Newark, OH Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Section 1022.02(a) of the Newark Code of Ordinances says no person shall do any work in any public place without first obtaining a permit from the Director of Public Service. Section 1022.01 gives the terms a wide reach. Work covers wiring of privately owned communications cables, construction, reconstruction, demolition, planting, trimming, spraying, maintenance and removal, below, on or above the ground surface. A public place is any public street right of way, alley, sidewalk, park, square, plaza, utility easement or similar property owned, controlled or dedicated to public use within the City. A structure includes a pipe, pole, vault, sign, porch or awning located below, on or above the surface of a public place.

The Director can issue a permit for a privately owned communication cable attached to or routed through a utility pole, conduit or trench system owned by a public utility regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio, but only if the applicant shows the cable will meet prevailing industry practices and the Pole Attachment Act of 1978 regulations and will be installed and maintained by a regulated utility. An annual blanket permit is available to a regulated public utility and to a person holding a City franchise (Section 1022.02(b) and (c)).

Section 1022.03 requires a written application on the Director's form stating the applicant's name, address and principal place of business, the location and scope of the work, the purpose of the facility, the approximate time needed and the estimated cost. The applicant certifies compliance with the Director's "Manual of Rules and Regulations for Operations in Public Places." A permit other than an annual blanket permit expires if work does not start within thirty days or finish within sixty days after issuance. The Director revokes a permit for violating its terms (Section 1022.04) and assigns City inspectors, whose time the permittee pays at the current rate (Section 1022.08). Downtown sidewalk seating uses a separate permit under Chapter 1024.