Right-of-way permits in Lakewood: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a right-of-way permit in Lakewood, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot lines, where the lot meets the street, cited to Lakewood's source.
When does right-of-way work need a permit in Lakewood?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
From Lakewood's own code
“A. General. City right-of-way shall not be blocked, occupied, privately improved or used for access or other purposes unless a permit has been issued for such use. B. Permit Required. A right-of-way permit is required before any person commences to grade or stockpile material; alter, construct, repair, remove, excavate, place, obstruct, damage or disturb any structure, utility, facility or improvement located in the public right-of-way; or commence any other activity that interferes with the free use of the public right-of-way. 1.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-02
Required submittals
- ROW work plan / sketch
- Traffic-control plan if arterial
- Certificate of insurance
- Bond if required
Inspection sequence
- Pre-construction
- Subgrade / base
- Final ROW restoration
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Lakewood?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Lakewood and Pierce County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the right-of-way permit with Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Lakewood right-of-way quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city public works, not the building department. Often required as a precondition to a building permit (e.g. addition w/ new driveway). Bond + insurance commonly required. Traffic-control plan for arterial work.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Find where your lot meets the street. Run an address lookup for your right-of-way work in Lakewood — we'll pull your lot lines as the county maps them, which show where the lot ends and the public right-of-way begins.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Lakewood's fee schedule sets them) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Right-of-way permits in Lakewood — FAQ
When does right-of-way work need a permit in Lakewood?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
How much does a right-of-way permit cost in Lakewood?
Lakewood's right-of-way permit for minor construction, parking or other non-intrusive use is $240, plus staff time over 2 hours at $120 an hour; a street opening permit, for pavement cuts, excavation and utility work in the street, is $1,200 plus staff time over 10 hours at $120 an hour, and a pavement degradation fee applies to a cut, $33.25 to $111.25 a square yard by the street's condition. Every permit application carries the City's $90 administrative base fee, mechanical permits excepted, and a 4% technology fee (2026 Fee Schedule). Apply through Lakewood's Online Permit Center (https://app.oncamino.com/lakewood_wa), linked with the account steps from the city's Apply for a Permit page (https://cityoflakewood.us/permit-center/).