In the past, when a development project required construction work in the right-of-way that affected the sidewalk, streets, or public parking spaces, applicants had to go to multiple departments in the City to get permits.
For example, a lane closure permit would have been obtained from Transportation Operations at the Raleigh Municipal Building, while a street cut or sidewalk closure permit for the same project would be obtained from a different division at One Exchange Plaza. This required a lot of communication between offices and added steps for the applicant.
In an effort to simplify the process and improve customer service, a new program called Right-of-Way Services (formerly Street Closures and Sidewalk Closures) was established. This program, overseen by the Transportation Field Services division of Public Works, provides for the submittal, review and permitting of all street, lane, and sidewalk closures at one location. As a result, applicants must only visit One Exchange Plaza for all such permits.
The changes will affect the permitting and inspection processes for all development projects involving a street or sidewalk obstruction or closure. So if you represent a utility or telecommunications company or are a private developer or contractor, you’ll want to check out the new web content to ensure that you’re up to speed.
On the Transportation Field Services webpage, a new Right-of-Way Services section has been added. In addition to a brief description of the program, several resources have been added to help our customers working in and around the right-of-way. This includes a regulatory guide entitled “Right-of-Way Special Provisions,” a pre-construction checklist, a map of the inspector areas, and information about the City’s encroachment program.
The Right-of-Way Services section also has a link to the Street, Lane, and Sidewalk Closures webpage. It recently received a complete overhaul and addresses temporary closures. It provides detailed descriptions of all scenarios with prerequisites, submittal requirements, fees, and next steps. There you will also find a new form entitled “Right-Of-Way Obstruction Permit Application,” which takes the place of the previously used “Lane Closure Permit Application.”
Additional program upgrades are planned in the future, including an online map illustrating current permitted closures, and an online application system for lane closures. In fact, the entire right-of-way permitting system is expected to undergo a complete transformation. The goal is to further simplify the process by grouping all permits, regardless of work type, under one transaction.
All applications for Right-of-Way Services (and supporting documentation) should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for review and approval. Additional information may be obtained via the Transportation Field Services webpage.
Thanks for reading and try to stay dry out there!