Navigating Right-of-Way Permits in Indianapolis: What You Need to Know
An Indianapolis right of way permit is required for any use, restriction, or excavation of public streets, alleys, or sidewalks within the city. These permits ensure proper oversight of activities that affect public spaces and infrastructure.
Quick Guide to Indianapolis Right-of-Way Permits:
| Permit Type | When Required | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Use (No Excavation) | Sidewalk/lane closures, scaffolding, special events | 5-7 business days |
| Excavation | Utility work, trenching, boring | 5-7 business days (longer in Regional Center) |
| Oversize/Overweight | Heavy loads inside I-465 | 5-7 business days |
| Decal Permit | Utility companies for multiple short-term jobs | Valid for 1 calendar year |
Before starting any project that affects public right-of-way in Indianapolis, you must apply through the Accela Citizens Access Portal. All excavation work requires calling 811 at least two full business days before digging to have underground utilities marked.
The permit must be activated by calling 317-327-5525 before work begins and visibly posted at the work site. Work must commence within three working days of activation, or the permit must be deactivated by contacting the township inspector.
I’m Clay Hamilton PE, President of Patriot Excavating with over 20 years of experience navigating the Indianapolis right of way permit process for projects ranging from residential utility connections to commercial developments throughout central Indiana. At Patriot Excavating, we handle the entire permitting process for our clients, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their projects while we manage the regulatory requirements.
Indianapolis Right of Way Permit Basics
When you’re planning a project in Indianapolis, understanding what constitutes the “public right-of-way” is your first step to success. These areas include not just the obvious streets and alleys, but also sidewalks and sometimes those tricky areas that look like private property but are actually designated for public use. The Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) and Department of Public Works (DPW) jointly oversee these spaces to keep our city running smoothly.
An Indianapolis right of way permit is essentially your official permission slip to work in these public spaces. Think of it as a temporary agreement between you and the city—it doesn’t grant you any permanent property rights, and the city can revoke it if you don’t play by the rules.
These permits have solid legal footing in Chapter 200 of the DPW Transportation Standards Manual, which got a fresh update in May 2021. This chapter wasn’t just casually adopted—it was specifically acceptd by the Board of Business and Neighborhood Services to provide comprehensive guidelines for anyone working in these public spaces.
Permit Types At a Glance
Whether you’re planning a simple sidewalk closure or major utility work, there’s a specific permit designed for your project. The city offers four main types of permits to cover various activities:
The Use Permit (No Excavation) is your go-to when you need to block a sidewalk, close a lane, set up scaffolding, or host an event without digging into the ground. It’s perfect for projects that impact the right-of-way but leave the earth undisturbed.
For any project involving digging, trenching, boring, or utility work, you’ll need an Excavation Permit. This is the most common permit we help our clients secure at Patriot Excavating.
Moving something exceptionally large or heavy through Indianapolis? You’ll need an Oversize/Overweight Load Permit if you’re traveling inside the I-465 beltway with oversized equipment or materials.
Utility companies and their contractors often benefit from the Right-of-Way Use Permit Decal, an annual permit that allows up to 8 hours of work at specific locations without seeking individual authorizations each time.
I recently chatted with John, a project manager from Carmel who shared: “Having worked with Patriot Excavating on several commercial developments, I’ve found their knowledge of the permit process invaluable. They handled all the paperwork while we focused on other aspects of the project.”
When Do You Need an Indianapolis Right of Way Permit?
You need an Indianapolis right of way permit whenever your activities will impact public spaces. This includes street or alley work like construction or repairs, sidewalk closures that block pedestrian paths, lane restrictions that reduce traffic flow, utility cuts to access underground infrastructure, private events using public space, and any excavation or digging in the public right-of-way.
Indiana state law (IC 8-1-26) requires you to call 811 at least two full business days before any digging project. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s mandatory, and skipping this step can lead to hefty fines and liability for damaged utilities.
If you’re working in the Regional Center (the area bounded by 16th St, I-65/I-70, Morris St, and the Belt Railroad), be aware of special requirements and restricted hours. Standard work hours there run from 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM, while non-thoroughfare areas allow work from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The consequences of working without proper permits can be severe—from stop-work orders to fines and potential liability issues. Last year, we helped a client who had received a violation for starting sidewalk work without permits. Our team quickly guided them through the application process, getting their project back on track with minimal delays.
How to Apply for an Indianapolis Right of Way Permit Online
Indianapolis has streamlined the permit application process through the Accela Citizens Access Portal. Here’s how to steer it successfully:
First, register for an account on the Accela portal if you don’t already have one. This creates your digital identity in the system.
Before diving into the application, gather all required documentation including your detailed project description, exact work location, start and end dates, traffic control plan (if needed), site plan showing affected areas, and insurance documentation.
Once you’re prepared, complete the application form by logging into the portal and selecting the appropriate permit type. Fill out all required fields with precise information—accuracy here prevents delays later.
After completing the form, submit your supporting documents by uploading your site plan, traffic control plan, and any other required paperwork.
Before finalizing, review everything carefully to ensure all information is correct. Small errors can lead to big delays.
And don’t forget to call 811 at least two full business days before any excavation to have underground utilities marked—this step is non-negotiable.
Sarah, a residential developer in Fishers, recently told me: “Patriot Excavating walked me through the entire permit process for our subdivision’s utility connections. What would have taken me weeks to figure out was handled efficiently by their team.”
For additional guidance, the city provides comprehensive Regulations for Activities in the Public Right-of-Way, which contains detailed requirements and specifications.
Pro Tip: Be extremely specific about the areas being affected (traffic lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes, parking) in your application. This level of detail reduces follow-up questions and accelerates the approval process.
Types of Indianapolis Right of Way Permits Explained
Let’s explore each permit type in more practical detail:
The Use Permit (No Excavation) covers a wide range of activities that don’t involve digging. This is your permit when setting up scaffolding for building maintenance, blocking sidewalks for construction access, reserving parking meters for events or moving trucks, placing dumpsters in parking lanes, or installing street banners.
An Excavation Permit is required whenever you’ll disturb the ground in the right-of-way. This includes utility installation or repair, trenching for new service lines, boring under roadways for conduit installation, curb and sidewalk replacement, and driveway approach construction. At Patriot Excavating, we secure these permits regularly for our utility and site development work.
The Oversize/Overweight Load Permit becomes necessary when transporting exceptionally large or heavy items inside the I-465 beltway. For loads exceeding 150,000 pounds, you’ll need additional authorization beyond the standard permit.
The Right-of-Way Use Permit Decal is an annual permit that costs $477 and allows utilities and their contractors to work for up to 8 hours at a location without obtaining individual permits for each job site. It’s valid for the calendar year, expiring on December 31—making it a convenient option for companies performing regular maintenance work.
Managing Your Right-of-Way Project Like a Pro
Once you’ve secured your Indianapolis right of way permit, the real work begins. Having helped hundreds of clients steer these projects, we at Patriot Excavating have learned that proper management is the difference between a smooth operation and a headache-filled experience.
Erosion Control and Environmental Compliance
Mother Nature doesn’t take a break during your construction project, and neither should your erosion control measures. All excavation permits require you to implement and maintain proper safeguards throughout your project.
Before your first shovel hits the dirt, you’ll need to install silt fencing to prevent sediment runoff, protect nearby storm drains with inlet guards, and create stabilized construction entrances. As specified in ROW Regulations Sec. 17.03, these measures must remain in place and be regularly maintained until your site is fully restored.
I remember a project in Broad Ripple where a sudden downpour tested our erosion controls. Because we had properly installed and maintained them, we avoided what could have been a costly cleanup and potential violation notice.
Traffic Management Requirements
Safety comes first when working in public spaces. At minimum, your traffic management plan should include safety cones to clearly mark your work zone, appropriate signage to warn approaching drivers and pedestrians, and in many cases, flaggers to direct traffic around your site.
For busier streets, you’ll likely need arrowboards to guide lane merges. And if you’re working in the Regional Center or performing a total road closure, certified officers may be required instead of standard flaggers.
“Working with Patriot Excavating on our downtown utility project made traffic management seamless,” a Brownsburg contractor recently told us. “Their team knew exactly what was required for Regional Center work, saving us from potential violations.”
All traffic control must comply with the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Think of this as the bible of traffic management – following it keeps everyone safe and your project compliant.
Fees, Bonds, and Review Timelines
Understanding the financial aspects of right-of-way permits helps prevent budget surprises:
The standard application fee is $55 and is non-refundable – consider it your entry ticket to the permit process. If you’re a utility company or contractor doing regular work, the annual right-of-way use permit decal runs $477, allowing multiple small jobs throughout the year.
Working near parking meters? Budget for $25-$30 per meter per day, depending on which zone you’re in.
Bond requirements come in two flavors: Performance bonds for single projects (submitted to the district office) and blanket bonds for companies with multiple permits (sent to the Central Office). Government agencies, schools, and churches might qualify for bond waivers if INDOT is named as a beneficiary.
Most permits take 5-7 business days for review, though complex projects or anything within the Regional Center often take longer due to additional approvals. You can track your permit status through the Electronic Permit System (EPS) or by reaching out to the permit office directly.
For more details about our permit preparation and approval services, visit our permit services page.
Responsibilities During and After Work
Getting your permit is just the beginning – how you manage the project determines its success.
Before you break ground, call 317-327-5525 to activate your permit, post it visibly at your work site (think of it as your construction license), set up all required traffic control devices, and double-check that 811 has marked all underground utilities.
While work is underway, maintain your traffic control setups (those cones don’t rearrange themselves), keep erosion control measures functioning properly, follow all permit conditions including work hour restrictions, and remember to begin work within three days of activation – or call to deactivate the permit if you need to delay.
After you’ve finished, restore all areas to their original condition (or better), remove all equipment and materials, request a final inspection (317-327-5525 again), and stand behind your work through the warranty period.
“After Patriot Excavating completed our sewer connection,” shared Mike, a homeowner in Franklin, “they restored our yard so well you couldn’t tell where they had dug. Their attention to restoration details was impressive.”
Failing to meet these responsibilities can lead to stop work orders, fines, permit revocation, difficulty obtaining future permits, and potential liability for damages or accidents. None of these make for a good day at work.
Special Cases: Total Closures, Sensitive Areas & Other Permits
Some projects need extra attention beyond the standard permit process:
Total road closures require at least two weeks’ advance notice, a detailed detour route map, notification to affected stakeholders, and sometimes public hearings for major closures.
Regional Center work faces additional scrutiny with extra reviews and approvals, may require ILEA officers for traffic control, has restricted work hours (8:15 AM to 4:00 PM), and often needs coordination with downtown businesses and events.
If your project touches state roads, you’ll need permits from INDOT instead of or alongside city permits. And the Town of Speedway maintains its own Right of Way Access Permit system with different requirements.
Many projects require additional permits beyond right-of-way authorization, including stormwater and drainage permits for projects affecting water flow, flood management permits for designated flood zones, film permits for commercial photography, or special event permits for gatherings over 250 people.
For flood management questions, the city’s Flood Management page is a helpful resource.
Keeping Tabs on Your Permit Status and Extensions
Staying on top of your permit status prevents unwelcome surprises and project delays.
The Accela Citizens Access Portal is your window into permit status. Log in, steer to the “Permits” section, select your permit number, and you’ll see its current status along with any additional information requests or notes from reviewers.
Need more time? Permit extensions are available, but with some important limitations. You can extend a permit only once, and you must request this extension before your original permit expires. There will be additional fees, and all these must be paid before re-issuance. Submit extension requests through the Accela portal or by contacting the permit office directly.
If you’ve activated your permit but can’t start work within three days, contact your township inspector to deactivate it, then call 317-327-5525 to reactivate when you’re ready to begin.
Keep thorough records of everything related to your permit – the original application and approval, any modifications or extensions, inspection reports, photos of work in progress and completed restoration, and all communications with inspectors or the permit office. This documentation can be invaluable if questions arise later.
Lisa, a project coordinator from Avon, noted: “Working with Patriot Excavating made permit tracking simple. Their team maintained detailed records and handled all inspector communications, which kept our timeline on track.”
Good permit management isn’t glamorous, but it prevents the kind of disruptions that can derail your project schedule and budget. At Patriot Excavating, we’ve turned this process into a science, allowing our clients to focus on their core business while we handle the permit complexities.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Navigating the Indianapolis right of way permit process becomes much less daunting when you understand what’s required and follow the proper steps. Each stage of the process—from initial application to final restoration—plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and protecting our shared infrastructure.
At Patriot Excavating, we’ve spent years fine-tuning our approach to right-of-way permitting throughout central Indiana. Our experience covers everything from residential utility connections in Greenwood to complex commercial developments in Carmel, giving us insight into the nuances of local requirements that can make or break your timeline.
As Tom from Noblesville recently told us, “What I appreciated most about working with Patriot was that they handled all the permit headaches while keeping our project moving forward. Their knowledge saved us weeks of back-and-forth with the city.”
Whether you’re planning a simple driveway approach or coordinating a multi-phase utility installation, securing proper permits is the foundation of project success. The guidelines we’ve outlined help you avoid costly delays, prevent violations, and maintain positive relationships with city officials—relationships that matter for future projects.
Our team has developed expertise in right-of-way work across Indianapolis and surrounding communities including Greenwood, Franklin, Bargersville, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Mooresville, Martinsville, Avon, Plainfield, Brownsburg, and throughout central Indiana. We understand the local nuances that can make a difference in your permit approval timeline.
Ready to get your next project moving? Let our permitting expertise work for you. Contact Patriot Excavating today to discuss how we can streamline your permitting process and ensure your project stays on schedule. For more information about our comprehensive permit preparation and approval services, visit our permit services page or call us directly to discuss your specific project needs.
Remember—when it comes to right-of-way projects, proper planning and permitting aren’t just boxes to check off. They’re the bedrock of a smooth, successful project that stays on schedule and within budget. With Patriot Excavating guiding you through the process, you can focus on what you do best while we handle the permitting details that make everything else possible.
