Right-of-Way Use Permits
A Right-of-Way (ROW) use permit is required for any activity that:
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occurs in the right-of-way;
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significantly impacts traffic; or
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constructs or modifies infrastructure in the ROW
The Public Works Department can assist in the early planning stages to determine if a ROW permit is required.
The ROW often extends into what may appear to be private property. This means that driveways, landscaping, and walkways can sometimes be located in the right-of-way. Many property owners mistakenly believe that the property line ends at the edge of the street, but that is often not the case. Most of the time the location of the right-of-way can be identified by locating a water meter. Water meters are usually placed outside the property, just within the right-of-way.
Assets in the ROW include:
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the roadway;
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curb and gutter;
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sidewalks;
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landscaping;
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sewer and water lines; and
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telephone, power, and other utility infrastructure.
Digging more than a foot deep in the public right of way could cause serious damage or harm by encountering power lines or other utilities. Even planting a shrub could be dangerous!
ROW Activities Not Permitted
The City does not grant permission to fill in ditches. Ditches manage surface water runoff and are an important part of City infrastructure.
Right-of-Way Permit Types
Apply for a ROW use permit and schedule inspections using My Building Permit
Type A
Type B
Type C
Type D
Make a ROW Permit Extension Request
View Permit Forms
Right-of-Way Use Resources
Where is the ROW in Sammamish?
ROW Use Permit Code
View the Public Works Standards
Public Works StandardsApply for a Financial Guarantee
View Lane Closure Restrictions Map
Roadway Lane Closure Restrictions MapCall Before You Dig - It's the Law!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for the maintenance of sidewalks?
Sammamish differs from many other jurisdictions in sidewalk maintenance. The City will maintain and repair all sidewalks for cracks and tripping hazards. Residents are responsible, however, for cleaning or removing snow and ice from sidewalks.
If a sidewalk is in need of repair, notify the City using My Sammamish.
For complaints about items blocking the public ROW contact Sammamish Police.
Someone painted colored lines on the right of way. Who does this? What are the lines for?
State law requires that underground utilities such as power or gas lines or water pipes be located in advance of ANY digging (greater than 12 inches for agricultural purposes) within the right of way.
This is to both protect the underground utility and the excavator. You are seeing the results of an excavator's request for "locates" within the general area of proposed work. The lines may be for planning purposes to identify possible areas for new utility installation or for maintenance purposes. Each color reflects the presence of a specific type of utility and its general running direction.
What is the process for a ROW Use Permit?
- Type A Permits must apply at least 8 weeks prior to your desired event date. Permit review times may vary between 2 to 12 weeks and are based on the project's complexity
- Obtain the appropriate application form from the Permit Center.
- Gather and complete all required materials.
- Submit the application and required materials using My Building Permit.
- Once fees have been paid reviews will begin.
- If additional information is necessary to complete the review, your application will be returned to you via My Building Permit along with comments.
- Once all requirements have been satisfied and your invoice has been paid in full, your permit will be issued along with any special conditions via My Building Permit.
How do I schedule an inspection?
You can schedule an inspection by using My Building Permit.