Cars and a biker on a multi-lane road. There is also a person walking on the sidewalk.
Traffic Engineering
Yang Tao, Traffic Engineering Director

Street Occupancy Permit

You need a Street Occupancy Permit (SOP) when your project requires materials or machinery to be on or over:

  • streets
  • terrace (area between the street-side edge of sidewalk and back of curb)
  • sidewalks
  • alleys
  • public grounds

This permit ensures the welfare and safety of the users of nearby properties (City Ordinance 29.10).

Submit your permit application at least one week before the street occupancy or closure. A permit is valid for a maximum of 90 days.

  1. Apply for a Traffic Engineering Street Occupancy Permit

    Building Inspection issues construction and demolition permits. Discuss your site and building plans with staff when you apply for a permit. Start the process for a Street Occupancy Permit at the same time you apply for the other permits.

    Submit your application

    Create your account and enter your application information. If you have any issues setting up your account, call (608) 261-4293. You can also email elamsupport@cityofmadison.com.

    Example Certificate of Insurance (COI) language:

    example language for Certificate of Insurance document

    Contractors, Permittees, Vendors, & Lessees

    Please attach a site plan of the proposed occupancy to your application as a PDF indicating all details of the area to be occupied. This includes the length, width and position of occupied space within the public right of way. This is easiest to measure as a dimension from back of the curb or edge of the pavement. For example, an 8’ by 24’ area that begins 3’ behind the curb, extends 5’ into the roadway, and covers 24’ along the roadway.

    If you need "No Parking Anytime" signs for non-metered streets or to occupy a metered location, these can be requested during the permit application process.

    Work Zone Safety Guidebook

    Traffic Engineering Street Occupancy Site Plan Template

    Traffic Engineering Site Plan Example

  2. Submit Certificate of Insurance

    File a copy of your insurance with City of Madison Risk Management. Your insurance agent can place the mandatory coverage for the permit. They can also complete the insurance certificate. Return this information to the Risk Manager for review and approval.

    To send your certificates to the City, email certificates@cityofmadison.com.

    Phone: 608-266-5965

  3. Pay Fees

    Traffic Engineering staff will review the permit application and calculate any fees. The permit will be issued after fees are paid.

  4. Construction

    When fees are paid, the permit is received and proper safety measures are placed, work under the permit can begin.

What to know before you start:

Before You Dig - Learn more about the requirements for a safe start to your project.

Parking for your project:

"No Parking" signs can be used to secure on-street parking in metered and non-metered spaces, for projects:

  • to accommodate large trucks and other oversize vehicles
  • to facilitate construction or other utility work on property and adjacent to the street.

Contractors seeking parking may find Contractor Hangtags to be a good option to park at various meters throughout Madison or a Contractor Permit for non-metered areas.

Related Permits:

Excavate in the Right of Way (ENGROW) permits:

Excavate in the Right of Way permits are administered by the Engineering Division. These permits are required for utility work in the right of way involving excavation.

Apply for an ENGROW Permit

Facilities Access Permits:

A facility access permit is required when access to City infrastructure for connection/splicing/other purposes is needed. A Street Occupancy permit may also be required dependent on the scope of work.

Apply for a Facility Access Permit

Parking related Street Occupancy Permit:

Required for moving containers or detached trailers that will remain in the street, in metered and non-metered areas.

Apply for a Parking Street Occupancy Permit

Contacts

If additional questions still remain, reach out to the agencies below for additional information:

  • Traffic Engineering: 608-266-4761
  • Parking Division: 608-266-4761
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Permits