Commercial Driveway/Access Permits
If your commercial property development plans involve new or modified access to a state highway, or involve any change of use or expansion of an existing development on a state highway, you will need a highway work permit from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).
Highway entrances and access issues should be discussed with NYSDOT at the earliest stages of planning in order to streamline the application process and minimize the time necessary for plan review and permit approval. In each NYSDOT Regional Office there is a Permit Coordinator who is your single point of contact for any commercial driveway/access permit. You may also contact the Highway Maintenance office in each county for more information.
Commercial Driveway/Access Permit Review Process: The application and review process generally consists of the following three stages of review:
- Initial Proposal Review: An early stage review to determine the concept and scope of a proposed project, to determine what access options are possible and if a Traffic Impact Study is required, and to resolve any other questions on the application process before developing detailed construction plans. Ideally, this review stage is concurrent with the SEQR process being undertaken by the lead agency such as the town or local planning board. Initial Proposal Review does NOT constitute an approval of the applicant's project
- Design Review: A comprehensive review of the proposed project and detailed construction plans
- Final Submission Review: A review of the final plan set and other submission information, as well as any additional documentation required, provision of insurance documentation, performance security and payment of permit fees
If a simple commercial driveway project meets certain criteria, it may be processed in a single stage as an Expedited Review. For more information on the Expedited Review Process and to see if your project applies, contact the Regional Permit Coordinator for your area.
In order to provide clear and consistent guidance to commercial permit applicants, the PERM 33-COM Application and Checklist should be used for all commercial highway work permit submissions, which include any minor or major commercial driveways, minor home business driveways, or subdivision streets. The PERM 33-COM describes the necessary submission requirements for each stage of review in a fill-able form that provides all design guidance needed for a complete submission. It is expected that this guidance will result in better plan submissions, fewer requests for resubmission, and an overall faster review. Use of Standard Details and Specifications will also contribute to fewer resubmissions and quicker permit approvals.
Commercial HWP Application and Checklist (PERM 33-COM) 
For any other types of Non-Utility Work Permit, continue to use the standard PERM 33 application.
Highway Work Permit Application for Non-Utility Work (PERM 33)
Here are links to a number of other forms you may need to submit:
Technical Guidance
For more information, contact the NYSDOT Regional Permit Coordinator for your area.
