Permits
Any types of alteration of the public right-of-way require a permit. Traffic Operations handles driveways, excavations, sidewalk, fee in-lieu-of sidewalk construction and street closures, dumpsters and permanent encroachments.
For street closures for special events or neighborhood block parties, please visit our page on special events. Please note that insurance will be required for events on public right-of-way.
Many permits can be obtained through our automated eCity application and payment site.
Permits for new or modified driveways or sidewalks:
Permits must be obtained through our automated eCity application and payment site or you may visit us in the Traffic Operations office if you need assistance. If you request your driveway permit in person, please have all the required information ready with each permit description (see below). Direct any questions to the Traffic Operation office at (417) 864-1980.
Application for a permit to construct, reconstruct, alter, remove or replace any driveway approach, or a curb, guttering or sidewalk in connection with such driveway approach work, shall include a plot plan, per Section 98-114 of Springfield City Code.
The permitting fee for modified or new sidewalks is currently $135.
To apply to pay a fee in-lieu-of sidewalk construction through the Administrative Review Committee, go to eCity application and payment site. The current fee is $31.46 per linear foot. Click to see a copy of the fee in-lieu-of sidewalk application. You can find more detail on fee in-lieu-of sidewalk construction at the bottom of this page.
Permit fees for new or modified driveways:
- Commercial Driveway: $151
- Residential Driveway: Improved $105 and unimproved $119
Please note that upon your application for a constructability inspection will be done and therefore the permit likely not be be issued on the same day.
The following information is needed for Driveway applications:
- Site address
- Name of contractor, address and telephone
- Project description
- Name of street driveway is on
- Name of nearest cross street from driveway
- Copy of subdivision plat if available
- Width of driveway at curb cut AND at right-of-way/property line. (Minimum requirement is 26’ for commercial driveways and 12 feet for residential)
- Driveway Plot Plan including the following items:
- Distance from driveway to lot line measured at pavement edge (5’ min to neighbor’s lot line, 20’ min to intersecting street )
- Footprint of structure, showing location of garage, carport or other required parking
- Distance from garage door from right-of-way (20’ minimum)
- Width and depth of property
- Distance between house or building and property line
- Setback distance from street right-of-way to building
Fee in-lieu-of sidewalk construction
As part of the (re)development in Springfield, sites are typically required to construct sidewalk along the entire length of the property frontage. It is required to on one side of the local streets and on both sides of streets classified as collectors and above (excluding expressways and freeways). As each site in Springfield (re)develops in Springfield, the requirement of this sidewalk construction will promote walkability, fill sidewalks gaps and create a connected network. However, in some instances, it may not be t feasible to construct sidewalk along a particular segment, or the construction of said sidewalk would be too costly. Along with a few other criteria (which can be found within the application), staff has found that is sometimes more beneficial to use those funds which would be used to construct the sidewalks elsewhere within the same Council Zone to fill key sidewalk gaps. The process followed to request paying a fee in in-lieu-of sidewalks construction begins with the completion of this application. The application is uploaded through eCity, where a meeting is requested with ARC (the Administrative Review Committee) to rule on the request. If approved, the applicant will be required to pay the fee in-lieu-of sidewalk construction, prior to issuance of a building permit. This fee can also be paid online through eCity. Currently, the fee is $19 per linear foot.
Right-of-Way Excavation Permits
No person shall make an excavation within the right-of-way limits without first obtaining a permit.
Acquiring a Permit
Anyone needing an excavation permit must apply through the Traffic Operations office located in the Busch Building on the first floor or through the automated eCity application and payment site. Any questions regarding an excavation permit should be directed to 417-864-1980.
Permit Application Requirements
- A $47 permit application fee will be charged when applicant acquires permit
- A $157 inspection fee will be charged when applicant acquires permit
- For large projects, a one-time plan review fee to review project plans and infrastructure of $684 is charged. These are typically projects lasting multiple weeks occurring over multiple blocks on all streets. Plan Review Fee will not be charged for projects that do not fit these constraints and have minor effects on infrastructure, as determined by the Public Works Utility Coordinator.
- A fee of $241 for each 7-day period, or portion of, the project has reduced traffic lanes or had sidewalk closures will be charged to “Large Projects”. Large Projects will be defined as streets classified as Collector and above, and for projects lasting multiple weeks occurring over multiple blocks on residential streets.
- Company applying for permit must have a certificate of insurance naming the City of Springfield as an additional insured with liability limits not less than the sovereign immunity limits for Missouri public entities (Sovereign immunity limit is published annually in the Missouri Register pursuant to Section 537.610 RSMo)
- Company applying for permit must have an excavation bond in the amount of $10,000 on file with the City
- Company applying for permit must have a City of Springfield business license
- Traffic control plans must be submitted with application (if applicable)
- Plans or drawing of work to be performed must be submitted with application
- A new permit is required for each block where work will occur
Need to Know Permit Information
- Contractor shall call 417-942-9255 two (2) business days before any work in right-of-way begins
- Bill for the cost of final repairs will be sent to the contractor after the City has inspected the work
- Contractor is responsible for the work until the City inspects and accepts the work performed
- All work must meet specifications in the latest edition of the Standard General Conditions and Technical Specifications for Public Works (See link below)
- Backfill of all excavations must consist of bedding material that is to be placed in six (6) inch layers and thoroughly tamped.
- A Stop Work Order may be issued for safety issues associated with the project and/or non-compliance with the conditions of this permit or City Code
- Permit will expire if work has not started within thirty (30) days of the permit’s issued date
- Permit is valid for sixty (60) days
General Conditions and Technical Specifications for Public Works
Dumpster Permits
The City does not allow for dumpsters to be placed on public streets or in the public right-of-way. Dumpsters must be placed on private property.
The only exception is made for temporary dumpsters in the Business Districts. In the Downtown and Commercial Street Business District, buildings are generally built up to the property lines. Such property owner must first try to utilize private parking lots for dumpsters. If such option is not available, then a dumpster permit may be applied for.
Dumpsters can pose a significant hazard to the traveling public, hence certain traffic control measures will be required to secure the site. Depending if the dumpster effects a sidewalk, a parking lane or blocking a travel lane, traffic control requirements range from “sidewalk closed” signs to a professional traffic control plan showing type 3 barricades and traffic detours. All dumpsters left overnight on public right-of-way must be delignated by flashing beacons.
To request a dumpster permit, contact Public Works Traffic Operations at least five working days ahead of time. Please have the following information ready: Dumpster address and exact placement location (Sidewalk, parking lane, traffic lane), dumpster placement and removal date, contact information including cell phone number and email.
There is currently no fee for dumpster permits.
Ph: (417) 864-1980
Lane or sidewalk closures have a significant impact on the traveling public. All sidewalk and lane closures must be approved prior to the closure.
For closures in connection with utility work, please contact the utility coordinator at (417)864-1901 five business days prior to the closure.
For sidewalk or lane closures in the Downtown or Commercial Business District, contact Traffic Operations at (417) 864-1980 five business days prior to the closure. You will be required to provide a traffic control plan. Depending on the location and duration of the closure, a professional traffic control plan may need to be submitted first (showing signage, barricades, detours, etc.). You will be responsible for the cost of the traffic control. Please contact our office at least five business days prior to the closure. Currently there is not fee for the lane/sidewalk closure permit.
Encroachments on Public Right of Way
The city prohibits encroachments on, in, over or under public right of way unless authorized by the city. If authorized, an encroachment license and permit is required. It is the city’s policy to limit the number of authorized encroachments, however, the Public Works Director or City Council can approve certain types of encroachments either via administrative approval by Public Works Director or through Council Action.
Example of encroachments that require administrative approval by the Director of Public Works (incurs a fee of $233):
- Sidewalk Café (with or without fencing)
- Awning or freestanding canopy
- Planter or street furniture
Example of encroachments that is approved though City Council (incurs a fee of $341):
- Any encroachment request that does not fall in the administrative approval category
If you have an encroachment related question, please contact Dawne Gardner, Transportation Planner/ADA Coordinator at [email protected] or (417) 864-1863.