Asphalt Paving in Walker, MI

Asphalt paving in Walker comes with a rule many homeowners do not expect. Walker's residential guide says a storm water permit is required for all projects that add impervious surface, and asphalt is impervious. Replacing a driveway in the same footprint is one thing; widening it, adding a parking pad or paving a gravel lane adds hard surface and can bring the city's Engineering department into the picture. We sort out which kind of project you have before quoting.

Soil erosion near water

The same guide requires a soil erosion permit for projects of one acre or more, or within 500 feet of a lake or stream. Walker sits along the Grand River, with creeks running through it, so more lots fall inside that distance than you might think. The Kent County Road Commission, which enforces soil erosion rules for much of the county, is headquartered in Walker on 4 Mile Road.

The right-of-way

Walker requires a right-of-way permit for all work in the public right-of-way, with sidewalks and driveways named as examples. Depending on the road in front of your house, that permit comes from the City of Walker Department of Public Works, the Kent County Road Commission or MDOT. We check who owns your road before any approach work.

Built to stay independent

Walker Township was organized in 1837, the second township in Kent County, and became a city in 1962 to stop further annexation by Grand Rapids. It is home to Meijer's and Bissell's headquarters. Neighborhoods range from older streets near the Grand Rapids line to newer subdivisions and larger lots farther out, so we see everything from narrow drives to long rural approaches.

Deep frost

Walker's guide sets a minimum footing depth of 42 inches for new homes, a reminder of how deep frost can reach here. Asphalt does not go that deep, of course, but it rides on ground that heaves when wet soil freezes. Good drainage and a thick, compacted gravel base are what keep a driveway level from fall to spring.

Our approach in Walker

We treat a Walker job in two parts. First, paperwork: is the footprint changing, is the lot near a lake or stream, and who owns the road? Second, ground: how wet the soil is, where roof water lands, and how the drive drains toward the street. Only after both are clear do we put a schedule together. It takes a little longer up front and saves surprises on paving day.

Repairs that do not add surface

If your driveway just needs crack sealing, patches or a sealcoat, nothing new is being paved and the storm water question does not come up. Those jobs can usually be scheduled quickly in the warmer months.

Call (616) 984-1897 or

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