VDOT Apron Contractor
VDOT Apron, Driveway Entrance, or Skirt Contractor
VDOT aprons, concrete driveway entrances, or skirts are products that most contractors refuse to install. As a result, less than one percent of crews work on a VDOT apron. Tuck GC, Inc., loves to install VDOT aprons and is always looking for apron clients! It can be difficult to navigate the permitting process and find a contractor to install your job. We have perfected the entire permit process. Because of this, our permits are approved quickly and typically take 1-3 days to install. We are here to help!
VDOT and other jurisdictions, such as Arlington County, have tightened up in recent years and in some cases will pursue homeowners who don’t adhere to the new standards or revoke permits. Tuck has spent time in the field with VDOT inspectors, learning the exact specifications they’re looking for. He’s interviewed engineers in the office for hours to get a feel for their expectations. After that, we have it all mapped out, and we know exactly what they’re after as the area’s top VDOT apron contractor.
Design and Sales Process –
As a VDOT apron contractor our best practice is to discuss your project typically over the phone. In consideration of your unique situation, we offer our expert insight on potential actions and associated expenses. During our phone call, we discuss permit and bonding processes, installation procedures, timelines, and determine a budget range based on your needs and wants. If everything works out during the phone call, we schedule a site visit.
There are two main reasons why you need a driveway apron project:
- Are you looking for off street parking, but your property doesn’t have an existing driveway? This is a common situation in older neighborhoods, such as Arlington and Alexandria. In fact, it’s the most popular type of apron job we handle. Many homes in these urban areas don’t come with VDOT skirts for a driveway entrance. The good news is, by installing a driveway entrance, you can increase your home’s value and potentially make a profit. In fact, we’ve seen appraisal values increase by over $30,000 from our apron projects in these desirable locations.
- If your single car apron is not meeting your needs and you want to expand to a double car driveway entrance, you are not alone. Many larger homes with two car garages only have a one car apron. This can cause difficulties when trying to maneuver one car out while another is in the way. As a result, the driveway becomes practically unusable and may require constant rearranging of cars. We understand how frustrating this can be. Expanding the driveway and apron to roughly 20 feet at the street’s edge will effectively address this concern. Please be aware that smaller jurisdictions, such as Arlington County, have limitations on wider aprons. For example, the maximum width allowed in this county is 17 feet. In addition, both Herndon and Leesburg only permit aprons to be a maximum of 16 feet wide. Before making any changes, please check with your local permit office or your local VDOT apron contractor Tuck GC, Inc. for their specific regulations on apron widths.
Other motives for pursuing a new driveway entrance skirt:
- Suppose you’d like to relocate the driveway to the opposite side of your property in order to align it with your garage more efficiently. This might be necessary if you’re planning a garage addition on that side of the house or due to restrictions from the county. In such a case, our team can help by removing the existing skirt and driveway, using the dirt from the new driveway for this purpose, and then restoring the old apron to curb and gutter. As a result, you can also save on dump fees through this approach.
- When installing your driveway, it may be worth considering replacing your old and worn apron with a new one for a more seamless appearance. While this may not be a common practice, our team will always bring it up during driveway appointments. Attaching the apron to the driveway project can result in cost savings due to economies of scale. It is strongly advised to tackle both of these issues now, if feasible, for the sake of long-term financial advantages.
- Another reason to consider an apron is for a second entrance to your property, providing extra off-street parking. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many city and town regulations do not permit this. In late 2023, VDOT in Fairfax County made the announcement that second aprons will no longer be approved. We are currently working towards getting these approved again, but at the moment they are on hold with VDOT Fairfax.
Apron Bonding –
The VDOT apron permit requires bonding. There are three ways you can secure the bond.
- The bond submission process allows for in-person or online options, with the ability to use a check or credit card. Many people choose to post a $3,000 bond using this method as the inspection typically results in a prompt return of funds. To finish the procedure, either obtain a cashier’s check or utilize a credit card and fill out a tax form.
- A different option is to use a bank letter of credit, with the funds placed in an escrow account for security. However, this method may not be as popular due to banks’ unfamiliarity with its implementation or their lack of availability.
- Another option is to utilize a bonding company, which offers a bond for a nominal fee. It can be challenging to come across reputable bonding companies, but we were fortunate enough to discover an excellent one that we now rely on for all our bonding needs. SuretyBonds.com has proven to be an excellent resource for this service, with its user-friendly website that simplifies the process of securing bonding.
Each of the three options has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you have $3,000 saved or access to a low interest credit card, this method is always my top recommendation. Another option is to turn to a bonding company. Alternatively, you could explore the possibility of obtaining a letter of credit from your bank.
Driveway Entrance Permitting –
The permitting process for an apron project, such as obtaining approval from VDOT or other local authorities, is often a challenging hurdle. Without a thorough understanding of the specific requirements of the permit office, it can be a lengthy process. It is possible that multiple submissions will be necessary (with an average waiting period of 45-60 days) before final approval can be obtained. However, at Tuck GC, Inc., we have a success rate of 95% on first submissions and the remaining 5% on second attempts. As part of our scope of work, we will handle all necessary permitting for your project if you choose to contract with us.
Does the contractor or homeowner pull the permit for the skirt?
Based on the regulations of the permit office, we handle the permit application for you and supply all necessary documentation for submitting it to VDOT. After obtaining the permit, we will handle the entire installation process. Rest assured, with Tuck GC, Inc. as your VDOT apron contractor, acquiring an driveway entrance is a hassle-free experience as we take care of all the necessary tasks. Sit back and leave it to us.
Will Tuck GC, Inc. pull the permit without a contract for the project?
While we do offer permit assistance without a project contract, it’s important to note that each project is unique. Therefore, our fee for this service will be based on the specific tasks involved. Our schedules are currently occupied with signed contracts and associated permits. For projects where we are not handling the installation, there will be an additional charge for our permit running services. Typically, our starting fee is approximately $2,000. This covers multiple trips to pick up and drop off materials, take measurements and site photos, as well as spend about 8 hours preparing and following up on paperwork. We believe this fee is reasonable considering the amount of work involved. For more details on permits, please visit VDOT’s Website.
Types of VDOT Apron Driveway Entrance Details and Designs –
Driveway entrance and skirt designs in Northern Virginia and Fairfax County showcase a significant amount of variation. The older designs, in particular, exhibit a wide range in terms of style, size, and overall design. This is due to previous years of neglect towards building standards and regulations. In the past, VDOT inspectors advised contractors to adhere to the outdated standard instead of transitioning to the newer one. However, VDOT engineers have now instructed inspectors to enforce strict adherence to the standard when replacing aprons. As a result, these regulations are being heavily enforced at last.
VDOT approves two types of concrete aprons and one type of asphalt apron. The smaller one is known as CG-9B, while the larger option is called CG-9D. However, the PE-1 apron does not fall under the category of concrete, as it is made of asphalt instead. When it comes to the radius curve of the CG-9B, it has a round flair out of two feet. On the other hand, for CG-9D, the radius curve begins on the back side of the sidewalk, resulting in a typical measurement of more than 9 feet on each side. The VDOT drawing details and example videos for each type can be found in below.
VDOT CG-9B Detail
This drawing is utilized for smaller lots or apron locations that are restricted by the flair out widths.
VDOT CG-9B Detail
VDOT CG-9D Detail
This drawing, with a wide flare out radius, is highly beneficial for large properties.
VDOT CG-9D Detail
VDOT PE-1 Detail
This drawings is for non curb and gutter areas.
VDOT PE-1 Detail
Northern Virginia Town and City Apron Details and Designs
Several towns and cities adhere to VDOT’s standards, such as the City of Falls Church which follows their CG-9D detail. However, Arlington County, the Town of Vienna, the Town of Herndon, and the Town of Leesburg have their own individual specifications and drawings. While these may be similar to VDOT’s apron designs from previous years, it is recommended to consult the most recent guidelines and factor them into your project budget.
Arlington County Apron Drawing R-2.4B
Arlington County Apron Drawing R-2.4B