Greece, NY Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Chapter 163, Rights-of-Way, opens by explaining its purpose in § 163-1: to address liabilities, improper design and hazards created when private work is performed within the right-of-way, and to make residents aware that such work may need Department of Public Works approval before it starts. Section 163-2 then bars anyone from damaging, opening, cutting or digging the surface, pavement or soil of any highway right-of-way or public place under the Town's jurisdiction without first securing a permit from the Superintendent of Highways, and requires a written application filed with and approved by the Highway Superintendent.

Once a permit issues, § 163-3 requires the excavation to be properly guarded or barricaded with warning devices meeting the New York State DOT's Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Section 163-4 requires all excavated material to be removed and backfill to meet Town construction specifications, and § 163-5 requires daily cleanup of surplus earth and debris to the Highway Superintendent's satisfaction. Section 163-6 requires all restoration work to be inspected and approved by the Highway Superintendent before the job is considered complete. Before any permit is issued, § 163-7 requires the applicant to file general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate (rising to $3,000,000/$5,000,000 for work exceeding $1,000,000 in value), plus workers' compensation coverage of at least $100,000 per accident and $500,000 policy limit.

Article III gives the Superintendent stop-work authority under § 163-11 whenever work proceeds without a permit or violates permit terms, and § 163-12 authorizes appearance tickets for violations.