Right-of-way use permits

Limited and extended use permits

A Limited ROW Use Permit is required for construction of all private improvements in the public right-of-way and for all private uses of the public right-of-way for less than one year.

An Extended ROW Use Permit is required for use of the public right-of-way lasting more than one year, for example, for a privately maintained road.

A ROW use permit is not required for direct driveway connections from an adjacent parcel to a maintained King County road. However, connections shall be made in accordance with adopted King County Road Standards.

Legal Authority: Title 14.28 of the King County Code.

Administered by: The Department of Local Services, Permitting Division.

Right-of-Way construction permit

A Right-of-Way Construction Permit is required for utility construction work in the right-of-way and County-owned roads by franchised utilities, telecom providers, and METRO. A Right-of-Way Construction Permit is required to move utility poles or underground utilities in the right-of-way. Typically the utility company, not the property owner, must apply to the Real Estate Services for this permit (Permit and Franchise Unit of the King County Real Estate Services).

Real Estate Services also issues special use permits to install benches or other ROW furniture, or to schedule a block party, parade or other special event in the right-of-way.  King County Permitting does NOT issue Right-of-Way Construction Permits or Special Use Permits.

Cost and timeline

Check the current fee schedule for an estimate of costs

The timeline is 120 days for processing the plan.

Right-of-Way Use Permits

Permit forms, application materials, and resources.

Declaration of Covenant Re Use and Maintenance of King County Right-of-Way

Information (177KB)

Quit Claim Deed for County Right-of-Way

Form (PDF) (47KB)

Right-of-Way Use Information and Application Checklist

Information and Checklist

Right-of-Way Use Permit - Limited: Extension Request

Information (165KB)