Right-of-Way (ROW) use

What is the purpose of a right-of-way use permit?

A right-of-way use permit: limited authorizes the use of the county right-of-way for a designated purpose and for a period of time limited to one year or less.

A right-of-way use permit: extended authorizes the use of the county right-of-way for a designated purpose and for a period of time exceeding one year in duration.

A right-of-way construction permit, which is issued by the Property Services Division of King County Real Estate Services, not DDES, allows utility construction work by franchised utilities, telephone companies, and Metro Transit on King County road rights-of-way.

What activities require this permit?

A right-of-way use permit (limited or extended) is required for any private improvement or use of a county right-of-way. Limited ROW use permits are required for any construction. Extended ROW use permits are required for long term use, such as for a privately maintained road. Please reference DDES customer information bulletin #31, Right-of-Way Use*, for detailed information and application instructions.

A ROW use permit is not required for direct driveway connections from an adjacent parcel to a maintained King County road. However, connections shall be made in accordance with adopted King County Road Standards (see Drawing 3-003 - Drawing 3-004 at Site Engineering, Survey & Construction).

A ROW construction (franchise) permit is required to move a utility pole or underground utility in the ROW. Typically the utility company, not the property owner, must apply to the Property Services Division for this permit. The Property Services Division also issues special use permits to install benches or other ROW furniture, or to schedule a block party, parade or other special event in the ROW. For more information, go to the King County Property Services Division.

How much will it cost?

See the DDES current fee schedule for an estimate.

Where can I get an application?

Refer to the right-of-way use permits packet for application materials
Request an application packet by mail by calling DDES customer service at 206-296-6600 or
Pick up an application packet at DDES in Renton (see map and directions).

How do I submit my application?

See Applying for a permit at DDES and Drop-offs: Permits accepted by drop-off or mail*.

What is the timeline for processing a right-of-way use permit?

Decision type 1: 120 days.

How long is this permit valid?

Limited ROW use permits expire one year from the date of issuance. Permit customers may apply for one one-year extension. To apply, either:

Use our online ROW use permit (limited) extension form
Download the ROW use permit - limited extension request form in PDF* (91KB) or fill-in MS Word* (45KB) format or
Request an application form by mail by calling DDES customer service at 206-296-6600.

Please note: In order for an extension to be issued, the permit holder must be current on all fees paid to DDES and must be in full compliance with the conditions and requirements of the original permit. Limited right-of-way use permits may only be extended after the first six months of the original permit life.

Questions about right-of-way use permit (limited) extensions can be directed to Steve Townsend, Land Use Inspections Supervisor, at 206-296-7204.

Notes / Comments

For more information:

Type 1-4 Applicant Designation and Notification Requirements
Bulletin #31: Right-of-Way Use*
Bulletin #29: Drainage Review*
Bulletin #34a: Road Variances*
Bulletin #34b: Surface Water Design Manual Variances or Adjustments*
King County Road Standards
Surface Water Design Manual
See the Declaration of Covenant Regarding Use and Maintenance of King County Right-of-Way form in PDF* (122KB) format or fill-in MS Word* (172KB) format

Legal authority

Chapter 14.28* of the King County Code

Administered by

DDES Land Use Services Division

Contact

For questions, please contact DDES customer service at 206-296-6600.

*Note: To view PDFs, free software from Adobe is required. See helpful hints for assistance.

To request information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY 206-296-7217.

Types of permits Building Land Use Affidavit of Correction Alteration Binding site plan Blackberry clearing Boundary/lot line adjustment Clearing & grading Conditional use Critical area alteration exception Legal lot Master drainage plan Reasonable use exception Rezone Right-of-Way use Shorelines Special use Subdivisions Zoning variance Fire related Other applications Other agencies	KING COUNTY HOME \| NEWS \| SERVICES \| DIRECTORY \| CONTACT DDES Department of Development and Environmental Services You're in: DDES » Permit information » Types of permits » Land Use » Right-of-Way use print Right-of-Way (ROW) use What is the purpose of a right-of-way use permit? A right-of-way use permit: limited authorizes the use of the county right-of-way for a designated purpose and for a period of time limited to one year or less. A right-of-way use permit: extended authorizes the use of the county right-of-way for a designated purpose and for a period of time exceeding one year in duration. A right-of-way construction permit, which is issued by the Property Services Division of King County Real Estate Services, not DDES, allows utility construction work by franchised utilities, telephone companies, and Metro Transit on King County road rights-of-way. What activities require this permit? A right-of-way use permit (limited or extended) is required for any private improvement or use of a county right-of-way. Limited ROW use permits are required for any construction. Extended ROW use permits are required for long term use, such as for a privately maintained road. Please reference DDES customer information bulletin #31, Right-of-Way Use, for detailed information and application instructions. A ROW use permit is not required for direct driveway connections from an adjacent parcel to a maintained King County road. However, connections shall be made in accordance with adopted King County Road Standards (see Drawing 3-003 - Drawing 3-004 at Site Engineering, Survey & Construction). A ROW construction (franchise) permit is required to move a utility pole or underground utility in the ROW. Typically the utility company, not the property owner, must apply to the Property Services Division for this permit. The Property Services Division also issues special use permits to install benches or other ROW furniture, or to schedule a block party, parade or other special event in the ROW. For more information, go to the King County Property Services Division. How much will it cost? See the DDES current fee schedule for an estimate. Where can I get an application? Refer to the right-of-way use permits packet for application materials Request an application packet by mail by calling DDES customer service at 206-296-6600 or Pick up an application packet at DDES in Renton (see map and directions). How do I submit my application? See Applying for a permit at DDES and Drop-offs: Permits accepted by drop-off or mail. What is the timeline for processing a right-of-way use permit? Decision type 1: 120 days. How long is this permit valid? Limited ROW use permits expire one year from the date of issuance. Permit customers may apply for one one-year extension. To apply, either: Use our online ROW use permit (limited) extension form Download the ROW use permit - limited extension request form in PDF* (91KB) or fill-in MS Word* (45KB) format or Request an application form by mail by calling DDES customer service at 206-296-6600. Please note: In order for an extension to be issued, the permit holder must be current on all fees paid to DDES and must be in full compliance with the conditions and requirements of the original permit. Limited right-of-way use permits may only be extended after the first six months of the original permit life. Questions about right-of-way use permit (limited) extensions can be directed to Steve Townsend, Land Use Inspections Supervisor, at 206-296-7204. Notes / Comments For more information: Type 1-4 Applicant Designation and Notification Requirements Bulletin #31: Right-of-Way Use* Bulletin #29: Drainage Review* Bulletin #34a: Road Variances* Bulletin #34b: Surface Water Design Manual Variances or Adjustments* King County Road Standards Surface Water Design Manual See the Declaration of Covenant Regarding Use and Maintenance of King County Right-of-Way form in PDF* (122KB) format or fill-in MS Word* (172KB) format Legal authority Chapter 14.28* of the King County Code Administered by DDES Land Use Services Division Contact For questions, please contact DDES customer service at 206-296-6600. *Note: To view PDFs, free software from Adobe is required. See helpful hints for assistance. To request information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY 206-296-7217.
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	Updated: Apr. 7, 2008