Driveway

Driveway

A driveway is a private road that is intended for vehicle use between a public road and a building. Residential driveways should provide safe and convenient vehicle access including access for delivery vehicles. The recommended minimum width of a straight one-lane residential driveway is 10 feet. The recommended minimum width of a straight two-lane residential driveway is 20 feet. These minimum widths should be increased by at least 1 to 2 feet where the driveway curves and if the driveway is surrounded on either side by a wall or a steep slope. A driveway should flare out on each side where it terminates on a public road to keep the vehicle on the driveway when it turns on to the public road.

Garages with side and rear entry doors require space in front of the garage to turn the car for garage entry and exit. The typical recommended minimum depth in front of these garages is 20 feet. This minimum depth may be inconvenient for long cars and trucks that may require additional maneuvering to enter and exit the garage.

Driveways and walkways occasionally run above water and drainage easements, which are often shallow and wide swales. Corrugated metal pipes (culverts) are sometimes installed under driveways and walkways. Inspecting culverts is usually considered part of the grade and drainage inspection. Inspection of structural systems such as bridges is not usually considered part of inspecting driveways and walkways, although many home inspectors will report obvious visible structural defects.