Which paving stones are suitable for garage driveway / access path?

Hello,

I am currently thinking about the paving material for our garage driveway and the path to the front door. According to the development plan, the material must be "water-permeable," which I can solve with eco-paving and permeable joints. However, our soil is very clayey and the driveway is constructed with (RC-frost protection material 0/45), so water actually cannot seep through here. Additionally, the slope from the garage to the street is somewhat "steep." It is 5.5° or 9.6% over 6.5m. The height difference is about 67cm. After some research, the gradient seems to be too steep to allow infiltration during rain, and the water simply flows off to the side.

As I currently see it, eco-paving doesn’t really bring much—except possibly cheaper wastewater fees—but in heavy rain everything runs toward the street anyway?! So I might as well use normal paving, right?

Do you think I should check again with the building authority or just "go ahead"?

PS: All the neighbors have normal paving—as far as I can see. When it rains at our place, water stands everywhere and puddles form—it is very clayey soil throughout the entire development area. Nothing seeps away—except shoes in the mud!

If it rains here, water stands everywhere and puddles form -

… that is why paving is also laid on excavated ground on permeable material. On slopes, a soakaway shaft is installed at the lower area.

… that is why paving is also laid on excavated ground on infiltrating material. On slopes, then an infiltration shaft at the lower area.

That's exactly how we did it in a similar driveway situation as the OP's. The eco-paving already absorbs the rain completely, almost nothing ever reaches the gutter. For safety, however, it is absolutely sensible.

We have had different experiences with permeable paving and authorities. On clay soil, water cannot seep anywhere and must be additionally diverted. On non-highly compacted soil, the paving works very well. It is simply like doing it the other way against the regulation - I know that too, the water authority came later and the wrong paving had to be removed again, there was no compromise. It is not just about fees, but also about maintaining a functioning infrastructure, which should ensure protection, among other things, against heavy rain events. Having to tear it out again would be stupid, wouldn't it? We channel the water from a soakaway on our driveway. The surface is covered with grit - cobblestones would be nicer, but I consider a lower level of sealing more appropriate. Sometimes the better is the enemy of the desired.

Hello,
we were one of the very few here in the construction area to comply with the building regulations and dutifully laid permeable paving (concrete stones with wide joints). According to the data sheet, this is even sufficient for tropical monsoon rains.
It actually works even during heavy rain, is totally eco-friendly, and has definitely improved our karma a lot....
Only, to be honest, I'm annoyed about it today. The problem is the wide joints, which are only filled with gravel.

[*]When sweeping, you pull the gravel out of the joints; in the end, the dirt is gone but there is more gravel lying around than there was dirt before.
[*]Better not even think about using a pressure washer.
[*]The dirt, especially the sand piles from the kids' toys, accumulates in the joints and you can't get it out anymore.
[*]Moss and weeds like to settle in the joints. I've already caught myself thinking about quickly getting another batch of Round Up....

As I said, it works great, but it is very maintenance-intensive.

Best regards,

Andreas