Frequently Asked Questions

I have a gravel driveway, but am not selling my house.  Do I need to pave it?

  No.  Paving is only required at time of sale.  However, the city encourages citizens to be proactive and pave their driveways   before selling their residences, so they can enjoy their investment in the new driveway.

What properties are required to have their driveways paved at time of sale?

All one, two and three family dwellings.

How long do I have to pave the driveway?

The ordinance allows six months from the date of closing.  However, due to the cold winter months, and depending when the closing is done, there may be some exceptions to allow more than six months. 

Can the seller transfer the paving responsibility to the buyer?

Yes.  A dated agreement signed by the seller and the buyer stating that the buyer will accept paving responsibility is acceptable.  We would need a copy of this agreement sent to the City Engineer in our Engineering Division.   The address is 100 N. Appleton St., Appleton, WI  54911.  The buyer must pave the driveway within six months of closing.

Does the City offer any financial assistance for the paving work?

No.

My driveway is in rough shape, but there is still lots of hard-surface.  Do I still need to pave it at sale?

We generally do not evaluate driveway conditions; however, if a driveway is deteriorated to the point that it functions more like a gravel driveway than a paved one, paving may be required.   If there is any question as to the condition, you may schedule a time when an inspector can perform a “drive-by” inspection and check it for compliance.

I have a gravel driveway leading to a garage.  How much must I pave?

Generally, you must pave to the garage.  But if there is any uncertainty, please call us at 832-6411 and we will be happy to drive by and check it out.

I currently have two concrete strips for a driveway, with grass between. Do I have to pave between them?  If I do, does it have to be concrete or can I use asphalt?

The area between the strips must be paved.  Concrete and asphalt can be mixed and matched.

I feel my driveway looks great the way it is.  The City inspector says it must be paved.  May I appeal his decision?

You may apply for a variance through the Municipal Services Committee. The Committee generally meets twice a month.  Contact the Engineering Division at 920-832-6474 for inquiries.