Right-of-Way Use Permits
This page provides examples of right-of-way use permit policies, procedures, and regulations for local governments in Washington State.
Overview
Several different terms are used to describe permits that are regulated in public rights-of-way. For the purposes of this page, the term "right-of-way use permit" will be used generically. Other terms that are found on this page and in the sample codes and ordinances can include "street use permit," "excavation permit," "special events permit," and "construction permit."
Some cities have developed comprehensive right-of-way use codes covering several uses, while others have code sections for certain uses in or that impact the right-of-way. Right-of-way permit ordinances typically include one or more of the following types of activities and uses:
- Special events, such as parades, street fairs, and block parties
- Commercial uses, such as sidewalk dining, parklets, mobile vendor stands, and newsstands
- Accommodation of utilities in terms of standard locations, franchises (and fees), conditions of use, etc.
- Construction or activities on private property that impact a street or road in terms of traffic volume or functionality
- Construction and/or excavation in the right-of-way, including standards for pavement restoration, compaction, etc.
Examples of Codes Regulating Right-of-Way Use
- Bellevue Municipal Code Ch. 14.30 — Right-of-Way Use Code
- Bonney Lake Municipal Code Ch. 12.08 — Work Within the Public Right-of-Way
- Burien Municipal Code Ch. 12.17 — Right-of-Way Use Code - General Provisions
- Cheney
- Duvall Municipal Code Ch. 8.04 — Public Improvement Development Standards
- Edmonds Municipal Code Ch. 18.70 — Street Use and Encroachment Permits
- Gig Harbor Municipal Code Ch. 12.02 — Encroachment Permits
- Issaquah Municipal Code Ch. 12.12 — Excavations
- Kent Municipal Code Ch. 6.07 — Street Use Permits
- King County Code Title 14.28 — Rights-of-Way
- Longview Municipal Code Ch. 12.30 — Use and Occupancy of Rights-of-Way
- Poulsbo Municipal Code Ch. 12.08 — Public Property Construction
- San Juan County Code Ch. 12.04 — County Road Excavations
- SeaTac Municipal Code Ch. 11.10 — Right-of-Way Use Code
- Tacoma
- Woodinville Municipal Code Ch. 15.42 — Fees for Work in Public/Private Rights-of-Way
Examples of Right-of-Way Manuals
- Pierce County Accommodating Utilities Manual
- Seattle Streets Illustrated/Right-of-Way Improvements Manual — Provides option to search the manual online or print it.
- Tacoma Traffic Control Handbook (2021) — Intended for use by any person, firm or corporation, public or private, when involved in construction, maintenance or any activity that alters the normal flow of traffic, vehicular or pedestrian, on any city right-of-way.
Examples of Street Cut Mitigation
- Chelan Municipal Code Sec. 12.20.50 — Public Right-of-Way Excavations. Prohibits excavation work on disturbed surfaces that have been installed or completely resurfaced within three-year period.
- Duvall Municipal Code Sec. 8.04.050 — Street Use Permit. Requires additional fees based on when pavement was last cut.
- Maple Valley Municipal Code Sec. 12.05.050 — Street Excavations. Prohibits excavation in city streets within five years of street paving.
Examples of Applications and Information
- Bellevue
- Burien Right-of-Way Use Permit Application
- Federal Way Right of Way Permits
- SeaTac Right-of-Way Permits
