Bellevue, NE Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Section 28-76, titled simply Required, prohibits any person from cutting into paving, a curb or a sidewalk, or performing any excavation within the city's public rights-of-way, for any purpose whatsoever, without first obtaining a permit from the public works administrative division. Section 28-77 lays out the application and permit-management process: an applicant must submit a written application describing the extent and character of the work, accompanied by a plan showing the location and dimensions of the proposed cut or excavation, and the division keeps a record of every paving, curb and sidewalk cut and excavation in the right-of-way.

An initial permit expires 20 business days after issuance; if the permittee has not satisfactorily finished the work by then, they must apply for and receive an extended permit, which itself expires after another 20 business days. If a permit lapses without the work being finished or a new extended permit obtained, the applicant must stop all work, and the city can either perform or authorize completion of the work itself or restore the site to its original condition by backfilling, tamping and reseeding. Under section 28-77(C), whenever the city incurs cost performing, authorizing or inspecting that work or restoration, the permit holder is liable for it: the city bills the applicant, payment is due within 15 days of mailing, and unpaid balances accrue interest at 16 percent per year or the highest rate the law allows, whichever is greater, with the applicant barred from getting further permits until the city is paid in full.