A utility permit is required for any utility work in county right-of-way. This includes electric, gas, sewer, water, phone and cable. These utilities are either underground or mounted on poles.
Permits are processed in the order in which they are received. They usually take about three weeks. The more complete the application, the quicker the permit will be processed.
Utility Permit Checklist
In order to apply for a utility permit, you must submit the following:
- Utility permit application
- Description of work (narrative)
- Site plan and vicinity map
- Site photos (optional)
- Proof of insurance
- Traffic control plan (if the work will interrupt traffic)
- Your permit fee will be calculated after you submit your application
Permit Application
Once you've reviewed the checklist, you can begin your application.
Insurance Requirements
Before we issue a permit, you must provide proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance.
For an example of proof of insurance, please see our Sample Certificate of Liability. This is a document that would be issued by your insurer.
Traffic Control Requirements
If your work plan is expected to require a workzone to protect crew from traffic, or otherwise interrupt traffic, you will need to provide a traffic control plan that conforms to Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards.
If your plan includes a road or lane closure, please include the anticipated work schedule, including hours.
Permit Fees
Fees will be calculated when your permit application is submitted, and you may find and pay your invoice through our permit portal. Review of the application will not proceed until payment is received.
By Oregon law, we may not charge permit fees to utility companies. For all other applicants, the application fee is $250. If street or lane closures are required, there is an additional fee of $300. Other fees may apply depending on your request. See our fee schedule for more details.