FAQs • Nassau County • CivicEngage

What gives the County the right to dig up my front yard?: Some residents do not understand that the public right of way extends into what they consider to be their private property. The public right of way is usually a strip of land (sometimes around cul-de-sacs and at intersections, the right of way also has curves and/or tapers associated with it), acquired for transportation purposes; more specifically land in which the County owns the fee, or has an easement devoted to or required for use a public street. The public right of right of way usually varies from about 50 feet to 60 feet for typical residential streets, and up to more than 100 feet for principle arterial streets. In addition to public right of way, the County occasionally has utility easements for such public improvements as water, sewer, and stormwater facilities. To determine what private and public easements, if any, your property has, you should contact your title company.

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Rights of Way / Driveway Permitting (Engineering Services)

1. Do I need a permit to install a driveway?

Refer to Municode link; Appendix D Roadway and Drainage Standards Article 8 Section 8.6.3

All driveway and/or drainage connections to and/or across public right-of-way shall require a permit. The pipe size and invert depth of all side drains/driveways culverts shall be determined by the County Engineer or their designee. Driveway connections shall be constructed with a minimum of six (6) inches of reinforced concrete (three thousand (3,000) psi). Swale driveways may be allowed, if approved by the County Engineer or their designee. In cases where the driveway connection is approved to not require a pipe, the driveway shall conform with the existing flow line of the roadside swale, or as established by the County Engineer or their designee.

Codes and Ordinances

2. Where do I get a permit from?: You can obtain your driveway permit from:
96161 Nassau Pl.
Yulee, FL 32097 or on our website: Development Services Application | Nassau County - Official Website (nassaucountyfl.com)

3. How do I pay for my permit?: Nassau County accepts credit card, cash, and checks for payment.

4. How long is a Right of Way / Driveway Permit good for?: Upon approval by the County Engineer or their designee, the right-of-way permit shall allow the described construction for a specified period not to exceed twelve (12) months from the date of approval. Right-of-way permits for construction may by extended with prior written approval from the County Engineer or their designee up to a total period of eighteen (18) months. Additional extensions beyond a total permit period of eighteen (18) months shall require a new application for right-of-way permit to be submitted and approved including payment of all applicable fees.

5. What is the number to Sunshine State One Call (Call before you dig)?: 8-1-1 or (800) 432-4770

6. What gives the County the right to dig up my front yard?: Some residents do not understand that the public right of way extends into what they consider to be their private property. The public right of way is usually a strip of land (sometimes around cul-de-sacs and at intersections, the right of way also has curves and/or tapers associated with it), acquired for transportation purposes; more specifically land in which the County owns the fee, or has an easement devoted to or required for use a public street. The public right of right of way usually varies from about 50 feet to 60 feet for typical residential streets, and up to more than 100 feet for principle arterial streets. In addition to public right of way, the County occasionally has utility easements for such public improvements as water, sewer, and stormwater facilities. To determine what private and public easements, if any, your property has, you should contact your title company.

7. How much does a driveway permit cost?

Please see the current fee schedules on out Development Services Page.

Development Services