Lawrence, KS Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- any temporary private use of right-of-way
- Issuing agency
- Municipal Services and Operations (MSO)
- Insurance minimum
- $1,000,000 general liability, adjustable
- Bond
- required for right-of-way excavation work
- Fine
- $250-$500 per day of violation
- Cure period
- 30 days notice (3 days if emergency)
- Appeal
- 14 days to city commission, de novo
Summary
Anyone using the public right-of-way in the City of Lawrence on a temporary basis, from a sidewalk dumpster to construction staging, must first get a ROW permit from Municipal Services and Operations under City Code § 16-804. Using the right-of-way without one, or leaving an item there, is an unlawful act carrying a minimum $250, maximum $500 fine per day under section 16-816.
No person, unless otherwise exempted either by this article or by article IX of this chapter, shall use the public rights-of-way on a temporary basis without first obtaining from the city and having in their possession a valid ROW permit. ... (a)Engaging in any of the unlawful acts set forth at section 16-815 shall be a municipal offense. Each violation shall constitute a separate municipal offense. Each day of violation shall also constitute a separate municipal offense. Any person violating section 16-815 shall, upon an adjudication of guilt or the entry of a plea of no contest, be subject to a minimum fine of $250.00 and a maximum fine of $500.00 for each municipal offense.
Full Breakdown
' Section 16-805 requires a written application to MSO naming the applicant, the dates and location, an approved traffic control plan when needed, insurance certificates, a performance and maintenance bond for excavation work, and payment of the ROW permit fee under section 16-806, which the city manager sets annually to recover processing costs. 00 in general liability coverage naming the city as additional insured, though MSO can raise, lower or waive that amount depending on the use. MSO can deny an application that is incomplete, unpaid, hazardous to traffic, or damaging to the right-of-way, and can revoke a permit for the same reasons or for a violation of any imposed condition, under sections 16-809 and 16-813.
A denial or revocation can be appealed in writing to the city commission within 14 days for a de novo hearing under section 16-814. Emergency work is exempt from advance permitting under section 16-811, but MSO can require an after-the-fact permit and its fee once the emergency passes.
Violations & Fines
Section 16-815 makes it unlawful to use the right-of-way without a valid ROW permit, to violate a permit condition, to intentionally obstruct traffic, or to place or leave an item in the right-of-way without a permit or article IX agreement. Section 16-816 sets a minimum $250.00, maximum $500.00 fine for each violation, with every day of noncompliance a separate offense, but the city must first give notice and a chance to cure, 30 days ordinarily or three days in an emergency, before charging anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a permit to use the sidewalk or street in Lawrence, Kansas?
What insurance does a Lawrence right-of-way permit require?
What's the fine for using Lawrence's right-of-way without a permit?
Sources & Official References
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