City of Evanston
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Street and Improved Alley Opening Moratorium:
No street or improved alley openings are allowed November 15 - March 31 annually. Emergency projects will be considered.
APPLICATION:
Street & Alley Restoration Requirements and Details
Corporation Street Obstruction Bond Form
Individual Street Obstruction Bond Form
Small Cell Wireless Facilities Application
Tree Permit Application and Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the Right of Way (ROW)?
The ROW is public property and includes any public thoroughfare such as a street, road, or alley. It also usually includes the median, utility poles, sidewalks, parkways, and curbs. The ROW typically starts 12”-18”from the edge of the public sidewalk nearest the residence and continues to the same point on the opposite side of the street. The exact location of the ROW boundary line can only be determined by locating property survey marker or hiring a licensed surveyor to set the property survey marker. Private property begins behind the ROW.
What Projects Require a Right of Way permit?
Any time an individual, adjacent property owner, contractor or utility company needs to perform above or underground work within the City-owned ROW, a ROW permit is required for the obstruction to the street, alley, parkway or sidewalk.
Typical ROW projects include:
• Sidewalk construction or repair
• Driveway apron construction or repair
• Utility installation or repair
• Water, Sanitary Sewer, or Storm Sewer excavations, disconnections, or connections
• Lawn irrigation system
• Dumpster located in ROW
• Traffic Lane, Parking Lane, Alley, Sidewalk, and Parkway closures, reconfiguration or obstruction
• Crane, Covered Canopy/Scaffolding
Why do I need a ROW permit?
The purpose of the ROW permit is to ensure that the work conducted in the ROW does not constitute a danger to the traveling public or the individuals performing the work and to ensure the completed work does not degrade the ROW or City infrastructure thereby resulting in increased maintenance or replacement costs to the taxpayer.
What paperwork do I submit when applying for a ROW permit?
• Completed ROW permit application
• Tree Preservation Review is required prior to issuance of the ROW permit for any work within 25’ of parkway trees, please contact the Public Services Bureau for additional information.
• Site-Specific Traffic Control Plan with appropriate traffic warning signage and cones/barricades located in compliance with IDOT standards
• Site plan showing proposed work with detail/dimension
• Certificate of Insurance listing City of Evanston as additional insured and not expiring prior to completion of work
• Bond for private development and larger projects (if applicable)
• Notification letter (if applicable)
• IDOT Permit (IDOT ROW only)
• Underground Lawn Sprinkler Liability Waiver (Lawn Irrigation Systems only)
• Release and Indemnity Confined Space Entry (if applicable)
• Hold Harmless and Indemnity Agreement (if applicable)
Do I need an appointment for a ROW permit?
No. an application for a ROW permit may only be submitted through the online submission site at the following link: https://arts.formstack.com/forms/row_permit_application.
How long does it take to get a ROW permit?
It depends on the complexity of the work and if all required information has been submitted and is accurate. Projects with a large or complex scope may require more than two weeks for review. Many ROW permits require notification to adjacent property owners and businesses. Notifications can be sent by mail or delivered door to door. Notification period is one week in advance of start date.
How long is the ROW permit good for?
The ROW permit is good for the duration of the specific project location that the ROW permit was applied for.
Are inspections required?
Typically, the work being performed (water, sewer, concrete, etc.) would need to be inspected prior to pour or cover by the applicable inspector. Street restorations also require a pre-pour inspection by the Streets Division. All inspections can be scheduled by calling the Inspection Line at 847-448-8207. Have permit number, location and contact information available.
What happens if I do not get a ROW permit for my project or if the permit expires and an obstruction remains?
Per City Code, a $500 per day penalty will be assessed. However, if all permit requirements are subsequently met and a permit is issued the penalty may be reduced to an amount equal to the first month’s permit fee.
Do I need to get dumpsters for construction debris from a particular company?
Yes, Per city franchise agreement, all roll-off dumpsters must be provided by LRS. Learn more about their roll-off services here. LRS will not apply for or be issued a ROW permit.