Do I need HRCA approval to replace my driveway?

Not if it's a like-for-like replacement in size, materials and finish, according to the HRCA guidelines. Widening it, or switching to stamped concrete or pavers, needs ARC approval.

How wide can I expand my driveway in Highlands Ranch?

The HRCA guidelines allow up to 9 feet of additional width, adjacent to the existing driveway and no closer than 2 feet to the adjacent property line.

Who issues permits in Highlands Ranch?

Douglas County. Highlands Ranch is unincorporated, so County driveway and right-of-way rules apply.

Concrete Driveways & Patios in Highlands Ranch, CO

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Permits: Douglas County, not a city

Highlands Ranch isn't a city, so permits come from Douglas County. The County requires a driveway permit for work in the County right-of-way on existing homes, such as paving an existing gravel drive, and a form inspection when concrete or asphalt is used; that inspection covers only the part of the driveway in the County right-of-way. Curb, gutter and public sidewalk work also falls under the County. Your contractor should be registered with the County and pull what's needed.

HRCA architectural review

The Highlands Ranch Community Association's Residential Improvement Guidelines (October 2024 edition) are specific about concrete:

Driveways: ARC approval is required to modify or expand a driveway, including pavers, stamping or concrete overlays. A like-for-like replacement (same size, materials and finish) doesn't need approval.
Driveway expansions: up to 9 feet of added width, no closer than 2 feet to the neighbor's property line, adjacent to the existing driveway and not extending into the side yard.
Patios: ARC approval is required. In the rear yard the guideline is 25% of the area directly behind the house, in proportion to the overall site plan; front and side yards are case by case.
Walks and other paving: ARC approval is required, and all paving must be at least 2 feet off every property line.
Drainage: changes can't interfere with the established drainage pattern without written approval, and water should flow over walks and driveways to the street, not pond against the house.

Some sub-associations, such as Backcountry, have their own review on top of the HRCA's. Submit your request early, before you book a pour date.

Soil: why Highlands Ranch slabs move

The Colorado Geological Survey's study of north-central Douglas County names unincorporated Highlands Ranch as the area's major growth center and describes widespread, sometimes severe damage from swelling soil and bedrock and from collapsible soil. It notes class-action lawsuits over swelling-soil damage in the area involving more than fifteen thousand homeowners. The study's recommendation for builders applies to flatwork too: manage surface water, because adding water is what triggers both swelling and collapse.

Freeze-thaw

Snow that melts off roofs and refreezes on walks and aprons is the usual winter complaint. Keep downspout discharge off the concrete, keep joints and cracks filled so water stays out of the base, and use sand rather than salt on concrete that's less than a year old.

Typical Highlands Ranch projects

Like-for-like driveway replacement (no ARC approval needed under the guidelines)
Driveway expansions within the 9-foot HRCA limit
Rear patios sized to HRCA guidelines
Lifting sunken walks and aprons (repair & leveling)
Replacing heaved public sidewalk panels

Get a quote for your Highlands Ranch project

Use the quote form on this page or the contact page. Tell us the address area, what's there now, roughly how big it is and whether an HOA is involved, and a local concrete contractor will follow up.

Other areas we serve: Castle Rock · Castle Pines · Parker · Lone Tree · Larkspur · Sedalia.

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