Right of Way Permits

It is important to know that any contractor performing work in the public right-of-way shall have a valid and unexpired permit on-site. Please allow 72 hours on average to process a completed application. The review of a Utility Plan typically takes longer, due to the complexity of the work. Contractors must have comprehensive general liability insurance. Contractors shall ‘Call Before You Dig’ and utilize NC 811 for making safe excavations.

Right of Way Permit Guide(PDF, 150KB)

An application form and supporting documentation shall be submitted to the ROWpermit inbox. Applicants shall visit Forms & Policies for an application form and to view other documents or City code. Please see the list below to identify the type of right-of-way permit needed and the cost. A map/plan must be submitted for all work in the right-of-way.

Temporary Use of Public Right-of-Way:

Temporary use or closures of public Right-of-Ways include daily charges for any combination of the sidewalk/shoulder/alley areas or partial road or full road closures per the following table.

Double Fee: When a valid ROW permit is not obtained or in effect for work activities or a closure, the fee is calculated at 2x the associated fees.

Note: The ROW permit and temporary use fees do not include other City charges related to the cutting and repair of asphalt, concrete, or brick or for the use of metered parking spaces.

When a permit expires, and the work is not completed, an extension can be granted, but you must reapply through the same ROW application process. New fees may apply.

Need to know more about temporarily closing a sidewalk or street? Or how to identify if a street is maintained by the City, State, or a private entity? View the GIS Gallery for maps of City or NCDOT roadways and guidance with ROW permitting.

All permit holders are expected to follow the Standard Provisions(PDF, 113KB) for all work taking place within Wilmington’s public right-of-way.

City of Wilmington Technical Standards and Standard Details

Typical Permits and Key Points

Submitting a proper traffic control or pedestrian control plan (TCP) is a condition of permits.

• Traffic Control setups include barricades, cones, drums, signs, etc., and may require  additional advanced warning signs to alert drivers, transition zones, buffer zones, work zones and other components.
• Contractor shall verify TCP with owner/engineer before starting construction.
• TCP shall be based on Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Device (MUTCD) Part 6 or NCDOT Standards Division 11 or a Professional Engineer. The number and type of signs and barricades shall be identified and located.
• Variable message boards (VMB) to be operational a minimum of three to five business days prior to work.
• Work sites require development of truck routes with suppliers and contractors that adhere to NCDOT and City of Wilmington Truck Routes and Restrictions. Trucks shall utilize the shortest lawful route to NCDOT streets. See City code 5-26. See GIS Gallery for map of designated Truck Routes in Wilmington.

• More information on the City Streets Department
• Permitting within the Wilmington Historic District may require review and a Certificate of Appropriateness, especially for above ground facilities. Contact Historic Preservation Planning.
• Permitting for Zoning, Film, Race, Events, Fire etc. are handled by other City divisions.
• Building Inspections are controlled by New Hanover County, Building Safety Department, at 910.798.7308.
• Applications for Water & Sewer service is controlled by the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority. CFPUA Customer Service can be reached at 910.332.6550.