The Pavement Opening and Restoration Rule (PORR) describes the requirements that applicants, contractors, and city crews shall meet when making or restoring openings within the street right-of-way.

In general, there is a three-year moratorium on opening new pavement. It shall not be permitted within the three-year period following its installation, except in the following circumstances: emergency repairs that could not have been anticipated or that are necessary for the protection of the public's health and safety; new or revised service connections that have been requested by a utility customer; work for which SDOT’s denial of a permit would violate federal law; or with prior approval of the SDOT Director.