What is a Right-of-Way use permit?

A Right-of-Way use permit is an official document that authorizes specific construction activity within public rights of way.

When is a Right-of-Way permit required?

Any person, contactor, firm, utility company, or corporation desiring to dig any hole, drain, trench, or ditch is any public street, alley, drainage way or thoroughfare, or remove or change any curb pavement or other constructed improvement in Pima County, or construct any paving, irrigation, or landscaping or any other improvement, or construct any improvement for flood-control purposes in any public drainage way or drainage easement, shall first obtain written permission from the county.

How much does a Right-of-Way permit cost?

The cost of a permit is determined by the type of work being performed. However, the base permit fee for work in the public right-of-way is $45.00. This would include trenching of 200 lineal feet or less. Please contact the Right-of-Way use office for specific permit information at (520) 740-6508.

Where do I apply for a Right-of-Way use permit?

Right-of-Way permits will be issued by the Permit Section of the Development Services Department, City/County Public Works building, 201 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85701.

How long is my permit valid for?

The permit normally expires forty-five (45) days after issuance. For work in progress and continuing 45 days after permit issuance, renewals may be given after a request is made by the applicant. A permit obtained for the construction of an approved subdivision is valid for one hundred and eighty (180) days.

Is there an inspection required for work performed under a permit?

Prior to starting work the applicant should call the Pima County Department of Transportation Permit Section at (520) 740-2650, and give the permit number, anticipated starting time, type of work and work location at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to starting work. All work within the county Right-of-Way of dedicated streets, dedicated drainage ways, or public easements will be inspected by the Pima County Engineer or his designated representative.

Is the cutting of existing pavement allowed?

The cutting of existing asphaltic pavement may be allowed however, no cutting on newly constructed roads, five (5) years or less old, shall be done without prior approval by the department. All pavement patches shall be made on pavement cuts as per Detail No. 216, as indicated in the Standard Details for Public Improvements, Utility Trench Pavement Patch.

Is a permit required to move a mobile home on county roadways?

Yes, an Oversize/Overload vehicle permit may be required for moving vehicles/structures over a county roadway. The fee for a single trip, one load, one day permit is $15.00. A thirty (30) day permit is available for $45.00.

What does Blue Stake mean?

Present State Law and provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) require everyone planning to dig in public streets, alleys, utility easements, and any other public right-of-way, to obtain underground locations of utilities in the area before they dig. For this service, the applicant should use the “Blue Stake Center” available for the Tucson Metropolitan and suburban areas of Pima County. The applicant should allow at least two (2) working days lead-time. For additional information regarding the “Blue Stake” program please contact the Blue Stake Center at 1-800-782-5348.

If working in a floodway is a separate permit required?

Certain provisions of the Flood plain and Erosion Hazard Management Ordinance require obtaining of a Flood Plain Use Permit from the Flood Plain Management Section of the Department of Transportation and Flood Control District. Please contact this office at (520) 243-1800 for specific questions and/or concerns related to work in a floodway.