Street Systems Division
Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is a Right of Way permit? A: A Right of Way permit authorizes construction or traffic obstruction in the right of way by utility companies, homeowners, and their contractors. Q: How much does a right of way permit cost? A: The permit cost varies based on the type of work. Please view the Fee Schedule or contact the right of way permit desk at 253-835-2725. Q: Do I need a Right of Way permit to install a culvert or fill a ditch? A: Yes. The ditch will be evaluated by the Surface Water staff to see if it meets the criteria for a culvert system. If it does, you can apply for a right of way permit to perform the work. Q: Do I need a Right of Way permit to repair my driveway or the sidewalk in front of my home? A: Yes, a right of way permit is required. Q: Do I need a Right of Way permit to maintain the right of way landscape adjacent to my property? A: A permit is not needed for maintenance such as mowing & weeding existing landscape. Modification such as removal or installation requires a permit. See city code section  FWCC 13-201 or call 253-835-2725 for more details. Q: Do I need a Right of Way permit to install a fence in the right of way A: All work in the right of way requires a permit. Fences must be installed on the property line but 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. Q: Do I need a Right of Way permit to install a rockery or retaining wall in the right of way A: Yes. All work in the right of way requires a permit. 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 & equipment in the right of way. Additionally, a building permit is required for retaining walls over 48" in height. Q: How long does it take to get a right of way permit issued? A: The average processing time is two weeks but may be more or less depending on current staff workload. Q: Are there any time restrictions for lane closures in the right of way? A: Approved hours of lane closure on collector & arterial streets are 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Q: Are there any restrictions for days/hours that can work be performed in the right of way?A: Approved hours of construction in the right of way are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday thru Friday. Work cannot be performed at night, Sundays or observed city holidays without written approval from the Director of Community Development per city code section FWCC 22-1006.
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