Corvallis, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

The City Engineer administers Chapter 2.03 of the Corvallis Municipal Code, the ordinance governing any private cut, excavation, tunnel, or obstruction placed in a City of Corvallis street or alley. Under Section 2.03.020, the application must name the street or alley, describe the nature of the surface, the purpose and size of the work, and the number of days needed, and it must be accompanied by an agreement to indemnify the City. Section 2.03.030 requires security before the permit issues: a surety bond up to $500, cash or a certified check equal to twice the estimated replacement value of the pavement, or a blanket bond up to $5,000 covering a year of street cuts by the same applicant; unimproved streets are exempt from security unless the City Engineer finds it necessary.

A permit fee set under Section 8.03.110 is due in advance. Work must follow the permit and the City Engineer's supervision, and Section 2.03.070 requires the permittee to report completion to the City Engineer within 48 hours. Section 2.03.080 makes the permittee responsible for barricading the obstruction or excavation and lighting it with flashing warning lights from dusk until daylight, and for hiring a night watchperson if the City Engineer decides public safety requires constant supervision. The permittee stays liable for injuries the obstruction causes and must repair the street surface for up to one year, or the City may do the repair itself and bill the permittee or draw on the security. City employees, City contractors, and franchised utilities are exempt from the permit itself but must still notify the City Engineer before cutting a street.