Carver County, MN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Chapter 93 defines PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY to cover the area on, below, or above a public roadway, cartway, bicycle lane, or public sidewalk in which the county has an interest, and defines OBSTRUCT as placing any tangible object in that right-of-way so as to hinder free and open passage. 09 requires a specific excavation permit to dig within the right-of-way or an obstruction permit to place equipment there, and treats a small wireless facility installation the same way. A person who already holds a valid excavation permit for a project does not need a separate obstruction permit for the same work.

09(B) no one may keep excavating or obstructing past the date stated in the permit unless a supplementary application is filed before it expires and a new permit or extension is granted. 13 sets the fee structure: the excavation permit fee is set to recover the county's actual management and degradation costs, and the county may add conditions to recover unusual costs, such as assigning a police officer for traffic control. No permit is issued until the fee is paid, though government agencies and nonprofits are fee-exempt (but still must obtain the permit).

09(C), the county can also impose a delay penalty, set by County Board resolution, for unreasonable delays in completing right-of-way work, unless the delay is from weather, an act of God, or civil strife. 09(D).