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Public Works - Street Systems - Right of Way Permits

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1. Someone has painted colored lines on the street, sidewalk or other area of right of way. Who does this? What are the lines for?

You are seeing the results of an excavator's request for utility locates within the general area of proposed work. State law requires that underground utilities, such as power lines, gas lines or water pipes, be located in advance of any digging within the right of way. This is to both protect the underground utility and the excavator. The lines may be for planning purposes (to identify possible areas for new utility installation) or for maintenance purposes. Each color reflects the presence of a specific type of utility and its general running direction. For more information, please visit the following website. Call Before You Dig

2. What gives a public agency or a utility the right to dig up my front yard?

Public agencies and utility companies have the right to work in your front yard, provided the work stays within the right of way area. Right of way lines are often behind the actual roadway and sidewalks into what appears to be private property. At no time can a public agency work on private property without first obtaining consent from the property owner.

3. Do I need a right of way permit to install a culvert or fill a ditch in front of my property?

Yes. The ditch will be evaluated by the surface water staff to see if it meets the criteria for a storm conveyance system. If approved, you may apply for a right of way permit to perform the work. Right of Way Permit Application

4. Can I get a right of way permit to place a dumpster on the street in front of my home?

No. They must be placed in your driveway or yard. The large metal containers and dumpsters are not licensed vehicles and cannot be dropped in the street. Dumpsters often block sight distance and do not have reflectors, therefore posing a hazard to pedestrians and vehicles. In addition, the metal feet on the dumpsters can gouge the asphalt, shortening the roadway life span.

5. How much does a right of way permit cost?

The permit cost varies based on the type of work. Please view the following document for detailed information. Fee Schedule

6. Do I need a right of way permit to repair my driveway or the sidewalk in front of my home?

Yes, a right of way permit is required for any repair of driveway or sidewalk in the right of way. Right of Way Permit Application

7. Do I need a right of way permit to maintain the right of way landscape adjacent to my property?

A permit is not needed for maintaining existing landscape, such as mowing and weeding. Modifications such as replanting or irrigation require a right of way permit. Right of Way Permit Application

8. Do I need a right of way permit to install a fence at the back of the sidewalk?

The back of the sidewalk may not be your property line. Fences must be installed on the property line. A right of way permit may be required if you need to perform the construction or operate equipment in the right of way for the installation of the fence. Right of Way Permit Application

9. Do I need a right of way permit to install a rockery or retaining wall in the right of way?

Yes. All work in the right of way requires a permit. A rockery or wall must be installed on the property line, but a right of way permit may be required if you need to perform the construction or store materials and equipment in the right of way. Additionally, a building permit is required for retaining walls over 48 inches in height. Right of Way Permit Application

10. How long does it take to get a right of way permit issued?

The average processing time is two weeks, but may be more or less depending on current staff workload.

11. Are there any time restrictions for lane closures in the right of way?

Approved hours for lane closures on collector and arterial streets are 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Lane closures may be allowed earlier or later on residential streets with low traffic volume.

12. Are there any restrictions for days / hours when work can be performed in the right of way?

Approved hours of construction in the right of way are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Extended hours or work on a Saturday may be approved by the public works director, based on inspector availability, and this work is subject to overtime charges. Work cannot be performed at night, on Sundays or on observed city holidays without written approval from the director of community development.