Thinking about widening your driveway or replacing a sidewalk in New Albany? Small projects can touch the public right-of-way, which is closely regulated. Knowing the rules upfront saves you time, money, and stress. In this guide, you will learn when you need a permit, how to apply, and how to coordinate with the City and your HOA to avoid delays. Let’s dive in.
What is the public right-of-way?
The City of New Albany owns and manages the public right-of-way. This includes the street, curb, tree lawn, sidewalk, and driveway apron nearest the street. Any work in this area is subject to City approval, permitting, and inspection. You can find permit details on the City’s Right of Way page at the City of New Albany Right of Way.
When you need a ROW permit
What work requires approval
Most driveway and sidewalk projects in the public strip require a Right-of-Way permit. This includes curb cuts, driveway approaches, sidewalk replacement, work that affects ADA ramps, and any excavation or utility trenching in the right-of-way. If your property fronts a state route, you may also need state approval. Start by confirming who has jurisdiction over your street.
How to apply
The City lists application requirements that typically include plans, a maintenance-of-traffic plan if needed, a certificate of insurance, any required bonds, and an application fee. The City indicates a $75 application fee per ROW permit, paid by check, and recommends confirming the current fee before you submit. You can review the process and request forms through the Right of Way page.
Inspections and timing
A pre-construction site visit is scheduled before approval. Once your permit is issued, the City asks for 48 hours’ notice before work starts and requires you to follow City Standard Notes. Simple permits on similar City processes often move in about 24 to 48 hours, while more complex work can take longer, so apply early. For general timing context, see related City guidance on permit processing timelines.
Sidewalk repair and replacement
Your maintenance duties
Homeowners are generally responsible for keeping sidewalks that abut their property in safe repair. Ohio law allows municipalities to require owners to maintain sidewalks, and the City can take action if hazards are not addressed. For context on municipal authority and potential assessments, review Ohio Revised Code 521.06 and local HOA guidance on sidewalk maintenance expectations.
ADA ramps and standards
If your work touches a curb ramp, plan for additional standards and inspection. The City actively maintains ADA ramps as part of its street program, and any ramp reconstruction must meet ADA requirements. Learn more about active improvements at New Albany Street Improvements.
Driveways and curb cuts
City streets
Altering a driveway approach or cutting a curb on a city street requires a ROW permit and must meet City Engineer standards. The City regulates width, slope, sight distance, drainage, and pavement specs to protect safety and the roadway. Ask for the City’s Standard Notes and confirm dimensions before your contractor begins. Start here: Right of Way permits and standards.
State routes near SR-161
If the driveway connects to a state highway, state approval is typically required in addition to the City permit. New Albany coordinates closely with ODOT on SR-161 projects, which signals the state’s role in access management on these roads. If you are near SR-161 or another state route, verify jurisdiction and plan to contact ODOT. See City updates related to SR-161 coordination at City news on SR-161 and state encroachment rules at the Ohio Administrative Code.
Coordinate with projects and HOAs
City street projects
New Albany schedules resurfacing, curb repairs, and ADA work that can overlap with your plans. Coordinate your timing so you do not have to redo recent work or wait for a street project to finish. Check the City’s current projects at Street Improvements.
HOA design reviews
Many New Albany HOAs have design rules for driveways, including materials, widths, or finish limits. You must meet both HOA and City requirements if both apply. Review neighborhood rules and start approvals early. A helpful place to begin is the HOA design guidelines overview.
Step-by-step checklist
- Confirm who maintains your roadway. Ask the City if your street is city, county, or state maintained. Useful contacts are listed on the City Code & Charter page.
- Email the City to start your ROW application. Contact [email protected] and request the application, submittal list, and Standard Notes. See the Right of Way page.
- Check HOA approvals. Obtain architectural review if your neighborhood requires it. See HOA design guidelines.
- Gather contractor documents. Provide scaled plans, any traffic control plan, certificate of insurance, and bonds if required. Follow the City’s submittal list on the ROW page.
- Verify ADA and drainage impacts. If ramps or curbs are involved, confirm ADA details and grading with the City. See Street Improvements.
- Notify the City before starting. Once approved, give 48 hours’ notice and keep permits and inspection records handy. Contact info is on the Code & Charter page.
Costs and liability
In New Albany, owners typically cover the cost to repair sidewalks abutting their property. If repairs are not made after notice, municipalities can complete work and assess costs to the property, subject to local procedures. Review the legal framework at Ohio Revised Code 521.06 and contact the City for local enforcement details via the City Code & Charter page.
Making smart moves on driveways and sidewalks helps you protect value, avoid rework, and stay compliant. If you are planning improvements as part of a sale or new purchase, we can help you time the work and navigate HOA and City steps.
Ready to plan your project or line it up with a move? Reach out to Jason Peeler for local guidance that blends permitting know-how with smart real estate strategy.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to replace my sidewalk in New Albany?
- Yes, if the work is in the public right-of-way, you need a City ROW permit with plans and required documents, as outlined on the Right of Way page.
Who pays for sidewalk replacement next to my home?
- The abutting property owner generally pays, and municipalities can assess costs if owners do not repair after notice; see Ohio Revised Code 521.06.
Can I widen my driveway apron at the street?
- Widening in the right-of-way requires City approval and must meet engineer standards on width, slope, and drainage; start with the ROW permit page and check HOA rules.
What if my property fronts SR-161 or another state route?
- You will likely need ODOT approval in addition to the City permit; see City coordination notes on SR-161 projects and state rules in the Ohio Administrative Code.
How long do ROW permits take to approve?
- Simple permits can move in about 24 to 48 hours, but timing varies by scope; apply early and coordinate with the City, using guidance like the City’s permit timelines.
Who do I contact with questions about standards or inspections?
- Start with the City’s Public Service team via the contacts listed on the City Code & Charter page, and email [email protected] for the ROW application and next steps.
