From an alley parking pad to a long county lane, the stone base and the drainage decide how long it lasts. We build both to suit the soil.
Driveways around Baltimore range from short rowhouse parking pads off an alley to long gravel drives on country lots in northern Baltimore County and Howard County. Either way, the base decides how long they last. We dig out soft soil to firm ground, build a compacted crushed stone base and set the grade so water drains off the surface. Paved drives follow the paving contractor's section for depth.
On Piedmont lots, the subgrade is usually firm but can hide boulders; on Coastal Plain lots, it is sandier and drains better but can be soft when wet. Long drives on sloped country lots need a crown or cross slope, ditches and culverts where they cross a swale, so storm water does not wash the stone away. Fabric under the stone helps on soft ground.
The apron where a drive meets the street is in the public right-of-way, and the city or county sets the rules for cutting a curb or crossing a ditch. We confirm the permit first. We also remove old asphalt and concrete drives, and prepare the base for new paving, pavers or permeable surfaces. State roads have their own permit through the State Highway Administration.
Driveways & roads in Baltimore: common questions
Do I need a permit for a new driveway apron?
Usually, yes. The city or county controls the curb cut and apron in the right-of-way.
How thick should the stone base be?
It depends on the soil, the traffic and the surface on top. We size it on site or to the plans.
Can you build a parking pad off my alley?
Often, yes, if the city allows it on your block. We check the rules and the drainage first.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.