Get a Right of Way Permit

Crosswalk Intersection

The Department of Public Service Right-of-Way Permit Section is located on the first floor of the Michael B. Coleman Government Center, 111 N. Front St. In-person customer service has resumed Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The following links provide access to details on the City’s Rights-of-Way, its permit types, and the application requirements associated with each.

Can I Obtain a Right-of-Way Permit Online?

All Right-of-Way Permits may be obtained by applying online through the city’s online permitting portal at portal.columbus.gov/permits.

Where Can I See Proposed and Existing Small Cell Antenna Locations?

View proposed and existing small cell antenna locations within the public rights-of-way for the City of Columbus.

What is Public Right-of-Way?

Public right of way includes public alleys, parkways, public transportation paths, roadways, sidewalks, and streets that are owned, or granted by easement, and operated and controlled by the City of Columbus. This typically includes the roadway pavement, public sidewalks, multiuse paths, tree lawns, and/or ditches along city roadways. The exact width of right of way varies by street. It serves as the land necessary to accommodate public transportation and public utility distribution facilities.

Permission From the Columbus Department of Public Service is Required to Occupy and/or Work Within the City’s Public Right-of-Way

Much like a private property owner, the City of Columbus requires permission and approval through specific Right-of-Way Permits for use of its public right of way.

903 Right-of-Way Excavation Permit

This permit is required any time you plan to excavate within the public roadway pavement, sidewalk, and/or grass strip area for any reason. This includes the placement, repair, and/or maintenance of your/ your client’s underground facilities, such as telecommunications, gas, water, sewer, and excavations for pole installations for overhead facilities that are not associated with small cell antenna installation. This permit also provides right-of-way occupancy authorization for areas associated with your work.

903 Right-of-Way Excavation Permit – With Small Cell Antenna Installation

This permit is required any time you plan to excavate within the public roadway pavement, sidewalk, and/or grass strip area for any reason when including the installation of a small cell antenna. This includes the placement, repair, and/or maintenance of your/ your client’s underground facilities, such as power or telecommunication lines, and pole placement performed in conjunction with small cell antenna installation. This permit also provides right-of-way occupancy authorization for areas associated with your work.

903 Right-of-Way Occupancy Permit (Construction Related)

This permit is required any time you plan to temporarily occupy the public right of way where no right-of-way excavation is proposed, such as placing fencing/barrier to secure adjacent private property construction areas, construction equipment & materials off-loading, crane lift location, and placement of dumpsters or storage containers.

905 New or Replacement Sidewalk & Driveway Approach Construction Permit

This permit is required any time you plan to install, remove, or repair a public sidewalk, driveway approach onto a public roadway, and/or curbing. This permit is not required if this type work is included as a part of a Drawer E or CC public improvement plan, which are covered under a 903 Excavation Permit.

Homeowners, if you file for a permit in which you have hired a contractor to do the work, and the work is not performed to City standards, you the homeowner/permittee will be held responsible for all corrections necessary to bring the work up to code. Including complete removal and replacement, if necessary. We strongly encourage home owners to hire licensed contractors and have their contractor file for all necessary permits.

906 Right-of-Way Occupancy Permit (Non-construction Related)

This short term (7 day maximum) permit is required any time you plan to temporarily occupy the public right of way for a non-construction related purpose, such as small assemblies, parking moving vans, trailers, etc.

922 Temporary Commercial Zone Permit

This permit is required to reserve parking locations for food truck vendor parking and services.

Special Hauling Permit

This permit is required when you plan to move vehicles or equipment that exceed current lawful limits in length, height, and/or weight across public bridges and/or roadways in the City of Columbus. One-time oversize load and annual (repetitive load and path) permits are available.

904 Sidewalk Dining Permit

This permit is issued out of the R/W Management Section. Please contact Jerry Ryser at (614) 645-1584 for additional details.

On-Street Loading Zone Permit

This permit is issued out of the Division of Parking Services. Please go to the Loading Zones Rules and Regulations page for additional details.

On-Street Valet Parking Permit (Permanent or Temporary)

This permit is issued out of the Division of Parking Services. Please go to the Valet Zones page for additional details.

Residential Parking Permit

This permit is issued out of the Division of Parking Services. Please go to the Parking Services page for additional details.

On-Street Parking Out Of Service

View the On-Street Parking Out of Service Policy(PDF, 246KB).

To Find Out if the Proposed Work is Within the City of Columbus

Explore the Columbus corporate boundary.

Contact

Right-of-Way Permit Office
111 N. Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 645-7497
(614) 645-1876 Fax
Email

311
(614) 645-3111

Resources

Apply for Permits

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