I can’t see out my driveway!

So it’s finally time to address the car bottoming out at the driveway apron every time you pull in. Or finally tackle the bird bath that accumulates at the curb line after every rain, or worse - freezes in the winter. Perhaps you want to stop backing out and finally put in that circular driveway? Before you do any of these, consider talking to BLSH&E. I can guide you on what you should know and what you will need.

For example:

• Do you need a review from the County or State, and is there a fee?

• What is the sight distance for the design speed of the roadway I live on?

• Are there limitations for the maximum profile grade? What about other physical parameters of design like width, cross section, rollover percentage (“bottoming out”), turning radii, and zoning setback distances?

• Considerations for surface drainage – where to direct water and if it needs to be captured/treated?

• If it’s necessary to capture the storm water gutter flow, what is the design flow?

• Will you need a retaining wall? Typically, a height of 4’ or greater requires signed and sealed engineered plans.

• Maybe it’s time to reconfigure the entire circulation and add a detached garage. Will the lot need to be re-graded?

• Are any trees needing to come down? There may be a tree ordinance to consider.

• And lastly, what type of material is being considered – asphalt, concrete, pavers, or gravel?

Blue Line Stone Home & Engineering can help you with all of the above. The process is routine if you have the proper guidance. Sometimes it appears frustrating and time consuming; do not expect to go to town hall for a permit and begin construction a week later. The township will want to review your plan and may even require escrow fees to fund this effort. Engineering fees typically range form $500-$3000+, depending on complexity. Give me a call, I will help you through it.