[villagetinker]

A word of caution for anyone thinking about expanding their driveway. We recently decided to widen our driveway, from the golf cart garage door to the street, but without widening the street access. My initial contact with Sumter County building department (Pinellas plaza) indicated NO permit required. NOTE: the ARC review did NOT mention this requirement for a permit either.

In discussions with 3 contractors, the requirement for a permit was mentioned. After asking many questions, and getting conflicting answers, I was referred to PUBLIC WORKS, who told me a permit was required.

It appears, but I did not confirm, if the driveway expansion goes all the way to the street, you need to get a permit. Either the contractor or the homeowner can get the permit, and if it is for a house, there is no cost.

I am passing along this information because I was given the wrong information at least twice when talking to Sumter County employees. Make sure that if you are planning this type of project, that you double check with public works. It typically takes 3 to 5 days for the permit to be approved, and no work is supposed to take place until the permit is approved.

I can provide a copy of the email from public works requiring the permit if anyone is interested.

Hope this helps.

[theorem painter]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I am passing along this information because I was given the wrong information at least twice when talking to Sumter County employees.

Having pulled my own permit for replacement windows I can attest to the fact that the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing in the Sumter County Building Department.

[Dan9871]

There was an article in the newspaper we can't mention recently about a house that tried to expand a driveway all the way to the street but was stopped mid-project by ARC. Don't know if this link will stick www villages news com couple-finally-breaks-driveway-deadlock-contractor-pours-cement-for-extension. Search the newspaper we can't mention for "driveway expansion"

[villagetinker]

Yes, I was aware of that project and the problems. I thought I had avoided lots of problems by not expanding the opening at the street. That got me the ARC approval, and eventually the Public works approval, so I am good for this project. The big problem was all of the misinformation that I was given along the way. I just wanted to pass this along so that someone else does not get caught.

[villagetinker]

Update, expansion completed by Next Dimension Landscaping, and I am quite happy with the results.

[BobnBev]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Update, expansion completed by Next Dimension Landscaping, and I am quite happy with the results.

Pictures, we need PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by BobnBev

Pictures, we need PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!

Tried 3 times to upload a picture, all failed......

[villagetinker]

I was able to upload a photo today, apparently the others were too big.
I am doing the decorative wall myself, and the concrete will eventually be painted (Driveways by Jay) after the concrete has aged for a month. I will be painted to match the existing design.
The driveway was done by Next Dimension Landscaping, and we are quite pleased with the installation.

[Bjeanj]

Looks great. Like your driveway design.

[photo1902]

Driveway Permitting

A driveway permit is required if you are installing a new driveway, changing the surface of an existing driveway or if you are widening the driveway at the point that it intersects the street.

Direct from Sumter County Website.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by photo1902

Driveway Permitting

A driveway permit is required if you are installing a new driveway, changing the surface of an existing driveway or if you are widening the driveway at the point that it intersects the street.

Direct from Sumter County Website.

Yes, I agree completely, and this is where it got interesting, as I did not widen the driveway where it meets the street, IMHO, but they seemed to think that I did. In any case, I have found that it is much better to check first, then build/modify.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Bjeanj

Looks great. Like your driveway design.

The design and painting was done by "Driveways by Jay", he can be reached at 877-713-2902. His work is excellent, maintenance is on a 5 to 7 year cycle. We had him do the lanai and birdcage also.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Yes, I agree completely, and this is where it got interesting, as I did not widen the driveway where it meets the street, IMHO, but they seemed to think that I did. In any case, I have found that it is much better to check first, then build/modify.

Very true. And since there is no cost for the permit, better safe than sorry.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by photo1902

Very true. And since there is no cost for the permit, better safe than sorry.

I have never heard of a no-cost permit from the county!

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by outlaw

I have never heard of a no-cost permit from the county!

Hard to believe, but its true.