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Information
Learn more about the permit requirements for specific types of sidewalk and frontage projects.
Please note: Until Jan. 1, 2029, street frontage improvement requirements are suspended for alterations to existing buildings that do not increase occupancy. Some uses, like schools and hospitals, are not exempt. Frontage improvements continue to be assessed for site improvements that increase the daily trips to a site. Requirements for sidewalk repair or changes to driveways (such as closing an unused driveway) may still apply. Please visit this web page for more information or schedule a free 15-minute appointment to discuss street and right-of-way questions.
Sidewalk and frontage improvement permit requirements
Right-of-way improvements may be permitted under a minor improvement permit when they can be built using a standard drawing and do not require engineering review. Sidewalks that require new curb, include elements like signage or lighting, involve long stretches of curb reconstruction, or are complicated by topography or utility conflicts typically require a public works permit.
Sidewalk and existing curb
Can be done under a Minor Improvement Permit
- 100 feet or less of sidewalk behind existing curb1
- Replace 100 feet or less of existing curb in same location1
- Add street trees, including cutting tree wells
1 Existing curb must be present on both sides of project extent.
When a Public Works Permit is required
- Over 100 feet of sidewalk behind existing curb2
- Over 100 feet of curb replacement
- Any disturbance of an ADA corner curb radius, ramp, or landing area
- Sidewalks that add or move lighting or signage3
- Zero setback buildings with pedestrian or overhead doors within the work area (potential conflicts between sidewalk and interior floor elevations)
2 Sidewalk up to 200 feet behind an existing curb may be permitted under an MIP, pending staff review for engineering items related to consistency of the sidewalk corridor alignment, slope, etc. Additional inspection fees apply.
3 Existing signs may be removed and replaced or moved up to 2 feet under an MIP.
Sidewalk with no existing curb
Can be done under a Minor Improvement Permit
N/A
When a Public Works Permit is required
PWP Required
ADA Ramp
Can be done under a Minor Improvement Permit
N/A
When a Public Works Permit is required
PWP Required
Re-paving existing city-maintained street
Can be done under a Minor Improvement Permit
N/A
When a Public Works Permit is required
- PWP Required to re-pave a city-maintained street (see Pavement Maintenance Responsibility map)
- PCC 17.42.025 identifies conditions under which residents and property owners are not required to obtain a permit to maintain public streets abutting their properties if those streets have not been accepted for maintenance by the City or any other jurisdictions.
Construction or modification of a public retaining wall
Can be done under a Minor Improvement Permit
N/A
When a Public Works Permit is required
- Includes public walls in right-of-way or easements
- Includes curbs at the back of walk, walls or other vertical publicly owned elements in the right-of-way
- Private walls in the right-of-way may be constructed under an encroachment permit
Anything non-standard
Can be done under a Minor Improvement Permit
N/A
When a Public Works Permit is required
- Anything that cannot be built from a standard drawing requires a public works permit (e.g., shoulder widening, separated sidewalks / pathways with no curb)
Street tree removal or planting
Can be done under a Minor Improvement Permit
Always, so long as tree planting is approved through a building permit or voluntary tree planting permit
When a Public Works Permit is required
N/A
Sidewalk and frontage improvement technical requirements
| Public Right of Way Improvement | Sidewalk and Driveway Repair / Minor Improvement Permit | Public Works Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation Construction Management and Inspection | NO | YES |
| Pre Construction Meeting | NO | YES |
| Right of Way Inspection | YES | YES |
| Performance guarantee | NO | YES |
| As builts | NO | YES |
| Punchlist | NO | YES |
| 2 Year Warranty and Maintenance bond | NO | YES |
| Certificate of liability insurance | NO | YES |
| Contractor's restoration bond and insurance | YES | NO |