permit or no permit?

1. My neighbor got his driveway without a permit. He says if you use the term, "drivePORT", instead of
drive WAY, you can forego the permit.

2. A contractor claimed, if he "grinds" the curb down to make the apron entry, he doesn't need a permit?

3. Yesterday, another contractor said he's been doing driveways for 30 years. "You need a variance" (permit) for the job, He "ain't doing it...not going to lose HIS license.

I was down at the permit office last year. They knew my neighbor didn't have a permit but did not contact him.

So, what is your take on this?

If your area requires a permit to install a driveway, it seems unlikely that renaming it a driveport would make any difference. Grinding the curb to make an apron is not allowed in Richmond, VA, but each locality has their own regulations or permit structure. If a permit was required to do the work, the contractor does risk a fine or worse. I think contacting the building inspector and making a formal complaint would be the most productive especially if the neighbor's driveway is negatively impacting your property.
I hope this information helps!

Nancy

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Landscape Design Questions.