Knowledge Base

Obstruction Permits are required whenever an object or equipment is placed within the city’s right of way (streets, sidewalks, alleys and other rights-of-way).

This page outlines the policies used by the City of Rochester Public Works Department to manage use of the public right-of-way (ROW). The goals of these policies include:

• Maintaining safety for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles traveling near construction activities.
• Minimizing disruption to existing pedestrian and bike facilities, and vehicle travel lanes.
• Incentivize the use of temporary pedestrian and/or bike routes adjacent to construction sites if disruptions to existing pedestrian and bike facilities cannot be avoided.
• Limiting the footprint and duration of ROW use for construction activities.

Prior to obtaining a permit, the proposed work must be reviewed and approved. Use the permit applications below to begin the process.

• Permit Regulations
• Fee Structure for Permits and Inspections 

Contractors/Homeowners can call, fax or email requests for obstruction permits.