Public right-of-way includes all public streets and property dedicated to public use for shared use paths, street purposes, parking, landscaping, utilities, and sidewalks. Right‑of‑Way use permits are required for all construction work within or use of the public right-of-way. Examples include:

• Installing a driveway apron or modifying an existing one.
• Building frontage improvements for a new development.
• Installing or upgrading drainage or wastewater systems that connect in the public right-of-way.
• Removing, maintaining, or planting trees or landscaping.
• Installing traffic control.
• Temporary storage. 

Please review Chapter 2.2 of the City’s Engineering Development Manual (EDM) and Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) 12.15.030 to learn more about right-of-way permits. If you have questions about the City’s code or submittal requirements, please submit an Engineering Development Question Form to connect with a development review engineer who can walk you through the requirements. 

How to Apply

Apply for this permit online at the City of Shoreline's eTRAKiT permitting portal. Once you are logged into your account, select Apply/New Permit from the left-hand sidebar and select the following permit type from the drop-down menu: Pre-Intake Record (PIN).

Once PIN requests are submitted, the rest of the intake process is facilitated by a permit technician. A permit technician will send further instructions by email to complete the process. 

Required Documents

• Application 
  • For tree removals, maintenance and plantings, a Right-of-Way Tree Permit Application
  • For all other items, a Right-of-Way Use Permit Application
• Submittal Fee
  • Please reference the City’s fee schedule for current application fees. 
• Proof of License, Bonding and/or Insurance
  • For any work in the public right-of-way public liability insurance is required. All contractors not working for a franchised utility company and/or individuals must provide a certificate of liability insurance naming the City of Shoreline as additional insured. 
• Civil Engineering Plans
  • Drawings prepared by a licensed civil engineer will be required for projects which include curb, gutter, sidewalk, street widening, storm drainage system improvements and wastewater system improvements.
• Traffic Control Plan(s)
  • Refer to EDM Chapter 30.3 and Appendix J.  

Additional Documents (Possibly Required) 

• Approval Letter from Utility Company
  •  Required for utility extensions or connections. Provide a letter indicating approval of the proposed utility locations from the appropriate utility provider (ex: North City Water District, Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle City Light, etc.).
• Geotechnical or Soils Report
  • Required for projects that are proposing infiltration facilities within the Right-of-Way. Refer to Chapter 4.6 and Appendix D of the EDM.
• Surface Water Report
  • Required for projects in the right-of-way proposing 2,000 square feet or more of new and replaced hard surfaces. The report must follow the guidelines in Appendix C of the EDM.
  • A separate Surface Water Report is not required for a ROW permit for frontage improvements associated with private development.
• Illumination Plans
  • Lighting analysis is required for projects that trigger frontage improvements. If existing lighting does not meet the standards outlined in EDM Appendix I, illumination plans will be required.
  • Refer to Chapter 8 of the EDM for more information.
  • For questions, email transportation@shorelinewa.gov. 
• Traffic Signal Plans
  • If the project site is located within 250 ft of a signalized intersection or within 50 ft of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon or other powered asset, provide traffic signal plans that include full survey of the signal infrastructure. For any new, modified or impacted traffic signals systems, refer to Chapter 17.2 of the EDM.
  • For questions, email transportation@shorelinewa.gov.