The Benton County Public Works Department requires permits for road approaches (driveways), oversized loads, and right-of-way encroachments.

Click on the links below for more information.

A right‑of‑way (ROW) permit is an authorization issued by Benton County Public Works that allows an individual, business, or utility provider to place an object within, or perform work that alters, the County Road right‑of‑way. All permitted activities must comply with Benton County policies, standards, and safety requirements governing the use and protection of the ROW.

There are two right‑of‑way permits available through Benton County Public Works. For more information on each permit, click the links below for the Encroachment Permit and the ROW Construction Permit.

Encroachment Permits


ROW Construction Permit- Construction in Road Right of Way

A Road Approach Permit is required by Washington State law for anyone connecting private property to a county road. RCW 36.75.130 states that no person may build or modify an approach to a county road without first obtaining permission from the County Board of Commissioners.  

Road approach applications are submitted online through the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal. 

If any of the following apply to your project, then a road approach permit is required: 

  • Construction of a new access 
  • Modification of an existing access 
  • Construction of any dwelling or accessory dwelling 
  • Construction of an accessory building valued at $25,000 or more 
  • Construction of any commercial, industrial, or agricultural structure 
  • Placement or replacement of a manufactured home 
  • Enlarging any dwelling or accessory structure with the value of the addition being thirty-three percent (33%) or more of the current structures value 
  • Enlarging any dwelling or accessory structure’s gross floor area by more than fifty percent (50%), regardless of value; OR 
  • Ingress or egress to a county road for commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes other than temporary approaches 

No Building Permit Without Access Verification: 

  • No building permit required by the Benton County Zoning Ordinance shall be issued until the County Engineer has verified that permitted access exists or that an approach permit has been issued for the intended building and that the approach conforms to the requirements outlined herein.

Types of Road Approach Permit Application available in CSS: 

Road Approach - Driveway Connection
  

Other Road Approach - Private or Multi Use Access Easement to County Road

Modify Road Approach - Modification of Existing Permitted Road Approach

Residents of Benton County can apply for the option to maintain the Right of Way adjacent to their property in lieu of having County personnel apply Herbicide. Additional information can be found at the link below.

Owner Will Maintain Agreement (Roadside Vegetation Maintenance