2 Del. Admin. Code § 7.2
Property owners of single residential lots requesting to gain access to a local road or a higher classification road according to Functional Classifications as defined in section 1.4 through 1.7, shall adhere to the following criteria detailed in this section.
The following documentation must be provided when applying for a residential entrance permit for access to a State-maintained road:
Upon review and approval of the application and the actual driveway location, the Public Works Engineer shall issue an entrance permit for the construction of the residential entrance. The design requirements outlined in Section 7.2.3 must be met by the applicant.
The property owner shall be responsible for all costs associated with driveway materials including furnishing drainage pipe and approved backfill materials. DelDOT will determine if any drainage pipe is necessary and notify the property owner with the size and type of pipe required to maintain positive drainage flow.
The property owner shall coordinate with DelDOT for the installation and inspection of the pipe placement, if a pipe is required.
Should the construction not be completed to the satisfaction of DelDOT, the Department may seek compliance as permitted by the Delaware Code including, but not limited to, the closing or removal of the entrance. All costs associated with obtaining compliance shall be assessed to the property owner.
The following design criteria apply to residential access on non-subdivision streets and are illustrated in Figure 7.2.3.3-a.
Although DelDOT generally limits the number of access points for individual residential properties to one point of access, a second access point may be granted if the property frontage allows for the proper spacing as outlined in Figure 1.2.1-a.
If the proper access point spacing requirements cannot be met, DelDOT may grant a second point of access to individual residential lots in special circumstances on local or collector roads. These special circumstances may include:
A field visit should be performed by DelDOT to check sight distance and any potential operational or safety concerns. All costs associated with the additional access point will be borne by the applicant.
When a property has frontage on two roadways, whenever feasible and practicable, the driveway shall be located on the lower volume road. See Section 1.2 for more information on entrance policy and access spacing.
Entrance locations must take into account potential impacts on any existing or proposed stormwater management facilities, often referred to as Best Management Practices (BMPs), that may be located in or adjacent to the right-of-way. Confirmation is required prior to construction that the requested location does not impact an existing or proposed BMP as per DelDOT's NPDES Viewer inventory.
A single residential entrance shall have a width of ten to twelve feet. A combined residential entrance, serving two residential properties, shall have a width of 30 feet to 34 feet. Upon written request, DelDOT may consider entrance widths larger than those listed above to accommodate larger vehicles (See Figure 7.2.3.3-a).
Figure 7.2.3.3-a Residential Access Design Requirements
Profiles of entrances shall be designed in accordance with this Development Coordination Manual and manuals, guidelines and policies published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) or other Nationally Accepted Standard (NAS). Maximum grades shall not exceed 10% and maximum algebraic difference in grade shall not exceed 12% to prevent vehicles from 'bottoming out'. Vertical curve transition should be provided at the intersection of the driveway profile and the cross slope of roadway shoulder extended.
Pipes are manufactured in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Entrance pipes commonly used in Delaware include:
Metal Pipes (MP) shall not be used in corrosive environments, such as areas with water tables that are tidally influenced, or other areas where MP's have performed poorly. Use of MP must be approved by DelDOT prior to use.
Figure 7.2.3.5-a shows minimum cover depths for these pipes.
Figure 7.2.3.5-a Residential Entrance Pipes
Material | Cover Depth* | |
RCP Class | III | > 1 ft. |
IV | 6 in. - 1 ft. | |
V | < 6 in. | |
HDPE | 1 ft. | |
MP | 1 ft. | |
* From top of pipe to bottom of pavement The slope from the edge of driveway pavement to the top of the pipe shall be a maximum of 6:1.
When a residential property owner intends to enclose a road frontage swale or roadside ditch that abuts the residential property, a DelDOT permit is required in advance of any construction activity. The following items shall be provided to DelDOT for review and approval in advance of any permit being issued:
Upon DelDOT's review and concurrence with the items listed above, the property owner can request a permit from the Public Works Office.
Aprons shall be placed on residential driveways to facilitate turning movements. Entrance apron geometry shall be designed in accordance with DelDOT's current Standard Construction Details.
The area of the driveway between the edge of pavement for the State-maintained roadway and the right-of-way should be paved, but may be stabilized with graded aggregate base course as approved by the Public Works Engineer.
Residential entrance pavement sections may be constructed using different types of materials upon approval. Figure 7.2.3.7-a specifies the minimum sections permitted for each material type.
Figure 7.2.3.7-a Residential Entrance Sections
Material | Minimum Section |
Stone | 6" GABC |
Bituminous Concrete (Asphalt Pavement) | 2" Type C over 8" GABC |
Concrete Pavement | 6" P.C.C. over 6" GABC |
Driveways shall be designed and constructed to provide storage for vehicles off the State-maintained roadway right-of-way and include a provision for vehicular turnaround to enable entrance to the State-maintained roadway in a forward direction.
Driveways shall be clear and free of obstruction. A driver shall have an unobstructed view of the adjacent roadway and the ability to view any approaching vehicles at the intersection with the roadway.
Design guidelines necessary to provide sufficient sight distance shall be in accordance with manuals, guidelines and policies published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and Section 5.4 of this Development Coordination Manual.
2 Del. Admin. Code § 7.2
15 DE Reg. 551 (10/01/11)
16 DE Reg. 1199 (5/1/2013)
18 DE Reg. 240 (9/1/2014)
18 DE Reg. 709 (3/1/2015)
19 DE Reg. 938 (4/1/2016) (Final)