Utility accommodation permits and franchises

We accommodate utilities on the highway right of way and regulate use of the highway through utility policy and standards.

Washington State law, RCW 47.44 and WAC 468-34, grants us the authority to issue Utility Permits and Franchises for the occupancy of a highway right of way.

All utilities must follow our requirements before working on the highway right of way.

Please note there may be additional requirements utilities are responsible for based on state and federal laws.

More information is available under the Utility requirements heading on this page.

To find the contact in your region, please see Utilities contacts.

Utility accommodation application requirements

Before getting started, please review the WSDOT Utilities Manual.

• Chapter 1 Accommodation (PDF 1.6MB)
• Chapter 9 Control Zone Guidelines (PDF 939KB)

Types of authorization

The authorization granted depends on the work the utility proposes to do on the highway right of way.

• Utility Accommodations
  • Utility Permits - for installations of crossings or longitudinal runs no greater than 300 feet.
  • Utility Franchises - for installations greater than 300 feet or to address when several crossings are on the same highway.
• Category 4 Utility Installation - 224-050 (PDF 717KB)
• Stormwater Discharge Permit - 224-693 (PDF 709KB)

Step one: Confirm jurisdiction

Please confirm the work is within the highway right of way and under WSDOT jurisdiction before submitting an application.

• SRWeb - View digital images of the Washington State Highway System.
• Geoportal - View WSDOT spatial data (State routes, mile posts, city limits, etc.)
• Limited and Managed Access – Confirm if state routes are within city jurisdiction and where limited access sections of state highways are located.

Step two: Gather required forms and documents

Any Utility proposing to install infrastructure on a highway right of way, must submit an application and include the forms or documentation listed below. All applications must be completed and signed.

• Utility Accommodation Application - 224-696 (PDF 1.7MB)
• General Provisions for Utility Accommodation Application - 224-696GP (PDF 135KB)
• Utility Facility Description - 224-697 (XLSX 529KB)
• Plans, cross-sections, restoration details, right of way plans, etc.
  • Right of Way Plans Archive - Note: If you can not find a right of way plan, please contact the regional utility office.
  • Instructions for using the Right of Way Plans Archive (PDF 192KB)
• Traffic Control Plan - MUTCD
• Regional specific forms (see next section)

Some Utility proposals will need further documentation if they are proposing an installation that requires a variance to policy, such as an open cut, or attachment to a WSDOT structure.

More information under Variances and Attachments to WSDOT structures headings.

Regional specific forms

Some regions within WSDOT have specific forms required or documentation for review to assist your application process.

Northwest Region

• Traffic Control Plan Checklist (PDF 1.4MB)
• Utility Accommodation (Permit/Franchise) checklist (PDF 5.32MB)

Olympic Region

• Notification of Maintenance Operations & Construction Operations within State Right of Way (PDF 329KB)

South Central Region

• JE notification (PDF 8KB)

Southwest Region

• Notification of Maintenance Operations & Construction Operations within State Right of Way (PDF 1MB)

Step three: Submit your application

Once your application has all the required documentation you can submit your completed application via email.

• Email attachments must not exceed 14MB
• Page sizes must not exceed 11”X 17”
• Subject line must include: County, State Route, Milepost, and Utility Company

Each region has a dedicated email inbox to receive submittals. The no-reply email address is for submittals only.

• Eastern Region (Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties)
• North Central Region (Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties)
• Northwest Region (Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties)
• Olympic Region (Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, and Thurston counties)
• South Central Region (Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Kittitas, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties)
• Southwest Region (Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties)

Variances

A utility that proposes an installation that does not comply with WSDOT’s policy must go through a variance process. WSDOT may approve the variance depending on the justification. The Utility must provide variance justification (PDF 1.6MB) as to why the facility cannot be installed according to WSDOT requirements. The justification must be reasonable, valid, verifiable, and justified.

Variance application forms:

• Application for Combined Variance (DOCX 52KB) - Open Cut, Longitudinal Median, Open Trench or Shallow Depth
• Limited Access Encroachment Variance Request Justification (DOCX 53KB)
• Control Zone Variance Request Justification (DOCX 287KB)
  • Utility Object Relocation Record (UORR) (XLS 26KB)
• Scenic Classification Variance Request Justification (DOC 166KB)
  • Scenic Classification for Utility Accommodation on State Highway Right of Way (XLSX 205KB)

Attachments to WSDOT structures

Utility installations on or near any highway structure require review and written approval by the HQ Bridge and Structures Office. Prior to completing your application, see the relevant Utilities Manual section (PDF 1.6MB)

Traffic control resources

The Utility must have a WSDOT-approved Traffic Control Plan and it must be site-specific for the work being conducted.

• MUTCD
• Work Zone Traffic Control Plans examples

Utility requirements

All utilities require insurance and bonds before occupying the highway right of way. A transfer of ownership is required if a utility acquires utility assets from another utility.

Bond requirements

All Utilities occupying right of way in more than one region require a blanket bond. The bond is valid Statewide and provides coverage of multiple Permits or Franchises under a single owner. Blanket bonds are typically $10,000.

• Blanket Bond for Franchises and Permits - 224-012 - (PDF 186KB)

If required, an individual bond must be in place before construction begins. For bond requirements, please see WAC Chapter 468-34-020.

Individual bonds are one-time sureties attached to a single utility installation project. The bond is released upon satisfactory completion of the utility installation, and the amount will be determined based on the risk to the highway right of way.

• Individual Bond for Franchise and Permit - 224-048 (PDF 699KB)

Third Party insurance

Insurance requirements depend on if a utility is public or privately owned. Private utilities may need to provide proof of insurance coverage prior to doing any work within highway right of way.  A public utility can verify coverage through a risk pool or provide proof of being self-insured.

For more information about specific requirements, see Special Provision 10 and 11 - 224-030 (PDF 857KB)

Insurance policies or related insurance certificates must name the Washington State Department of Transportation as an additional insured on all general liability, automobile liability, employers’ liability, and excess policies.

Transfer of ownership

A utility that merges or accepts assets from another company must complete an Acceptance of Assignment (Transfer of Ownership) - 224-051 (PDF 30KB) form which ensures WSDOT has accurate records of utility infrastructure within the highway right of way.

Other responsibilities

The utility is responsible for ensuring the proposed installation does not violate any other laws or regulations. The most common issues are working in the proximity of:

• Wetlands
• Sensitive cultural areas
• Potential disturbances of existing survey monuments

The permits required from other agencies may include:

• Department of Ecology
• Department of Fish and Wildlife
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• United States Forest Services
• Tribal agencies
• Railroads
• Other Federal, State, or Local regulatory agencies