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.

Contact

Planning and Development Services

(253) 591-5030

Permits@tacoma.gov

Tacoma Municipal Building
747 Market Street, Third Floor
Tacoma, WA 98402

Lobby/Walk-in Hours: In-person services are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Schedule Your Appointment.

Work Order (WO) Permit

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.

ROW Construction (RCON) Permit

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.

ROW Use (RUSE) and Barricading Permit

Banners, barricade, special motor vehicle, overtime parking, dumpsters, and moving containers such as PODS.

ROW Tree Work (RTRE) Permit

Removal, planting, or pruning of trees within the right-of-way.

To learn more information, visit the Street Trees web page.

Row Utility (RUTI)

Utility installation and maintenance within the right-of-way.

To learn more information, visit the Utility Connection Permits web page.

Row Occupancy (ROCC) Permit

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.