Frisco, TX Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Section 78-34 of Chapter 78 makes it unlawful for any person, including a private property owner, to dig, bore, tunnel, excavate or place a foundation-based structure in a Frisco thoroughfare or right-of-way without first applying to and receiving a permit from the right-of-way manager. The application must identify the applicant, the location and size of the work, and its purpose, with plans sealed by a licensed engineer when the Texas Engineering Practice Act requires it; a nonrefundable permit fee under Chapter 78, Article IV applies at issuance.

Subsection (6) expressly pulls private improvements into the permit requirement: subdivision monuments, historical markers, and any other sign or structure with a foundation in the right-of-way, other than billboards, are subject to this article. Section 78-35 carves out narrow exceptions for ordinary homeowner work: new single-family driveways, sidewalks, mailboxes and minor grading under 18 inches deep skip the separate right-of-way permit if the work is covered by an active residential building permit at that address. The right-of-way manager can deny or suspend a permit for reasons listed in Section 78-42, including missing insurance or bonding, false information on the application, or an unresolved violation on the same property.

A denied or revoked applicant has five business days to file a written appeal to the right-of-way manager, then, if denied again, five more business days to appeal to the director of public works, and finally to the city manager, whose decision under Section 78-43 is final.