Linden, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Linden City Code § 15-1.2 bars anyone from making an excavation or tunnel under any city street without a permit issued by the City Engineer, the mechanism the code uses to authorize private encroachment on the public right-of-way for utility connections, driveway work and similar cuts. Emergency work is the one exception: if an emergency requires starting immediately, work may begin without a permit as long as the application is filed at the same time work starts or as soon after as practical, and any permit later issued applies retroactively to when the work began (§ 15-1.2b).

Public bodies can get permits from the City Engineer without a fee (§ 15-1.2c). Applications under § 15-1.4 must identify the applicant, the street and abutting property, the tax block and lot, the nature of the surface being opened, the purpose and timing of the work, duplicate plans showing the exact location and dimensions of the opening, the contractor performing the work, and a commitment to restore the street, curb, gutter and sidewalk to their prior condition within 48 hours of starting. The Engineer may deny a permit outright in the interest of public safety (§ 15-1.3).

Fees are $10 per permit where no bond is required (§ 15-1.7); where a bond is required, the Engineer sets the amount, and the applicant must also carry insurance of at least $500,000 per person, $1,000,000 per accident, and $500,000 for property damage (§ 15-1.9). A permit is not transferable, must start within 45 days of issuance and is valid for 20 days from the start of work, and the Engineer may revoke it for violating the permit's conditions or creating an unsafe or unsanitary condition (§ 15-1.12).