Utility companies provide services to the citizens of Charlotte on a daily basis. These services to homes and businesses include power, telephone, gas, water, and sewer, television, and internet services. The Utility Right of Way (ROW) Program helps ensure that citizens continue to receive quality service from these utility companies while protecting the public and the City's infrastructure.
Utility ROW Ordinance: The purpose of the utility ROW ordinance (Article XIII - Utility Right of Way Use) is to provide for the proper management of the public right-of-way and to provide for the regulation of the owners of public and private utility facilities located in the public rights-of-way.
Process
Master Permit Application(PDF, 24KB): The City of Charlotte gives the Utility the general right to own Utility Facilities with Rights of Way established pursuant to, Article XII of Chapter 19 of the Charlotte City Code.
Plan Requirements for Submittal(PDF, 140KB): This required document provides guidance on what information should be provided on a standard plan set. Only complete drawings with sufficient and applicable information should be submitted.
To apply for a permit, visit our Cityworks Application Portal, and select “Utility Right of Way Permit” as the Permit Application Type.
Regulations
Work Area Traffic Control Handbook (WATCH)(PDF, 6MB) WATCH is to be used in performing construction or maintenance work within the City-owned street rights of way. All persons or agencies doing work in public rights of way are responsible for coordinating the work with Traffic Control; and the City of Charlotte is authorized to stop any construction that has not been properly configured.
CDOT requires notification prior to any work in the public right of way.
Standards and Provisions(PDF, 846KB): These standards govern the installation, upgrade, relocation, and maintenance of all utility facilities; providing reasonable parameters to the owners of utility facilities located on the public right of way.
Additional Information
For more information regarding excavation certification requirements, registration for classes, and the Utility Cut Degradation Policy, visit the Street Maintenance page.