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City of Bellevue, WA Transportation
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Right of way FAQs

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  6. Right-of-Way Procedures Manual
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    Right-of-Way Procedures Manual

    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Right-of-Way Boundaries
    • Right-of-Way Feedback
    Header Image
    right of way sidewalk 1600x400.jpg

    This webpage provides answers to questions we often receive about city rights of way. 

     

    What is Right of Way?

    Learn what the right of way is and where it's typically located.

    How do I schedule an inspection?

    The City of Bellevue makes scheduling an inspection easy. You can do it by telephone (call 425-452-6875) or online through MyBuildingPermit.com. More information is available to schedule an inspection. 

    Someone has painted colored lines on the right of way. Who does this? What are the lines for?

    State law requires that underground utilities such as power or gas lines or water pipes be located in advance of ANY digging (greater than 12 inches for agricultural purposes) within the right of way.

    This is to both protect the underground utility and the excavator. You are seeing the results of an excavator's request for "locates" within the general area of proposed work. The lines may be for planning purposes to identify possible areas for new utility installation or for maintenance purposes. Each color reflects the presence of a specific type of utility and its general running direction.

    Who is responsible for maintenance of the sidewalk?

    Bellevue differs from many other jurisdictions by maintaining and repairing the majority of its sidewalks. The city has specific standards that determine when a sidewalk will be repaired.

    Our sidewalk maintenance team inspects all arterial sidewalks once per year. The team cycles through one of the five maintenance districts each year for a complete sidewalk inspection. Those sidewalk repairs are then scheduled for the following year or construction season after the inspection.

    It is important to note that driveway approaches are not maintained by the Streets Department.

    Customers can report sidewalk defects at any time by calling 425-452-7840. Reported defects are inspected and mitigated with sheet mix asphalt until the maintenance cycle reaches that district. If you have any immediate concerns or notice a defect, please contact us, and we will address the issue promptly.

    Will the city repair a driveway apron?

    Repair, replacement or establishment of a driveway apron is the responsibility of the homeowner. A right of way use permit is required for this work as it often forces changes to curb, gutter, sidewalk, drainage or other infrastructure.

    There is a rolled curb in front of my house.  Should I park partially on the sidewalk to get more of my vehicle off of the street?

    It is illegal at any time for a vehicle to be parked on a public sidewalk without the issuance of a right of way use permit from the city. When permitted, the sidewalk must be signed as closed and a viable, ADA-compliant alternate pedestrian route identified.

    I don't want to block the sidewalk with my cans on garbage collection day. What should I do?

    Since Bellevue has few alleys, there is going to be an inherent conflict with cans and pedestrian facilities on collection day. It is important to be a good neighbor and consider others when placing your cans out. Try to maintain the greatest amount of room possible on the sidewalk and remove your cans as soon as possible following collection. Cans should be removed from the right of way within 24 hours.

    Can I place my basketball hoop in the right of way?

    While the City of Bellevue endorses fun and recreation, safety is in our top priority. Basketball hoops, hockey nets and other toys placed in the public right of way create an inherent safety conflict between players and motorists. If your hoop or toys are on the street or blocking the sidewalk you may get a letter from the City of Bellevue requiring its removal.

    I am having a load of bark (topsoil, rock, etc.) delivered to my house. Can I have them dump it on the street or sidewalk?

    Deliveries must be done off the street and the materials covered if not immediately spread. You may be held responsible for any run-off that enters city stormwater systems.

    Can I place a “POD” moving container, Dumpster or other storage container within the Right of Way to assist with my move or remodel?

    No, we do not permit these items to be in the right of way, except in very limited circumstances. They are never allowed downtown or on arterial streets. Within residential areas, these items must always be placed in driveways, with the exception that a Right of Way Street Use permit may be issued for owners with very steep driveways (greater than 15% grade). When these items are permitted in the ROW with a valid permit, they shall have a footprint not exceeding 20 feet long by 8 feet wide, remain for no longer than 48 hours, be placed on wood or other risers to protect the roadway, and be safely delineated with 28” cones to increase visibility to drivers. 
     

    Contact

    Right of Way Use
    Telephone
    425-452-4189
    Email
    Rightofwayuse@bellevuewa.gov
    Social Media

    Reasonable Accommodation

    For alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable modification requests please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-6800 (voice) or email servicefirst@bellevuewa.gov. For complaints regarding modifications, contact the City of Bellevue ADA, Title VI, and Equal Opportunity Officer at ADATitleVI@bellevuewa.gov.

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