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https://raleighnc.gov/transportation/services/right-way-services
11/12/2025 3:33 pm
Learn more about the different types of construction permitted on Raleigh streets and sidewalks.
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
When walking around the City or your neighborhood, you may notice work being done in the right-of-way (street, sidewalk, sidewalk shoulder). Any person that wishes to install an object in, or occupy the right-of-way (ROW), must obtain a permit.
Below you find the different types of occupancy that are permitted in Raleigh and how you can apply should you wish to occupy the ROW.
A sidewalk can be temporarily occupied so work can occur. Sidewalks should remain accessible when possible and the occupancy must be approved prior to the setup of the work area.
Any work performed on a sidewalk shall be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Part 11- Transportation, Chapter 2 Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article L. – Signing and Traffic Routing in the Event of Street Obstruction, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG)
Sometimes a construction project will need to occupy a lane or lanes but not close the entire street. Oftentimes when a lane is occupied for construction, a flagger will be present to assist with the flow of traffic.
A temporary full street closure is designed to eliminate the exposure of motorists to work zones. It also provides a safer environment for workers who may need full access to the street to perform construction or maintenance.
Right-of-Way staff works with Raleigh Parking to issue permits for legal parking spaces to be utilized for dumpsters, portable storage devices, or projects that require parking areas for setup. Any request for parking passes for construction vehicles, moving vans, or other type of vehicles can be obtained by Raleigh Parking directly.
Applicants will receive notification that the permit has been approved and can be picked up at the Parking office located at 310 W. Martin Street. The parking pass that show Parking Enforcement staff that the permit has been approved. The pass must be clearly displayed at all times while occupying the space(s).
| Occupancy Type | Required Documentation + Helpful Tips |
|---|---|
| Sidewalk Occupancy + Pedestrian Detour |
|
| Occupying a Lane |
|
| Full Street Closure (Temporary) |
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| Use of Parking Spaces for Dumpsters, Storage, etc. |
|
Please note that depending on the type of work, additional plans and permits may be required for your project.
All pedestrian routing plans are required to meet all standards of the:
It is important to know that any contractor performing work in the public right-of-way is required to provide a minimum of $5,000 bond during the application process. Contractors must have general liability insurance.
When a permit expires and the work is not completed an extension can be granted, but you must reapply through the permit and development portal.
Need to know if a street is maintained by the City, State, or a privately entity? View the City, State and Private Street Map to help you determine who maintains a specific street. This information will be helpful as other permits and documentation may be required.
All permit holders are expected to follow the Right of Way Provisions for all work taking place within Raleigh’s Public right of way.
Any private installation proposed within the City of Raleigh’s Public Right of Way requires an approved Encroachment Agreement. Depending on the scope and ownership of the impacted area, applicants may need to obtain a Major Encroachment, Minor Encroachment, or a Three-Party Encroachment Agreement that includes the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). These agreements ensure that all improvements meet City and State standards, protect public assets, establish maintenance responsibility and maintain the safety and functionality of the right of way.
Transporting an oversized structure within the public Right-of-Way requires a permit. These moves typically include house relocations and the transport of large construction equipment that occupies more than a standard travel lane. The permit helps coordinate all necessary logistics, including police escorts, overhead power line and signal coordination for removal and reinstallation, and traffic control measures such as temporary street closures. For additional information please House Move and Oversized Equipment Transport.