Hennepin County, MN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- obstruction or work in ROW
- Issuing office
- County Engineer / Permits Office
- Application system
- County e-permitting system
- Delay penalty
- $100–$1,000 per day
Summary
Hennepin County requires a right-of-way permit before anyone obstructs, works in, or places facilities within county road right-of-way, with only narrow exceptions like sidewalk snowplowing and mailbox installation.
Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance, no person may obstruct or work in any right-of-way without first having been issued the right-of-way permit pursuant to this section.
Exceptions are as follows:
Metro Transit signing, plus red/white "T" signs on existing posts; Crosswalk painting and pavement markings desired by the city and authorized by the county (county policy provides that the county install the initial pavement markings on new surfacing. Subsequent pavement marking maintenance is the responsibility of the city); Install and maintain Metro Transit bus benches (not bus shelters); Snowplow sidewalks; Street and sidewalk sweeping; Install and maintain street name signs, ground mount; Sewer cleaning; TV sewer-line inspection; Flush water mains; Pump water (across road) with hose in street; Surveying operations; Movement of maintenance equipment (city equipment) which is over-dimensioned/ overweight; Mailbox installation; and Utility company (routine maintenance) in rights-of-way, along with similar city maintenance which do not disrupt a surface or through lane of traffic. Sewer lining which requires temporary divergence piping requires a permit. A right-of-way permit is required for the permit holder to work in that part of the right-of-way described in each permit to the extent and for the duration specified in the permit.
(b) Permit extension
Full Breakdown
Under the county's right-of-way use ordinance, no person may obstruct or work in any county right-of-way without first obtaining a right-of-way permit from the county engineer. The permit application goes through the county's e-permitting system and requires engineering drawings, facility locations, and applicable fees before work can begin. A short list of routine activities, such as sidewalk snowplowing and mailbox installation, is exempted.
Violations & Fines
Working or obstructing right-of-way without a permit triggers a fee for violation based on the county's actual correction costs, plus a delay penalty of $100 to $1,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to place something in Hennepin County right-of-way?
What happens if I work in the right-of-way without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hennepin County
Compare Hennepin County to another location·View the Minnesota sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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