Access Connection Permit

What is the purpose of this permit?
To allow vehicular access and connection points of ingress to and egress from, the state highway system within unincorporated managed access areas that are under the jurisdiction of WSDOT.
Who issues this permit?
Washington State Department of Transportation
What activities require this permit?
It is required to have a WSDOT approved permit prior to constructing an access connection to a state highway.
How much will this permit cost?
Fee is based on Access Connection Category and type - See application for details as https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/fulltext/forms/224-694.pdf
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'DOT Form 224-694, Application for Access Connection Permit, Managed Access Highways Only' is online and can be accessed at https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/fulltext/forms/224-694.pdf.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Yes- Additional items required are located on-line and on the second page of the application form: https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/fulltext/forms/224-694.pdf
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Yes - approval will be based on several factors, but center around safety of the public, applicant, and roadway at the requested access connection point. A meeting will be scheduled to overview the proposed Access Connection.
How long will it take to review my application?
The estimated processing time of a completed application is 30 days.
Where do I submit my application?
Applications are reviewed within the WSDOT regions, based on the location of the requested Access Connection. See Notes/Comments section below.
How long is my permit valid?
Once the permit is signed and the connection is built, the permit is valid. All connection permits issued by the department remain valid until revoked. The department may initiate an action to revoke any permit if significant changes have occurred in the use, design, or traffic flow of the property or of the state highway, requiring the relocation, alteration, or closure of the connection; if the connection was not constructed at the location or to the design specified in the permit; if the permit provisions were not met; or if the connection causes a safety, maintenance, or operational problem on the state highway system.
What is the appeal process for the permit?
The right to an adjudicative proceeding can be requested within 30 days of a denial letter from WSDOT. WSDOT will notify the applicant of the date and time of the proceeding. WAC 468-51-150 explains the appeal process.
Notes / Comments:
Construction must begin within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the permit and shall be completed within one hundred twenty (120) days of the issuance of the permit. WSDOT's Development and Local Agency Service staff are assigned to specific counties. Visit https://wsdot.wa.gov/business-wsdot/highway-access-requests-training/development-services for a list of the region contacts.
Legal Authority:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 5
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 23

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 25.1
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 88

(Summary results based on 24 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: https://wsdot.wa.gov/business-wsdot/highway-access-requests-training/development-services
Helpdesk phone: WSDOT's Development and Local Agency Service staff are assigned to specific counties: See Notes/Comments below for more information.
Contact:
Washington State Department of Transportation
Headquarters
WSDOT Headquarters Mailing Address
310 Maple Park Avenue SE
P.O. Box 47300
Olympia, WA 98504-7300
For assistance contact 1-800-917-0043 (Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance)
Email: hqcustomerservice@wsdot.wa.gov
Website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov
* Permit information last updated 3/17/2022
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