Knowledge Base

Any excavation or opening in or under the surface of any street, alley, sidewalk or other public right-of-way within the limits of the city shall be done by a bonded contractor. Unless acting under a contract with the city or under a Public Improvements Developer's Agreement, it is unlawful for any person, other than a duly authorized city official or employee in the course of his employment, to make or cause or permit to be made any of the above said work, without first acquiring an excavation permit from the City.

Any bonded contractor desiring to procure a permit required shall file an application with the Engineering Division, at least 48 hours before initializing construction. Except for emergencies, no excavation or repair shall be undertaken, without a permit. In the case of emergencies, a permit must be acquired for the excavation within twenty-four hours after the work has begun. The Department of Public Works shall be notified by the contractor at least 24 hours before planned construction is to commence or upon start-up whenever construction is delayed for any reason.

A fee shall be charged for a permit issued for an excavation of twenty-five square feet or less (width x length, excluding depth). For excavations larger than twenty-five square feet, an additional permit fee shall be charged for each additional twenty-five square feet or fraction thereof.