Highway official proposes $50 driveway/culvert permit; committee agrees to send guidelines to commission

Bedford County’s highway official told the finance committee the county will begin a formal driveway/culvert permit process and charge a $50 permit fee per driveway connection to recover inspection costs.

The official framed the change as a response to private-property work the highway department has historically done (installing culverts and furnishing gravel) that state guidance no longer allows. “I have been informed by the state … that we have to stop that,” the highway official said, adding that the permit is intended to cover the department’s time and ensure the culvert size and installation meet county standards.

Under the proposal, anyone building a new driveway or subdivision would call the highway office, the department would inspect and specify a culvert size and re-inspect after installation. The official said the fee is not expected to require additional full-time staff and that inspections have typically been scheduled and completed within 24 hours of the request.

Committee members asked for clarification about staffing and the permit’s effect on subdivisions; the highway official said developers would pay per connection, similar to other developer contributions for schools and infrastructure. The committee voted to send the permit guidelines to the commission for formal consideration and possible adoption.

If adopted by the commission, the county will draft more detailed permit language and update procedural materials for applicants.