If you plan on digging more than a foot deep in the city of Austin right of way permit, or doing any other type of work on the public right-of-way (ROW), you will need a ROW permit. This includes sidewalks, driveway approaches, roadway and open ditches. It also applies to construction activities within the street or alleyway, even if they are not affecting any paved surfaces. There are also different types of ROW permits for different kinds of projects and activities.
ROW Work Permits
The city of Austin protects its streets, sidewalks, and grassy sections between property and pavement lines from disturbance or other damage by permiting contractors to conduct various activities. Most of these activities require a permit from the city and proper insurance and a bond in place to guarantee that any disturbed or damaged property will be restored and the equipment removed or secured properly. The bond is typically $10,000 on a per project basis.
Private companies that operate utility facilities in the City’s ROW can be issued a ROW Permit. The Public Works Department verifies that all ROW activities are operating according to City, State and Federal standards. This includes providing traffic planning, review and inspections. ROW activity is not permitted after hours, on weekends or holidays.
Some of the more common ROW Work Permits include driveway work and culvert work. This is work that disturbs the ROW and can be as simple as removing a section of curb, or as complex as installing a roadside ditch culvert. Any ROW activity that requires a temporary closure of the City’s ROW must have a ROW Work Permit. This may include installing a new sidewalk, driveway approach, or closing a street or alleyway for construction or maintenance work.
Obtaining the proper permit can be difficult if you are not familiar with the process. To simplify the process, you should understand the requirements for each type of permit and have a complete set of plans that can be submitted along with your application. You should also be aware of the fees associated with each type of ROW permit. The amount varies depending on the scope of your work and can be paid online at the Build + Connect Portal.
You should always call 8.1.1 before starting any excavation work in the public right of way, even if you are just planting a shrub. It is not only the law, but it can save you a lot of grief and trouble down the line.
The city of Austin provides an excellent guide to the requirements for each type of ROW permit, but it is best to consult with a knowledgeable professional if you are uncertain of which permit you need or what your duties and responsibilities are as a contractor working in the public right of way. The most important thing to remember is that you are responsible for protecting the public, your crews and yourself by following the rules and taking all precautions necessary.
