Right of Way Permits
The public right-of-way includes areas such as streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other spaces used for public access and infrastructure. Learn about permit requirements for work in the right-of-way, including permit types, over-the-counter permits, performance bonds, and additional resources to help you plan your project.
Types of Right-of-Way Permits
There are six types of right-of-way permits, which fall into two categories: Right-of-Way Work and Right-of-Way Occupancy. Right-of-Way Work permits are for work performed within the public right-of-way, while Right-of-Way Occupancy permits allow private use or occupancy of the public right-of-way for more than 90 days.
NOTE: Some projects may require both a Right-of-Way Occupancy permit and a Work Order permit due to structures or other civil engineering work included in the project. A separate application is required for each permit.
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Work proposed within the right-of-way (public streets, utilities and infrastructure, private access ways, etc.) requires a Work Order Permit.
To learn more information, visit the Work Order Permits web page.
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Right-of-way construction (RCON) permits are appropriate for smaller-scale work in the right-of-way, including repair/replacement of sidewalk, curb, gutter, driveways, etc. Typical submittal requirements needed for staff to complete review are a site plan showing the area of work and a traffic control plan.
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Banners, barricade, special motor vehicle, overtime parking, dumpsters, and moving containers such as PODS.
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Removal, planting, or pruning of trees within the right-of-way.
To learn more information, visit the Street Trees web page.
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Utility installation and maintenance within the right-of-way.
To learn more information, visit the Utility Connection Permits web page.
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Previously referred to as a Street Occupancy Permit (SOP), is a provision of Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) 9.08 Right-of-Way Occupancies. It is a permit that allows for private use or occupancy of the public right-of-way, when that use or occupancy has a duration of 90 days or more.
- Private use or structure within the right-of-way
- Ramp, railing, stairs, door swing, building encroachment
- Landscape irrigation, non-perpendicular utility connection
- Sidewalk Café, Temporary Sidewalk Café
To learn more information visit the ROW Occupancy web page.
Over-the-Counter Right of Way Permits
| RUSE – Right of Way Use: • Overtime Parking or Barricade |
RCON – Right of Way Construction: • Paving, Driveway, Sidewalk • Repair or Replace Only |
| STORM – Stormwater Connection: • SEWER – Sanitary Connection • WATER – Water Connection |
To learn more about over-the-counter requests, go to the Apply for Permits web page.
Right-of-Way and Performance Bonds
There are two types of bonds that may be required when doing work in the City, a Right-of-Way (ROW) bond and a Performance Bond. To learn more about these, visit the Right of Way and Performance Bonds web page.
Additional Resources
Select a resource below to learn more about permit requirements or your specific commercial project.
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- Curbside Cafe / Market
- Sidewalk Cafes
- Sidewalk Cafes- Temporary
- Example Sidewalk Cafe Site Plan
- NOTE: You may need to zoom in after opening the image to view the details more clearly.
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Quick Links
- Accela – Permit platform
- Fee Estimator
- Permit Status and Timeline
Once you’ve gathered the information you need for your project, you’re ready to apply for your permit.
Apply for a Permit