Some Examples
Right-of-Way Use
Permit Program
Overview
Contractors wanting to temporarily (more than
5 minutes and less than 30 days) occupy a
traffic lane, planting strip, or sidewalk, within
the public right-of-way (R/W) must obtain a
Right-of-Way Use Permit from CDOT. Each
request to occupy the R/W is considered on a
case-by-case basis to ensure that there is no
adverse impact to public safety and to
coordinate
with
scheduled
activities.
Additionally, all requests must comply with
CDOT’s Work Area Traffic Control Handbook
(WATCH).
Process
CDOT’s staff will review the application, and
FAX the approved permit when ready. If the
request is received before 10:00 am and all of
the information is supplied, it may be possible
to process the application the same day,
however, CDOT prefers that applications be
submitted at least 5 working days prior to
need. Street closure requests take additional
time for coordination with the Police and Fire
Departments, CATS, and MEDIC.
Performing the following activities in the R/W
requires a Right-of-Way Use Permit:
• Moving Vans
• Utility Repairs*
• Sign / Banner placement
• Installation of less than 200’ of fiber optic /
telephone cable.
• Installation of street lights / poles
• Construction of utility connections*
• Sidewalk construction / replacement*
• Tree trimming / landscaping
• Driveway construction
• Access to manholes in the street
* These items will also require a Street Cut
Permit
from
the
Street
Maintenance
Department if any pavement or sidewalk will
be removed.
Cost
Currently, there is no fee charged for the
issuance of a Right-of-Way Use Permit.
Types of Permits
Permits can be issued for these situations:
• Lane Closure – closing one or more lanes
of a street.
• Sidewalk Closure – closing a sidewalk.
Suitable provisions for pedestrians must
be made.
• Street Crossing – installing a utility across
a street by closing successive lanes.
• Street Closure – closing the entire street
usually requires preparing a detour plan
and advance notice to the Police
Department.
• Telecom –installing less than 200’ of cable.
Additional Information
Lane closures will not be allowed during
certain times of the day, due to traffic
congestion. These hours are between 7-9 am
and 4-6:30 pm.
Issued Permits MUST be displayed on the
dashboard of the onsite vehicle, or in the
possession of onsite personnel.
The WATCH can be viewed on the Internet at
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/transportat
ion/about+us/watch.asp
Right-of-Way Use Permit
Application Requirements
RIGHT-OF-WAY
USE PERMIT
PROGRAM
A letter of request must be submitted at least
24 hours in advance and contain the following
information:
• Contact information (name address,
phone & FAX number, e-mail address,
etc.) for the applicant and a full
description of the work.
• Dates for the work to be performed.
• Type of work to be performed.
• Street address where the work will be
performed or location between streets
if the site is large.
• Specify which Traffic Control Diagrams
from the WATCH will be used.
The request for a Permit may be FAXed to
CDOT at (704) 336-4400.
Bob Staley
(704) 432-1562
bastaley@ci.charlotte.nc.us
Charlotte Department of Transportation
Development Services Division
Right of Way Management Section
600 East Fourth Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
July 2004
Charlotte Department of Transportation
Development Services Division
Right of Way Management Section
600 East Fourth Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
For additional information about submittal
requirements and obtaining Right-of-Way Use
Permits, please contact:
Send To:
The R/W Use Permit, if granted, will be FAXed
to the requester and copies must be displayed
on the dashboard of all vehicles working in the
Permit area.
Charlotte Department of Transportation