Right-of-Way Ready: Contacts and General Information

This guide provides contractors and permit holders with essential information for working in Raleigh’s public right of way. Use it to find emergency contacts, frequently asked questions and general information about working on NCDOT Roads, Utility Locates (NC811) and Public Notification requirements.

Emergency Contacts

IMMEDIATE THREAT
Call 911 for a situation involving an immediate threat to life or public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit?

You need a permit to install, repair, remove, store, or place anything in the public right-of-way. You also need a permit to close or use a street, travel lane, sidewalk, bike lane, or parking space.

Can I begin when my plans are approved?

No. Approved plans do not give you permission to begin construction. Wait until the City issues all required permits and holds the preconstruction meeting.

Must I keep the permit at the site?

Yes. Keep a digital or paper copy of the active permit and approved plans available during construction.

What happens if my permit expires?

Stop work and contact Right-of-Way Services (Permitting). Apply for an extension if the City allows one. Do not continue working under an expired permit.

Can I change the utility route in the field?

Not without approval. Stop and contact the inspector. A field revision or plan revision may be required.

Who is responsible for subcontractors?

The permit holder and prime contractor are responsible for making sure subcontractors follow the permit, approved plans, and City requirements.

Can equipment or materials be stored in the right-of-way?

Do not store equipment or materials in the right-of-way outside the approved work hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Storage must not block traffic, sidewalks, accessible routes, drainage, driveways, or utility access.

What happens if restoration fails?

The permit holder must correct failed or damaged work. This may include settlement, cracking, poor pavement patches, unsafe sidewalks, failed landscaping, drainage problems, or damage to public assets.

Does passing an inspection close the permit?

Not always. Passing an inspection does not close the permit unless all required inspections, documents, corrections, restoration work, and closeout steps are complete. The permit is closed only after the City approves the site final inspection and records the permit as closed.

Work on NCDOT Roads

Work in an NCDOT right-of-way requires an NCDOT encroachment agreement, City approval, and all required City permits.

Before starting:

• Confirm who maintains the road.
• Obtain the required NCDOT approval.
• Obtain required City permits.
• Keep all approvals at the work site.
• Coordinate inspections and restoration with the responsible agencies.
• Contact NCDOT Utility Encroachment for information – encr@ncdot.gov

Utility Locates

Call NC 811 Before You Dig

The contractor is responsible for obtaining valid utility locates before excavation, trenching, boring, or other ground disturbance.  Visit NC 811

NC 811 markings may not show privately owned utilities or service lines. The contractor must work with the property owner to identify and locate private utilities and service lines in the work area.

Public Notification

The permit holder must notify all affected groups, including:

• Residents
• Businesses
• Property owners
• Emergency services
• Schools
• Transit services
• Solid-waste services
• Other affected agencies or utility owners

A notice should include:

• Project location
• Type of work
• Expected start date
• Expected completion date
• Work hours
• Traffic or pedestrian impacts
• Contractor contact information
• Emergency contact information

Notification methods may include letters, door hangers, direct contact, public meetings, or other approved methods.