Golden Valley, MN

Golden Valley requires a Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit through the Engineering Division for any driveway curb cut work. Construction of paved driveways (concrete or asphalt) requires a permit; minor maintenance and repairs do not. The governing rule is straightforward: no person may obstruct or excavate in the right-of-way without first obtaining a ROW Permit from the city. A driveway curb cut counts as work in the right-of-way and almost always needs a ROW Permit, sometimes in addition to a building or driveway permit.

The city specifies construction standards for driveway pavement. Concrete driveways must be 6 inches thick over a 6-inch aggregate base. Asphalt driveways must be 3 inches thick over a 6-inch aggregate base. For residential properties, the front yard setback is 35 feet, the rear yard setback is 25 feet, and side yard setbacks range from 4 to 15 feet depending on lot characteristics — call Planning at 763-593-8000 to confirm the specific setback for your zoning district.

The ROW permit application process can be completed two ways. The first is by email: send the completed ROW Permit application to the Engineering Division. Staff will review for completeness and contact you to verify the permit fee, securities, and any other documentation required. After that, mail a check for the fee and security amounts along with a copy of the application to: City of Golden Valley, Attn: ROW Permit, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427. After the check is received, staff will email the permit. The second option is the city's ePermits portal at epermits.logis.org/home.aspx?city=gv, which handles building, fire, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, point of sale, sign, stormwater management, sewer, and water permits. The city's website does not publish a flat curb cut fee schedule publicly, so contact Engineering directly at 763-593-8030 for the current 2025-2026 fee amount and any required securities.

If your project disturbs significant soil or vegetation — clearing, digging, dredging, draining, or filling — you may also need a Stormwater Management Permit. A driveway or curb cut project can trigger this depending on scope, so confirm with Engineering at the start of the application.

Schedule inspections 24 to 48 hours in advance by calling the City Inspections Department at 763-593-8090; have your permit number available. The Community Development Department in Golden Valley includes Building Inspections, Engineering, Housing & Economic Development, and Planning/GIS — all four divisions are housed at City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main City Hall line is 763-593-8000, Building Inspections is 763-593-8090, and Engineering is 763-593-8030. Planning Applications information is at goldenvalleymn.gov/195/Planning-Applications-Permits if you want to confirm zoning and setback details before submitting.