WHEN IS A SPECIAL USE PERMIT NEEDED?

A Special Use Permit is required to construct, maintain, repair, improve, grade, fill, dig into or under, erect or place any structure, fence, post, wall, or other object in or on any public street, right-of-way, or easement. Some examples of uses which may require this permit are landscaping, discharging sump pumps/roof drains, minor grading, clearing, temporary placement of construction dumpsters and construction of walls and fences. Some of these uses may require additional permits.

WHAT IS THE SPECIAL USE APPLICATION PROCESS?

The applicant completes the Application for Construction on Property Dedicated to Public Use and include two site plans showing the location of the item or the limits of the work.

DPS determines if the type of work and the location of the item is acceptable and not a potential safety hazard to the general public. If the request is permissible, DPS determines a bond amount to ensure completion of the construction and/or restoration of the right-of-way if damaged. DPS notifies the applicant of the bond and fee amount in writing.

The applicant posts a bond and submits the required non-refundable fee.

DPS submits the bond for approval and issues the Special Use Permit.

The applicant secures his/her own contractor to complete the work as specified in the permit.

After permit issuance and 48 hours prior to starting construction, the permittee must schedule an inspection with the Permitting Services Inspector listed on the permit. Inspections are performed as the work progresses, and a final inspection is required upon completion of the work.

WHAT WILL THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT COST?

• Bond - DPS determines the bond amount based on the type and amount of the work in the right-of-way/easement. The bond amount includes the cost to repair the public area that could be damaged during construction.
• Fee - 14.930 % of the construction cost estimate/bond amount. An additional 10% Automation Enhancement Fee is charged on the cost(s) listed above.
• Extension Fee - 10% of the original permit fee, but not less than $175.00. An additional 10% Automation Enhancement Fee is charged on the cost(s) listed above.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE DPS TO ISSUE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT?

It will take approximately two weeks review time, plus an additional three weeks to process the permit after DPS receives the fee and bond.

Note: Actual processing time may vary according to workload, complexity of the project, and number of reviews required.

The permit is valid for 18 months. A written request prior to the expiration datate is required for a permit extension.