Bristol, CT Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Bristol Code of Ordinances § 21-68, enacted by an ordinance of June 11, 2024, requires that "all contractors or persons shall obtain a permit issued by the department of public works prior to performing work within any portion of the city roadway right-of-way," covering excavation, construction and demolition of roadway pavement, curbing, sidewalks, underground utilities and roadside structures. Three permit types exist: a driveway permit for replacing or installing a driveway apron, a sidewalk permit for replacing or installing sidewalks, and an excavation permit for all other right-of-way work.

Applications must identify the contractor and location of work, and excavation permits additionally require a map of the proposed work and existing utilities; a field walk with a public works representative may substitute for a map on house utility laterals. No work may begin before the department approves the permit, though public utilities performing emergency work may submit a permit within forty-eight hours after the emergency. An application fee, set by the board of public works, applies to every permit, with a separate fee schedule for public utility companies.

Section 21-67 additionally requires any contractor doing this work to first be licensed by the department, posting a minimum $20,000 surety bond (or the value of the work if greater) and carrying $1,000,000 per-occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate general liability insurance. Section 21-69 bars new excavation permits on newly paved roads for five years for main-line utility work and three years for laterals. Road closures require sign-off from the director of public works or the chief of police; no other city entity may authorize one under § 21-68.