Murfreesboro, TN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Before any ROW excavation
- Issued by
- City Engineer
- Base fee
- $50.00
- No permit first
- Fee doubles
Summary
Digging, excavating, or otherwise disturbing sidewalks, curbs, or other city right-of-way in Murfreesboro requires a right-of-way excavation permit first.
It shall be unlawful for any person to dig, break, excavate, tunnel, undermine, or in any manner damage any area located within the limits of a City right(s)-of-way, including but not limited to pavement, storm drainage way, shoulder, curb, sidewalk, traffic control device, public utility easement bridge, access ramp, that portion of any private driveway in the street right(s)-of-way, or other parts of a City right(s)-of-way (all hereinafter referred to as "City rights-of-way" in this chapter), or to make or cause to be made any excavation in or under the surface of any City right(s)-of-way for any purpose or to place, deposit, or leave upon any City right(s)-of-way any earth or excavation material obstructing or tending to interfere with the use of same, unless such person shall first have obtained a right(s)-of-way excavation permit therefor from the City Engineer, or designee, as herein provided.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 28-101 bars digging, breaking, excavating, tunneling, or otherwise damaging pavement, curb, sidewalk, or other city right-of-way, or leaving material that obstructs it, without first obtaining a right-of-way excavation permit from the City Engineer. Applications under Code § 28-102 must state the applicant's name, project nature, location, purpose, and anticipated dates, plus GIS-compatible drawings. Code § 28-103 sets the permit fee at $50, doubled if work begins before a permit is obtained, and most applicants must also post a surety bond or deposit under Code § 28-104.
Violations & Fines
Excavating without a permit doubles the required fee under Code § 28-103, and unpermitted or improperly restored work can trigger surety-bond claims and City-performed repairs billed at 150% of cost under Code § 28-104.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to dig up the sidewalk or curb in front of my Murfreesboro property?
What does a Murfreesboro right-of-way excavation permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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