WHEN IS A UTILITY PERMIT NEEDED?

A Utility Permit is required for all utility construction, reconstruction, or maintenance activities within Montgomery County rights-of-way or easements. It ensures that the work is performed in a safe manner and that the right-of-way is restored properly.

WHAT IS THE UTILITY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS?

The utility company signs an annual agreement to abide by the general terms and conditions contained in Specificiations for Utility Construction Permit. This document includes patch standards and work zone traffic-control requirements.

The permittee submits a Utility Installation Application with plans in triplicate for each job involving main-line installation, including new manholes, street lights or new and relocated utility poles. If work is on a primary or higher class ification roadway, the applicant must be required to submit a specific Traffic Control Plan (TCP). The TCP is reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Works & Transportation, Division of Traffic and Parking Services.

House-service connections, utility-pole replacements and routine maintenance on tertiary and secondary roadways typically can be done under the general permit and do not require a site-specific Traffic Control Plan.

DPS reviews the individual project applications and stipulates any special conditions required as part of the approval.

After permit issuance, and 48 hours prior to starting construction, the permittee contacts the Permitting Services Inspector listed on the permit to schedule an inspection. Inspections are performed as the work progresses. Implementation of the approved TCP is monitored regularly by the inspector. A final inspection is performed upon completion of the work.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS A UTILITY INSTALLATION APPLICATION?

Processing time is approximately three weeks. This may vary according to workload, complexity of the project and number of reviews required. The permit may take longer if a TCP is required.

WHAT WILL THE UTILITY PERMIT COST?

No fees are charged for most utility companies, but some utility companies & private companies doing work for utility companies are required to pay fees.

• 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 this cost.
• Extension Fee - 10% of the original permit fee, but not less than $175.00. An additional 10% Automation Enhancement Fee is charged on this cost.

WHO CAN OBTAIN A UTILITY PERMIT FOR WORK WITHIN THE RIGHT OF WAY?

Permits are issued only to public utility companies or private utility companies who are registered with "Miss Utility" and have signed a franchise agreement with the County.