applications

An Access Permit is required for any  new field entrance, driveway, commercial/construction access, or private/public street to a Washington County highway, or for a modification (ex. paving), or change-in-use of an existing access (ex. a field entrance becoming a residential driveway). 

Permit Application shall be submitted 30 days prior to start of work - additional time may be required if plan revisions are needed.

Access Permit TypePermit FeeDeposit
Agricultural Field Access$150$500
Residential Driveway$150$500
Commercial/Construction Access$500Minimum $5000
Street Access$500Bond


In addition to the applicable fee, a refundable deposit is required, based on the scope of work. For commercial/construction access, please contact Washington County Public Works to determine deposit amount required.

Washington County Standard Plans

Culverts

  • A culvert pipe is generally required unless curb is present.
  • The permit holder is required to provide a pipe that meets County standards.

Plan Submission

  • Right of Way Occupancy Registration Form (PDF) (with Certificate of Liability - Acord 25 Form) from the Contractor performing the work
    • One-time registration
    • Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord 25 Form) 
      • Required at time of registration
      • Submitted annually at time of policy renewal
      • Washington County included as Additional Insured
      • An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements
      • Required minimum level of coverage:
        • $1,500,000 Each Occurrence
        • $3,000,000 General Aggregate
        • $3,000,000 Products and Completed Operations Aggregate
  • Access Permit Application (PDF) 
  • When applying for an Access Permit, please include a drawing of the site.
  • For a simple driveway, a line drawing is sufficient
  • For a commercial access, the County will need to review the plans for the development and may require a traffic study
  • Generally, if access is available from a local street, the County will NOT permit direct access to the County Road