Right-of-Way Permit

The City right-of-way is the area under, on, and above the roadways and sidewalks. The area usually extends 10 to 20 feet beyond the roadway pavement. The right-of-way may include the roadway, curb, gutter, sidewalks, vegetation, sewer/water/storm lines, telephone, power, and other utility infrastructure.

A Right-of-Way Permit is required for any activity or private use of the public right of way, including but not limited to:

  • Construction
  • Excavation
  • Sidewalk Cafes
  • Street Eateries
  • Oversize Loads
  • Other Similar Activities or Uses

Right-of-Way permits ensure safety, compliance with City regulations, and minimize disruptions to traffic and pedestrians, while supporting the vibrant use of public spaces.

ATTENTION: Franchises permits for (telephone, power, gas, cable, etc.) must be applied for by the Utility Provider. If you are a Utility Provider and do not have a Master Franchise Permit with the City, please contact franchisepermits@rentonwa.gov.

Start Here

Are you in the Renton City limits?

A Renton mailing address doesn’t always mean your property is within the city limits. Use the link below to access CORMaps, the city’s electronic mapping system, and search by your address or parcel number to confirm if it’s within the city’s service areas.

Property Search - CORMaps


How to Navigate CORMaps

Step 1.Search for the Property

Enter the address or parcel number in the search bar located at the top right of CORMaps. Then, click "Zoom to Parcel" in the left panel.

Step 2.Identify the Service Area

Right-click on the parcel and select "What’s Here." In the left panel, choose "City and County Boundary" to determine what jurisdiction you are in.

Step 3.Next Steps

If the City of Renton is listed as the "jurisdiction" and not a Franchise Permit, proceed to the "Apply" tab on the City of Renton Right-of-Way Permit webpage.

Apply & Review

Step 1.Apply for Right-of-Way Permit

Please apply for a Right-of-Way Permit online using the link below.

Right of Way Permit Types

Permits are defined by length of time the public right-of-way will be in use. The permit types are:

  • Short-Term (Less Than 30 Days)
  • Short-Term (Greater than 30 days but less than 1 Year)
  • Long-Term (Greater than 1 Year) 

Application Material

  • Engineering Plans showing proposed use of the right of way (applicable if construction will occur).
  • Long-Term Only: Justification Request Letter including the requested use of the right-of-way, identifying if there is any public benefit associated with the requested use, and the amount of time that the right-of-way is requested to be used.

Step 2.2.A Submission Review

If all required submittal items are provided and complete, staff will take in the application for review.

2.B Incomplete Submittal

If the submittal is deemed incomplete, application will be denied and applicant will receive additional instructions via email.

Step 3.City Review Period

Once the application is deemed complete, the city will review the application. The average time frame for processing the application varies depending on the permit type.

  • Short-Term (Less Than 30 Days) - 1 to 2 Business Days
  • Short-Term (Greater than 30 days but less than 1 Year) - 1 to 2 Weeks
  • Long-Term (Greater than 1 Year) - 3 to 4 Weeks

Note: Revisions may be required to ensure the City regulations and standards are met.

Step 4.Permit Issuance

If the permit application meets city regulations and standards, the City will email you with the permit fee and any additional documents needed for permit issuance.

Note: A permit application does not guarantee permit issuance.


Resources

Next Steps

Construction & Inspection

Once the Permit has been received, it is important to read through and understand any approval conditions and expiration dates.

Step 1.Traffic Control Plan Approval

Prior to starting any work within the right-of-way, apply and receive Traffic Control Plan approval. See link below. 

Traffic Control Plan
Note: Please allow 5 Days to receive approval. 

Step 2.Call 811 for Utility Locates

Before you dig, call 811 for utility locates.  This is a required free service to prevent damage of underground utilities. 

Step 3.Schedule Inspection

Call the inspection line at 425-430-7203 or schedule through the online permit portal, 24-hours before all work within the right-of-way.

Step 5.Next Steps

Once all work is complete and signed off by the Construction Inspector, email Development Engineering using the link below requesting a release of any surety that may have been required.

Email Development Engineering