Twin Falls, ID Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

The permit rule is the opening section of Chapter 2, Use of Streets, in Title 8 of the Twin Falls City Code. Section 8-2-2 requires a written application to the Director of the Department of Public Works on City forms, conforming to the City Specifications and Standard Drawings, showing the type of construction, the length, the exact location and the purposes. Section 8-2-3 lets the Director deny an application that would create an exceptional traffic hazard, unreasonably restrict street use, disrupt curb parking or endanger pedestrians.

Section 8-2-4 sends any work that removes or destroys street surfacing, curb, curb and gutter or sidewalks to the City Engineer for approval, and says a permit does not allow entry onto private property. It also bars permits for work within the right of way unless curb is built on adjoining streets where adequate curbing is missing, and bars permits for any material other than Portland cement concrete for new construction bordering business property between the property line and curb line.

Work rules follow. Under section 8-2-5, work left unattended for more than twenty-four hours lets the superintendent of streets restore the site and bill the responsible person. Section 8-2-6 requires a fence or other suitable obstruction and at least four flares or lights burning from sunset to sunrise when work is not finished by sunset. Section 8-2-7 requires notice to the police and fire departments not less than two hours before ditching across a street starts. Section 8-2-18 refuses permits to cut pavement in place less than five years, with listed exceptions.

Fees under section 8-2-16 include a basic fee, administration and inspection costs not to exceed 20% of estimated construction cost, and street degradation costs. Section 8-2-12(B) charges $10 per thirty-five feet or less of driveway for a curb-cut permit from the City Engineer, and section 8-2-14 puts bench seats and bench signs on the right of way only by City Council permit at $50 per year per bench sign and $5 per year per bench seat.