WHEN IS A GRADING PERMIT REQUIRED?

A Grading Permit is required before any roadway construction may be started in the public right-of-way. It ensures that roadway grades are appropriate for the safe and efficient movement of vehicular traffic and that roadway sub-grades are sufficient for load-bearing and pavement longevity.

WHAT IS THE GRADING PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS?

The applicant submits a roadway grade establishment package (Transmittal Form and Checklist for Grade Establishment Plan) with plans prepared by a Surveyor or Engineer licensed in the State of Maryland. DPS will review and approve the package.

The applicant submits a Grading Permit application package (Transmittal and Checklist for Grading Permit) with plans, including a Soil Report, for review and approval.

DPS prepares the actual Grading Permit application (Application for a Permit for Construction on Property Dedicated to Public Use) for the applicant.

The applicant returns the signed application with the required fee (non refundable), posts a bond, and submits any outstanding checklist information.

DPS submits the bond to the County Attorney for approval; reviews the submitted information for completeness, including verification of Sediment Control Plan approval (see Sediment Control Permit); and issues the Grading Permit.

After permit issuance, and 48 hours prior to starting the grading operation, the permittee contacts the Highway Construction Field Supervisor to schedule an inspection. Required inspections and testing are performed both during the work and after its completion.

WHAT WILL THE GRADING PERMIT COST?

• Bond - Cash, Letter of Credit or Performance Bond equal to construction cost based on DPS standard unit prices using approved quantities estimate from application package. Standard format for Letter of Credit and Performance Bond will be provided b y DPS.
• Fee - 14.930 % of the construction cost estimate/bond amount. An additional 10% Automation Enhancement Fee is charged on the cost(s) listed above.
• Extension Fee - 10% of the original permit fee, but not less than $175.00. An additional 10% Automation Enhancement Fee is charged on the cost(s) listed above.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE DPS TO ISSUE THE GRADING PERMIT?

DPS will prepare the application in approximately four weeks. The permit will be issued within approximately three weeks, after DPS receives the signed application, the fee, bond approval, and any outstanding checklist information.

Note: Actual processing time may vary according to workload and/or complexity of the project.

The permit is valid for 18 months. A written request prior to the expiration datate is required for a permit extension.