Driveway approaches, curb cuts and sidewalks in ACHD right-of-way
The concrete between your driveway and the street usually isn't on your lot. In Ada County it is Ada County Highway District right-of-way, with its own permit, its own details, and rules about who repairs what.
In Ada County, the Ada County Highway District maintains the public roads in every city, Meridian included: more than 5,000 lane miles. ACHD's right-of-way also includes most sidewalks next to those roads. That is why the approach where your driveway meets the street, the curb cut, and the sidewalk in front of your house are not ordinary flatwork. ACHD code requires anyone working in the right-of-way to get a Temporary Highway Use or Public Right-of-Way permit first. A new connection to the road (a second approach, a wider curb cut, a new driveway on a corner lot) also needs a Driveway Approach Request. ACHD's form says plainly that approval of the request does not authorize construction; a separate permit is still needed, and approach widths may be limited by ACHD policy, existing agreements or the plat.
ACHD also decides who pays. Its code says ACHD repairs most sidewalks in the right-of-way, but property owners must repair carriage walks (the walk from the curb or sidewalk toward the house), driveway approaches, and any decorative concrete in the right-of-way at their own expense. Sidewalk damaged by a private tree's roots is the owner's responsibility too. Damage from sprinklers or from vehicles driving over the curb belongs to whoever caused it. For the sidewalk itself, ACHD treats a vertical offset of three-quarters of an inch, a void wider than that, or a spall that deep as a hazard. Offsets between a quarter and three-quarters of an inch can be repaired by 'mutual consent,' with ACHD paying half, subject to available funds.
The work itself has to be done by a contractor who meets ACHD's requirements: a Temporary Highway Use permit bond of at least $25,000 that warrants the work for two years, general liability insurance of at least $500,000, and a certified responsible person on the crew. The permit has to be in the name of the general contractor doing the work. We handle the request, the permit, the traffic control, ACHD's inspections, and the concrete, built to the Idaho Standards for Public Works Construction and ACHD's supplemental drawings, with the sidewalk cross-slope at 2 percent or less as their form requires.
What's included
The permit, in our name
ACHD right-of-way permit held by the contractor doing the work, as ACHD code requires, with the Driveway Approach Request when it's a new connection.
Bonded and insured to ACHD's level
A $25,000 bond with a two-year warranty, $500,000 in general liability, and a certified responsible person on site.
Built to the standard details
ISPWC and ACHD supplemental drawings for the approach, curb and gutter, and sidewalk, with a cross-slope of 2 percent or less.
Who pays, sorted out
We tell you which parts are yours under ACHD code 6005.4 and whether an offset qualifies for the 50 percent mutual-consent program.
Traffic control and inspection
Signs and cones set to the permit, and ACHD's inspection scheduled before and after the pour.
Closed approaches done right
A vacated approach closed with curb, gutter and sidewalk to ACHD's detail, so the curb cut doesn't linger.
Approaches and sidewalks cost in Meridian, ID
| Job | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway approach replacement | $2,400 – $5,000 | Typical residential approach, plus permit costs |
| Sidewalk panel replacement, 5×5 | $450 – $900 each | Small jobs carry a minimum |
| Carriage walk replacement | $12 – $18 per sq ft | Owner responsibility under ACHD code |
| Curb and gutter section | $45 – $85 per linear ft | Where an approach is added or closed |
| Closing a vacated approach | $2,000 – $4,500 | Curb, gutter and sidewalk restored |
| ACHD permit, bond and traffic control | Itemized | ACHD fees follow its published fee schedule |
These are 2026 Treasure Valley ranges to help you budget. Your written price is itemized (removal, base, mix, thickness, reinforcement, finish, joints, sealer and any permit) and good for 30 days.
Recent work
Questions we get about approaches and sidewalks
Who is responsible for the sidewalk in front of my house?
ACHD repairs most sidewalks in the right-of-way. The owner is responsible for the driveway approach, the carriage walk, any decorative concrete in the right-of-way, and sidewalk damage from the owner's own trees or activities (ACHD code 6005.4).
Can I replace my approach myself?
Work in ACHD right-of-way needs an ACHD permit, and ACHD's approach form says the permit holder must be licensed and bonded to work there. In practice that means a contractor who carries ACHD's bond and insurance.
What is the 50 percent sidewalk program?
For vertical offsets between a quarter and three-quarters of an inch, ACHD code allows 'mutual consent' repairs with ACHD paying 50 percent, subject to available resources. Offsets of three-quarters of an inch or more are treated as hazards. Call ACHD at 208-387-6100 to ask about a specific panel.
Can I widen my curb cut?
Only with ACHD's approval through a Driveway Approach Request, and widths can be limited by ACHD policy, existing agreements and the plat. Meridian's clear-vision triangle at driveways (20 feet along the street, 10 along the drive) also applies to what's built next to it.
How long does ACHD take?
It depends on the request and the season. We submit early and schedule the pour after the permit is issued, not before.