All work performed in the public right-of-way (ROW) or impacting the ROW requires a permit. Applicants requesting permits to occupy City property with utilities, or holders of granted franchise rights who are planning construction work upon, along, over, under or across any public place NOT within the public right-of-way must file an additional separate application with the City of Kenmore Development Services Department.

To apply for a ROW Utility Permit, Utilities should apply online using the online portal:

Online Application Submittal

If you have questions or need assistance with the portal, please email to utilitypermit@kenmorewa.gov.

The portal provides an upload option for the following required documents:

• Site plan (Up to 11" x 17")
• Traffic Control Plan (TCP)
• City of Kenmore GIS Map – link provided in the application portal

The following layers on the map should be selected for submission: FEMA Flood Zone, Addresses, Streams, Parcels, Critical Areas, Streets, 2019 or most current Kenmore Aerial

The City of Kenmore has numerous critical and erosion hazard areas and the map submitted should show a wide enough area to demonstrate that the above layers are active

When capturing the map, zoom in to show the work area and surrounding neighborhood, and include street name labels

Show where the ground disturbance is occurring; for example, show and label the bore path

Annual maintenance permits are exempt from GIS map requirement

When an emergency or immediate permit is requested, please select “Emergency” in the Permit Type Field.

If project includes a road closure request, Traffic Control Plan submitted with the application should show the detour route and a list of the properties affected by the closure. Submission of Form" 630 Road Closure Notification” may be required.

Regular permits are usually issued within 30 days of receiving a complete application packet.

Right of Way (ROW) Utility Permit fees are invoiced on a monthly basis after permit closeout. Other ROW Use Permits are invoiced upon review and must be paid prior to issuance of the permit. 

Fees as of January 1, 2026, and are as follows:

• Application Fee - Standard or Emergency Permit: $379.00
• Review Fee - Hourly: $174.00
• Inspection Fee - Hourly: $141.00
• Violation of Lane Closure Hours: $500.00 per occurrence
• Short notice job start (for less than 2 business days advance notice) or no confirmed job start: $567.00 per occurrence 
• Permit Extension Fee $350.00
• Work Without a Permit: $1000.00

Permits near critical areas will be reviewed by the City's planning department and additional conditions may be required.

ROW Utility permits for work within the SR 522 right of way will be administered by the City and may require a review from Washington State Department of Transportation.