Development and Review

A driveway is a private access to one or two lots or residences. Access through another landowner’s lot requires a minimum of a 20 foot wide easement. Road names and road name signs are not required for driveways.

The driveway must be constructed using a minimum of eight inches of gravel base and a 12-foot driving surface. For driveways longer than 300 feet, turnouts are required every 300 feet.  Turnouts should be 20 feet wide for a distance of 30 feet to allow vehicles to pull over and allow emergency vehicles to proceed. T

The maximum grade for a gravel driveway shall be 12%. The maximum grade for paved driveways shall be 14%.

Permit Requirements:

• Access permit – For access to a county road.

·        Trail permit – Required if utilizing unopened county right-of-way.

o   Read more about unopened county right-of-way permits here. 

• Land Disturbance Permit – May be required depending on ground disturbing activity. Read about “Clearing, Grubbing, and Forest Practices” and obtain a Grading Permit application from the Planning & Development Services forms and handouts webpage.

A short plat consists of a land division creating four or fewer lots. Road and driveway requirements vary based on how many lots the access will serve and the length of the road.

A driveway serving two lots must meet the following minimum standards:

• 12‑foot driving surface.
• 20‑foot access easement when crossing other landowners’ property.
• Gravel or paved surface capable of supporting emergency vehicle loads in all weather conditions.

Additional design requirements are provided in Skagit County Road Standards Figure C‑18.

A driveway serving more than two lots must meet the following minimum standards:

·       20‑foot driving surface

·       25‑foot access easement when crossing other landowners’ property

·       Gravel or paved surface capable of supporting emergency vehicle loads in all weather conditions.

Any road serving four or more lots is classified as a private road. Private roads must provide:

·       20‑foot driving surface

·       50‑foot minimum easement width

Additional standards are provided in Skagit County Road Standards Figure B‑1.

Permit Requirements:

•  Access permit – For access to a county road. 
• Trail permit – Required if utilizing unopened county right-of-way.
  • Read more about unopened county right-of-way permits here.
• Land Disturbance Activity Permit– Generally required, but dependent on ground disturbing activity. Read about “Clearing, Grubbing, and Forest Practices” and obtain a Land Disturbance Activity Permit application from the Planning & Development Services forms and handouts webpage.

A county standard road is required for all roads within a long plat and for roads providing access to more than 16 lots. Minimum county standard roads require a 20-foot asphalt driving surface with 2-foot shoulders and a minimum of 60 feet of right-of-way. Wider driving surface and/or shoulders may be required depending on traffic generated and classification of the road. Consult the current Skagit County Road Standards to determine the road requirements. 

Long plat roads are dedicated county roads unless a variance to remain private is requested and approved. Private roads may become county roads through a petition process through which the county accepts responsibility and ownership for the road. Road names and road name signs are required for this type of road and must indicate whether the road is private or county. Private road name signs must be yellow with black lettering and county road name signs must be green with white lettering. Stop signs are also required for county standard roads.

If the water is flowing in a natural or existing drainage system (streams, swales, or ditches), it may continue to be used. In addition, if a drainage easement has been provided, it may be used. New or substantially increased flow onto a neighbor’s property is not allowed.

A Trail Permit is required to utilize unopened county right-of-way for access purposes for up to four lots. For access to more than four lots, a Right-of-Way Permit is required.

• Read more about unopened county right-of-way permits here. 

In this case, the road must be brought up to county road standards and will then be brought into the county road system. Contact Skagit County Public Works to obtain a Trail Permit by calling (360) 416-1400.

An Access Permit is required for connecting a driveway to a county road or right-of-way. A Right-of-Way /  Utility Permit is needed for any other work within the county right-of-way. These permits may also be obtained by calling Public Works at (360) 416-1400.

A Land Disturbance Activity Permit may be required for any grading work involving substantial ground disturbing activity (either fill or excavation) or that affects drainage in the area. The following checklist may be used to determine the need for a Land Disturbance Activity Permit. Read about “Land Disturbance" and obtain a Land Disturbance Activity permit application from the Planning & Development Services forms and checklists webpage.