Richland, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Chapter 12.08 of the Richland Municipal Code governs private encroachment into city right-of-way. Section 12.08.020 requires a construction permit for any person or entity performing construction work within an existing or proposed city right-of-way, easement, or on city-owned infrastructure, including installing new city-owned infrastructure or private utilities and pole attachments that materially change a joint pole installation. Capital improvement projects built under a direct city construction contract are exempt from the permit requirement. Under § 12.08.030, the written application goes to the public works director with engineer-certified construction plans, proof of the contractor's and subcontractors' state licensing and bonding, current Richland business licenses, and a certificate of insurance.

Section 12.08.040 sets the fee for a single-family residential improvement permit at $150.00 to cover administrative and inspection costs, with separate fee tiers for utility trenching and larger public infrastructure projects tied to construction cost. Permittees must give the director 48 hours' notice before starting work under § 12.08.050, work must follow the city's public works standards under § 12.08.060, and under § 12.08.110 permittees must defend, indemnify, and hold the city harmless from claims arising out of the permitted work, except where the city itself is negligent. Development Services and the public works director review applications and inspect the work.