Bethlehem, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

08 covers non-vending encroachments into the public right-of-way: anyone wanting to conduct a non-vending activity or place a temporary or permanent structure on a street, sidewalk, lane, alley, pavement, footway or right-of-way, or to affix a fixture to a pole or other structure there, must apply to the Director of Public Works for a permit. 00 where applicable. The written application must describe the activity, detail the location, dimensions and construction type of any structure, and provide a Certificate of Insurance from a company acceptable to the Director naming the City as additional insured for $1,000,000 in liability coverage.

Applications must be filed at least 5 days but no more than 60 days before the activity starts, and a permit is granted only to a person holding legal title to land directly abutting the right-of-way area, or a lessee under a lease signed at least 60 days before the application. 00 for banners depending on placement. Permit issuance under this section does not override other City ordinances such as Health and Fire Code requirements.