The Department of Streets issues permits for street closures related to:
- Utility work.
- Equipment placement.
- Crane placement.
- Banner installation.
- Helicopter lifts.
Depending on the type of street closure you need, your application materials, permit fee, and permit duration will differ. Police assistance or an inspection may be required. If the work zone encroaches on a travel lane, police assistance is required.
For complete information, review the Right-of-Way Improvement Standards.
Who
Applicants must hold a Contractor License or Commercial Activity License.
Reason for closure
Where and when
Your application must be submitted online at least 10 business days before the start date.
Due to the volume of requests, the processing time may be longer than 10 business days.
Permit cost and duration
The cost and maximum duration of your permit depends on the kind of closure you need and where it will take place.
Your fee will be calculated by multiplying the rate, unit of measure, and time. If an inspection or police assistance is required, additional costs will apply.
Sidewalk closures
| Closure type | Rate – Center City | Rate – Other areas | Maximum duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk shelter platform with 6-foot-wide pedestrian walkway | No fee | No fee | 1 year |
| Partial sidewalk closure | $1.00 per foot per week* | $1.00 per foot per week* | 1 year |
| Full sidewalk closure with protected footway in parking lane | $1.10 per foot per week* | $0.35 per foot per week* | 1 year |
| Full sidewalk closure** | $4.50 per foot per week* | $3.00 per foot per week* | 1 year |
| Window washing sidewalk closure | $150 per block per year | $150 per block per year | 1 year |
* There is a minimum weekly fee of $50 per closure type per block and a maximum yearly fee of $70,000 per closure type per block.
** For full sidewalk closures, the minimum weekly rate after the first week is $200 per block in all areas. Footway closures are for sidewalk repair only, not related to development. There is no fee up to 14 days.
Lane and full street closures
| Closure type | Rate – Center City or University City | Rate – Other areas | Maximum duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking lane closure | $2.50 per foot per week* | $1.50 per foot per week* | 1 year |
| Travel lane or bicycle lane closure | $3.50 per foot per week* | $2.00 per foot per week* | 1 year |
| Full closure – 5 days or fewer | $250 per block per day | $250 per block per day | 5 days |
| Full closure – More than 5 days | $1,500 per block per week** | $750 per block per week** | 1 year |
* There is a minimum weekly fee of $50 per closure type per block and a maximum yearly fee of $70,000 per closure type per block.
** For full closures over five days, there is a maximum yearly fee per block of $70,000 in Center City and University City and $30,000 in all other areas.
Other closures
| Closure type | Rate – Center City or University City | Rate – Other areas | Maximum duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dumpster only | $40 per dumpster per week | $40 per dumpster per week | 1 year |
| Helicopter – for lift location up to 10 blocks | $275 | $275 | 6 hours |
| Helicopter – for lift location over 10 blocks | $60 per block over 10 | $60 per block over 10 | 6 hours |
How
The Right-of-Way Improvement Standards detail the information you’ll need to submit for each kind of street closure. That includes approvals you’ll need from other City departments.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a payment invoice by email.
If your application is denied, you can file an appeal. For more information, see section 3.1.5 of the Right-of-Way Improvement Standard.
You can pay online through e-pay or e-check. You’ll need your invoice number and payment number. Alternatively, you can pay in person by check or money order.
For companies that have an escrow account, use the street closure escrow account option to replenish your account. You’ll need your company ID and tax ID numbers.
Once you’ve submitted your payment, the Department of Streets will send you an email with a link to access your permit.
If you cannot or have not received the email, you can access the permit under the approval tab on your online account.
Refunds
If you paid your invoice, but did not receive the permit in time or someone parked in your zone, you may submit a refund petition form.
The burden of proof is on you and only requests that have demonstrated a clear non-use of the permit will be approved.