Tonawanda, NY Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Town of Tonawanda Code § 183-10 lets the Supervising Building Official grant permission to a lot or property owner, or to a licensed plumbing contractor, to open the right-of-way lying between the property line and the edge of the paved street to lay or repair a gas, sewer or water pipe. Section 183-11 covers the paved portion of the street itself: the Superintendent of Highways may permit a utility, communications company, or a licensed plumber to open the street, highway or road to lay or repair a gas or water pipe, communications conduit or electric conduit.

In both cases the permit holder must complete the work within the time and manner directed by the relevant official and restore any opening to as good a condition as existed before the work, per §§ 183-10B and 183-11B. Section 183-12 separately caps curb cuts at one per residential lot, sized to the driveway width plus two feet on each side. If restoration is later found imperfect, § 183-14 lets the Superintendent of Highways demand repair within 48 hours, after which the Town can make the repair itself and bill the applicant.

Utility location within a street also needs Town Engineer approval under § 183-15. Enforcement of the whole article, including these encroachment permits, runs through § 183-16.