Engineering Frequently Asked Questions

• Who needs a Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) permit and why?
• What types of permits does DPW&T issue?
• We live on a publicly dedicated gravel road and would like to have the County pave it with asphalt. How do we go about doing this?
• What can I do when I see a problem in the roadway in a residential subdivision or commercial development that is under construction (i.e., safety issues, drainage problems, potholes, etc)?
• Where Can I find information on permits or applications?

Who needs a Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) permit and why?

Any person(s) planning to develop a property, or perform work within the public right-of-way (limits of the roadway area) or on-site (private property) that may have an impact on the public right-of-way. A permit is needed to insure that adequate and safe roads are constructed and/or maintained in connection with the development of properties.
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What types of permits does DPW&T issue?

Street Construction - This type of permit enables roadway and drainage construction within the public rights-of-way, including streetscape and street light installation.

Residential and Commercial Driveway Entrances - This type of permit enables construction of driveway entrances for access to and from the public rights-of-way.

Haul Road (hauling of fill to or from a site) - This type of permit enables a commercial/industrial hauling operation to and from filling and mining facilities over certain established routes.

Logging - This type of permit enables logging contractors to haul commercial/industrial loads of timber over certain established routes.

Utility work - This type of permit enables utility installation/repair within the public rights-of-way.

Residential Parking Permits (for restricted areas) - This type of permit enables parking within the public rights-of-way for designated restricted areas in the vicinity of stadiums and metro stations.

Application for the above types of permits may be made at DPW&T's Permits Counter, located on the 6th floor of Inglewood Centre 3, 9400 Peppercorn Place, Largo, Maryland 20774. The Permits Section may be contacted at (301) 883-5915.
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We live on a publicly dedicated gravel road and would like to have the County pave it with asphalt. How do we go about doing this?

What can I do when I see a problem in the roadway in a residential subdivision or commercial development that is under construction (i.e., safety issues, drainage problems, potholes, etc)?

If problems occur on existing roadways or on subdivision roadways under construction, DPW&T has the responsibility to maintain the existing roadways and also has the authority to require a developer to remedy the problem in subdivision roadways that are under construction. Please call our dispatcher at (301) 324-2710 with a good description of the location.
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Where Can I find information on permits or applications?

For permit and other related questions, please review the DPW&T Permit Process Outlines, Checklists, Applications and Design Manuals page.