Guides / Driveways · Updated November 2026

Driveway aprons

From four cities' published driveway approach specs. Yours will differ; the city's engineering office has the final word.

Estimate for planning only, not professional advice. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, your local code and a licensed professional before you buy, build or install. Use at your own risk. Terms.

Short answer

The apron is the strip of driveway between the street and the sidewalk or property line. It usually sits on city land, so you need a permit and the city's spec: often 6 in of concrete with 3 to 5 ft flares at the curb.

What four cities require

Grimes, IA	6 in of concrete; 3 to 5 ft flares each side; 34 ft at most at the curb; no sand base; a permit for work in the right-of-way
Wheaton, IL	At least 5 in of concrete, or asphalt on 8 in of compacted stone; 3 ft flares on minor streets, 6 ft on busy ones; 24 ft wide at most for a 1 or 2 car garage; a permit; you maintain a decorative one
Des Plaines, IL	As wide as the driveway at the property line, flared 3 ft each side; no wire mesh; a $20,000 surety bond for right-of-way work
Shaker Heights, OH	6 in of concrete; no asphalt in the right-of-way

Two meanings of apron

Most cities mean the strip between the street and the sidewalk or property line, which sits on public right-of-way. Some zoning codes use apron for the paved area right in front of the garage instead; Cleveland Heights, Ohio does, and wants it at least 6 in thick. Ask which one your permit means.

Before you pour

Call the public works or engineering office for its spec and permit before you pour. Concrete needs at least 3 days before you drive on it; Montgomery County, Maryland says the same for its aprons.

Work it out

Get the yards with the concrete driveway calculator (set it to 6 in), and see widths and slopes in driveway dimensions.