When your construction requires any portion of the public right-of-way or a public storm sewer or sanitary sewer easement or greenway is excavated or disturbed, a Permit to Excavate in the Public Right of Way is required per City of Madison Ordinance 10.05.
If work spans more than one street segment a public hearing before the Board of Public Works is required. Allow for a minimum of 10 days for public hearing notice and additional time as necessary depending on the Board of Public Works scheduled meeting times. All contractors required to do a public hearing are responsible for publishing and distributing hearing notices.
Engineering Division Permit Applications
1600 Emil Street
Madison, WI 53713
Apply online at: Permit to Excavate in the Public Right of Way
Permit reviews typically take 5 – 7 working days depending on the complexity. Additional time may be required if other agreements, permits, or a public hearing are also needed.
Approved permits may be mailed or emailed to Applicant upon approval. Fees vary by permit and are based on the permit application fee, inspection fee and street degradation fee. All fees are invoiced, on a monthly basis, after the permit is approved and issued.
