ROW Permitting

A permit is required for any temporary obstruction of a public right-of-way, including but not limited to, obstructions affecting the general movement of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.

Obstruction of Right-of-Way - permit for any temporary obstruction of the city's rights-of-way not related to utility work.

Utilities in Rights-of-Way - permit for utility work, including telecommunications, in the city’s rights-of-way.

Tree Removal - permits are issued by the Urban Forestry Program within the Public Works Department.  Email: urbanforestry@gainesvillefl.gov or phone: 352-393-8171.

Driveway Permits - issued separately by the Building Inspection Department located in the Thomas Center, 306 NE 6th Avenue, Bldg. B., 1st Floor, Gainesville, Florida 32601; phone 352-334-5050.  

A completed right-of-way permit may be submitted via email (preferred), U.S. mail, or in person:

dg_pw_permits@gainesvillefl.gov
City of Gainesville
Public Works Department
405 NW 39th Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32609

The Public Works Department is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Contact the Public Works Department at 352-334-5070 or send an email to dg_pw_permits@gainesvillefl.gov to schedule a meeting.

Fee-Estimate-Sheet-2022-23(PDF, 549KB)

Public Works is committed to reviewing complete Right-of-Way Obstruction permit applications within fourteen (14) business days.  If the application includes a request for closure of parking spaces or placement of a crane in a public right-of-way, an additional seven days may be necessary for review.

Permitting requirements are defined in the City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances and the City of Gainesville Engineering Design & Construction Manual(PDF, 2MB).

Work may begin upon receipt of an approved and  issued permit.  Construction work dates may be modified upon written request to the Public Works Department when submitted at least seven days prior to the permit’s start and/or end date

Yes, all permits require a kick-off meeting before work may begin and a final inspection is required to complete the permit. The project is not legally complete until the permit passes final inspection.  Bonding will not be released until final acceptance inspection and maintenance bond is in  if required. Contact the Public Works Department at 352-334-5070 or dg_pw_permits@gainesvillefl.gov to schedule a Right of Way or Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) inspection.

NOTE:  To schedule an inspection related to a Building Permit (i.e. driveway, silt fence, etc.), please contact the Building Department at 352-334-5050 or bldg@gainesvillefl.gov.

Yes.  Per city ordinance, the Public Works Director or designee shall determine the amount of security (i.e. deposit amount) based on the nature and extent of the right-of-way work to be completed.  Security can be in the form of a surety bond or letter of credit in favor of the City and must guarantee restoration of the right-of-way to the same or better condition that what existed upon the permit’s issuance.  The security must also pay for any damage to public property, as well as any trash or debris removal to be performed by the applicant.  An executed security agreement(PDF, 685KB)  is also required.