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City of Bellevue, WA Transportation
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Right-of-Way Procedures Manual

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    Permits and Standards

    • Right-of-Way Procedures Manual
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Right-of-Way Boundaries
      • Right-of-Way Feedback
    • Transportation Codes
      • Multimodal Concurrency
      • Transportation Infrastructure
      • Transportation Impact Analysis
      • Transportation Impact Fees
      • Subsurface Clearance Requirements (PDF)
    • Transportation Design Manual and Complete Streets Guide

    The public right-of-way (ROW) generally refers to streets and other public property reserved for public use, including walkways, sidewalks, bikeways and horse trails. This includes air rights, subsurface rights and easements related to them. The right of way often extends well into what appears to be private property. 

    image of crew painting crosswalk at downtown intersection

    The Right-of-Way Procedures Manual serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone conducting activities within the public right-of-way. Whether you are looking to construct a new building, install a new utility, remove a tree or replace a driveway, it provides guidance to minimize conflicts, promote public safety and welfare, and ensure compliance with city standards, policies, and guidelines. 

    The manual addresses common issues related activity in the public right-of-way but may not address every possible situation. For additional information, see the resources below: 

    • Right-of-Way Boundaries
    • ROW Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
    • If you need any clarification on any of the items found within the manual, please contact the Right of Way Management team at Rightofwayuse@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-4189.

    Manual update process

    Each year, the Transportation Department will review new legislation, policies and public feedback to evaluate the need for new or revised procedures that regulate activities within the public right-of-way in the interest of public health, safety and welfare. 

    Feedback will be evaluated by the department’s ROW management team to determine necessary improvements to the manual. Most updates to the ROW Procedures Manual will occur at the end of each year and become effective the following year. A summary of the updates from the previous year will be published. 

    Submit feedback here.

    It may be necessary at times for the city to make changes outside of the regular update schedule to address immediate needs. In such instances, the new or modified procedure will be listed as an interim update. For additional information please see the update documents below: 

    • 2025 Interim Changes
    • 2024 Update Summary Document

    Right of Way Procedures Manual

    Navigate to specific sections of the manual using the links below or access the full document here: Right-of-Way Procedures Manual.

    Chapter 1: General Purpose

    Chapter 2: Right-of-Way Permit Types

    Chapter 3: Other City of Bellevue Permits

    Chapter 4: Right-of-Way Inspections

    Chapter 5: Violations

    Chapter 6: Commercial Activity with the Right-of-Way

    Chapter 7: On-street Parking Management

    Chapter 8: Other Uses of the Right-of-Way

    Chapter 9: Encroachments, Street Vacations and Dedications

    Chapter 10: Other Right-of-Way Requirements and Issues

    Chapter 11: Franchise Utilities

    Appendices

    Appendix A: Pre-con Checklist–Disturbance of Surface 

    Appendix B: Sample Assignment of Savings Form

    Appendix C: Sample Hold Harmless and Indemnity Agreement 

    Appendix D: ROW Use General Conditions 

    Appendix E: Traffic Control Guidelines 

    Appendix F: Traffic Control Supervisor Roles and Responsibilities 

    Appendix G: APWA Uniform Color Code Handout

    Appendix H: Sidewalk Café Standards 

    Appendix I: Over-Legal Vehicles and Loads Policy

    Appendix J: Holiday Lighting Brochure 

    Appendix K: Pedestrian Access During Construction Projects 

    Appendix L: Tree Replacement Guidelines 

    Appendix M: Tree Management in the ROW 

    Appendix N: Link Light Rail Track Access Requirements

    Appendix O: Curb Transition Details 

    Appendix P: Electrical Undergrounding Requirements and Variance Request 

    Appendix Q: Utilities Department ROW Permit Conditions

    Holiday Right-of-Way Work Restrictions

    During the holiday season, the city restricts the hours that city crews, contractors and franchise utility companies can work on busy roadways. A seasonal work restrictions map shows the affected corridors. 

    The Holiday Right-of-Way Restrictions are in place starting the Wednesday before Thanksgiving until early January.

    The reasons for the restrictions are to limit impacts on the transportation system, increase safety and promote economic vitality during the busy holiday shopping season. Impacts from the work can affect pick-up and delivery services, the transit system and emergency responses during adverse weather conditions. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Rightofwayuse@bellevuewa.gov.

    Contact

    Right of Way Management

    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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