SDOT Street Use Franchise and Utility Permits

Street Restoration
About the Franchise and Utility Permit Section
Utility Records
What's Under Our Streets?
Utility Permit Publications

Refer to our frequently asked questions for more information on utility permits.

Street Restoration
More than 4,000 openings are made in Seattle's streets every year, for example to connect or repair water, sewer, gas or other underground utilities. A Street Use permit is required prior to working in the right-of-way. The permit requires that the right-of-way be restored in accordance with City of Standard Plans and Specifications, and in accordance with the Pavement Opening and Restoration Rule. The permit-holder is responsible for the performance of the pavement restoration for the life of the pavement.

Most permittees prefer to have Seattle Department of Transportation restore the pavement for them. SDOT workers restore thousands of street openings every year, on a reimbursable basis, for public and private customers. When SDOT restores the street, then the permittee is no longer liable for future defects in the pavement. The rates that SDOT charges for this work are set by City Ordinance. The current rate sheet is available on-line. These rates can be used to estimate the total cost of restoration. Accurately measuring the size of pavement to be restored is necessary for proper cost estimate. Refer to the Pavement Opening & Restoration Rule to figure out the size of pavement that must be restored. For help, you can also contact the Street Use inspector assigned to the project.

About the Franchise and Utility Permit Section

The Franchise and Utility Permit Section issues permits to individuals or corporations or associations to construct, maintain and operate railroad or streetcar tracks, pipes, ducts, utility tunnels, vaults, maintenance holes, poles, fixtures, wires or any other appurtenants on, under or over the streets, alleys or public places of the City of Seattle. These installations include in part: gas mains and services; electrical manholes and conduits; telecommunication manholes and conduits; steam mains and services; water mains and services; utility poles; underground fuel storage tanks; and aerial CATV and telecommunications cables.

The applicant must submit an application and plan detailing the proposed utility to the Franchise and Utility Permit Section. The application and plan will be reviewed and any corrections noted before a permit will be issued.


What's Under Our Streets?

Below is a 3D drawing, created in the 1960s, that depicts a typical downtown street.

Click on the image below to see a full sized image. (587kb)