Right-of-Way Permits

What is the Right-of-Way?

It is commonly used to refer to the entire area within the boundary lines of any public street, alley, sidewalk, footway. But right-of-way more literally translates to: The privilege of the immediate use of the roadway.

 

When is this permit required?

Anytime you occupy, use or engage in any activity in a public right-of-way

 

Examples:

• Alley Closure

• Curb Lane Closure

• Curb Repair

• Dumpster staging on the street

• Temporary fence

• Permission to film

• Footway Closure

• Scaffolding in the Right of Way

• Utility Work and any work that includes demoing/pouring back sidewalks, streets and curbs

 

General Criteria for Approval:

1. Like many other permits, the only vague requirement is that the overall end result is in the interest of the public:

1. “The Director of Transportation is also authorized to include any other regulations, terms and conditions that the Director considers necessary for the protection of the public interest.” (Article 26, 20-4)

2. “Nothing in this subtitle may be construed to abridge the right of the Director of Transportation to revoke any permit at any time when the public interests may require it.” (Article 26, 20-5)

2. Assume a bond will be required for street cuts to ensure that everything will be put back properly.

3. It is important to include with your application any documents that you can which will prove that your work in the right of way will do more good than harm.

 

Some examples of supporting documents could be:

1. Diagrams of the work being performed - construction plans, cut locations, specs

2. Copies of related approved building permits

3. Letters of support from nearby properties and councilmen and other stakeholders.

4. A map of the proposed work area

5. A map of how pedestrian or vehicular traffic will be impacted or not impacted

   1. It could be important to provide a traffic control plan or detour plan in accordance with the Maryland State Highway Administration Book of Standards and the Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Part 6, Temporary Traffic Control.

   2. If required, it is recommended to hire a contractor to provide a custom traffic control plan as well as perform the lane closures/flagging services.

   3. For short closures, on roads with slower speed limits, these plans tend to not be required.

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How to apply:

1. Complete Baltimore City’s “Application for Temporary use of a Right of Way”

2. Include supporting documents

3. Submit application to:

Department of Transportation Right of Way Permits Section

401 E. Fayette St, 1st Floor Lobby

Baltimore, MD 21202

1. “No Parking” signs must be posted at least 72 hours prior to the permit start work date

2. Assume a bond will be required for street cuts to ensure that everything will be put back properly.

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Fees:

https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/right-way-permits-fee-schedule

 

Department Contact Info:

Department of Transportation

Right of Way Permit Section

Phone: 410-396-4508

Email: row.permit.documents@baltimorecity.gov