Cutting a new driveway off a county road means a culvert permit

The ditch beside a county road is part of the drainage system. A driveway across it needs the right culvert, or water can back onto the road. Van Zandt County requires a permit before building a driveway in county-road right-of-way.

The owner or developer pays for the culvert and installation. The precinct commissioner checks the materials and work and can require changes to protect the road. The permit also has a six-month window for the driveway to be built.

Before ordering pipe, call the commissioner for the precinct. Size and placement are cheaper to settle before the entrance is poured.