Road Cut Permit

The Road Cut Permit is required for construction in (cutting into) a street, sidewalk, curb, or grass area in the City Right-of-Way (R.O.W.). R.O.W. is defined as the land and facilities that are maintained and regulated for public use, typically roads and sidewalks and the utilities and amenities on, under, or above them. On a survey, R.O.W. is any area outside the property line that can’t be bought or sold.

Apply for Road Cut Permit

Learn more about road cut permits and steps to apply below:

Who needs to Apply?
 The contractor or entity completing the work must apply.
Permit Requirements:

  • Application must be submitted 45 days prior to the start date of work.

  • You must submit a location request with UDig NY online or by phone at 811 at least two working days but no more than 10 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, before beginning any work. 

  • You must submit additional permit applications for the following (if applicable):
    • Curb Cut application if proposed construction includes curb alterations (or submit proof of City approval).

    • Metered Parking application if metered parking spaces are affected by the work.
Fee:

Applicable non-refundable and refundable fees will be determined as part of the application process. For a complete list of fees associated with the road cut permit, click here.

Steps to Apply

The Road Cut Permit Application is on the City’s Online Application Portal. If you require assistance with online access, please visit us in person at the Central Permit Office.

Online

Step 1.What you Need to Apply

  1. To-Scale Site Plan
  2. Temporary Traffic Control Plan
  3. Contractor Insurance Certificates

Review the Road Cut Permit Guide for more details

Step 2.Access the Application 

Click the button below to apply online. If this is your first time using the Online Application Portal, you will need to create an account. Instructions for the portal can be found here.

Step 3.Complete Application

Follow the steps to provide the required information.

Step 4.Payment

Upon submission, an invoice including applicable refundable and non-refundable fees will be sent to you and must be paid before the permit is issued. Payment for refundable fees must be made by Check or Money Order payable to the Commissioner of Finance. You will have the option to pay non-refundable fees by credit card on the online portal. Credit card fees apply.

Step 5.Permit Issuance

Once payment is received, a digital version of the permit will be sent to you. You must print the permit and have it available at the project site.

Step 6.Request Inspection

After restoration work is completed, you must request an inspection on your company letterhead. the letter must include the permit number, check number, date of check, and refundable check amount and be sent to: 

City of Syracuse Department of Public Works
Attn: Matt Fiato 
1200 Canal St. Ext.
Syracuse, NY 13210

Step 7.Request Refundable Payment 

The Application Form for Refundable Deposit(PDF, 154KB) is required to request the refundable portion of your permit payment. It must be submitted after work is completed and inspected by the Department of Public Works.

Apply for Road Cut Permit

In Person

Step 1.Visit the Central Permit Office

One Park Place
300 South State Street, 1st Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202

The main entrance is located on the south side of the building, on East Onondaga Street. Parking is available for visitors at the One Park Place Parking Lot, located at 343 East Onondaga Street.

Step 2.Online Access

You may use the computer located at the front kiosk in the Central Permit Office to access the application online. From here, see steps 1 to 5 outlined in the Online Steps to Apply. If you have questions or need assistance, a staff member can help you.

Road Cut Moratoriums

There are two types of moratoriums associated with road cuts. There is a winter moratorium from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28/29 as well as a pavement moratorium for roads paved within the last 5 years. You must request a waiver from the City to cut into the road during the timeline when these moratoriums apply. To request a waiver, please send a request letter to permits@syr.gov and include the following information:

  • Type of moratorium: winter or pavement
  • Brief description of the work and the reason it needs to be completed during the moratorium
  • Anticipated end date

The letter must be addressed to:
Mr. Jeremy Robinson
City of Syracuse DPW Commissioner
1200 Canal Street Ext
Syracuse, NY 13210

Contact Us

Phone

315-448-4754

Email

permits@syr.gov

Location

One Park Place
300 South State Street, 1st Floor (Entrance on East Onondaga Street)
13202
View Map

Fees & Violations

Road Cut Permit Fees(PDF, 180KB)

Right-of-Way Violations(PDF, 159KB)

Documents

Road Cut Permit Guide(PDF, 9MB)

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