Kennewick, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Any work in public street/ROW
- Contractor
- Must be bonded
- No permit
- Stop-work order issued
- Late permit penalty
- 50% added to fee
Summary
Kennewick requires a Public Works construction permit before any private work in a public street or right-of-way, from utility crossings to driveway cuts, and only a bonded contractor may perform it.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to do any work within a public street or place without first obtaining a construction permit. A utility hookup order is not a permit to make a street cut. In the event it is necessary to excavate in any street right-of-way to make a utility crossing or hookup, a construction permit is required. The work may only be done by a bonded contractor.(2)Failure to obtain a construction permit prior to commencing work is cause for the Deputy Director of Public Works to issue a stop work order until a permit has been issued. A 50-percent penalty may be added to the cost of a late permit. (Ord. 5655 Sec. 3, 2016; Ord. 2788 Sec. 1(part), 1983; Ord. 1295 Ch. V, Sec. 1, 1965)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
KMC 5.56.060 makes it unlawful to do any work within a public street or place, including excavating for a utility crossing or hookup, without first obtaining a construction permit from the Deputy Director of Public Works. A utility hookup order alone does not authorize a street cut. Only a bonded, licensed contractor may perform work within the right-of-way. Applicants submit engineer-stamped drawings under KMC 5.56.090, pay a permit fee set in the Kennewick Master Fee Schedule under KMC 5.56.095, and must restore any disturbed street, alley, pavement or improvement to its former condition or better.
Violations & Fines
Starting work without a permit lets the Deputy Director of Public Works issue a stop-work order, and obtaining a permit after work begins adds a 50 percent penalty to the permit cost under KMC 5.56.060(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to dig in the street right-of-way in Kennewick?
What happens if I start work without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
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