Upon receipt of an application for consent therefor, consent to so use a road may be granted subject to such terms and conditions consistent with this chapter and/or the county highway department rules and regulations and specifically pertaining to such application as the county highway department deems to be in the best interest of the public. Such consent shall be granted by the county engineer. The petition shall be filed with the engineer within a reasonable time prior to the proposed date of the beginning of construction, and if written consent is not given by the engineer within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the petition, the applicant may assume consent to the construction. This chapter does not vitiate, extend or otherwise affect any consent granted in accordance with law prior to the effective date of this chapter to so use any road. (1977 Code ch. 3 §§ 3-32, 3-33; amd. 2009 Code)