Access Management/Permits
Access Management is a set of techniques that the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) uses to control access to State highways.
Access management representatives from your local MDOT SHA district offices can assist you in applying for a permit.
Send all access permit-related project submittals to the District Engineer, attention of the Regional or Area Engineer.
Types of Permits
Commercial/Industrial/Residential Subdivision Access Permit
This type of permit covers:
- Entrances for commercial or industrial site access (new or modified)
- Public or private street connections for subdivision access (new or modified)
- Off-site MDOT SHA improvements by developers, where mandated by the local jurisdiction (in connection with development approval) or by MDOT SHA
- Local government (county or municipal) road improvement projects on State right of way, when related to land use/development approval or when resulting in a new highway intersection
- Highway rehabilitation/streetscape improvements that involve work in the travel lanes of the State highway
- Temporary construction access for the above
This process is closely tied to the local government’s planning and zoning/development review. As a developer you must begin obtaining local development approval prior to submitting any requests to MDOT SHA Access Management. The local planning and zoning office will forward your submittals to MDOT SHA for our review. The following information will help you to submit the proper materials:
District-Level Access Permit
You need a permit for the following activities within the State right of way. For a Commercial/Industrial/Residential Access Permit, see above.
- Construction or modification of residential driveways
- Repair or replacement of entrances, curb and gutter, or pavement
- Construction, repair, or replacement of sidewalk
- Grading
- Construction or modification of drainage connections
- Utility work
- Landscaping
- Highway rehabilitation or streetscape improvements by local government (county or municipal)
- Sign placement
- Any other work on the State highway
- Any other work within the State's right-of-way (highway right of way, easement areas, land holdings, etc.)
- Pedestrian facilities and bus shelters
Coordinate with your district office for further information on obtaining a permit. In addition, all utility work must be coordinated with and permitted through the district office.
MDOT SHA Districts