Right-of-way permits in Mercer Island: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a right-of-way permit in Mercer Island, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Mercer Island Community Planning & Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Mercer Island's source.
When does right-of-way work need a permit in Mercer Island?
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 Mercer Island's own code
“1. It is unlawful for anyone to excavate, alter, tunnel under, obstruct, or place any structure upon any public right-of-way without first obtaining a right-of-way permit from the city, or to fail to comply with any conditions attached to such right-of-way permit.”Source ↗verified 2026-09-07
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 Mercer Island?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Mercer Island and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the right-of-way permit with Mercer Island Community Planning & Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Mercer Island 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. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Mercer Island right-of-way — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (4).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Mercer Island Community Planning & Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Mercer Island'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 Mercer Island Community Planning & Development, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Right-of-way permits in Mercer Island — FAQ
When does right-of-way work need a permit in Mercer Island?
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 Mercer Island?
Mercer Island's right-of-way use permit is $257 for a miscellaneous use, $342 for underground work in an unpaved area (Type A), $513 for surface improvements (Type B) and $769 for underground work in a paved area (Type C); an encroachment agreement is $769, and further review and inspection $182 an hour (2026 Fee Schedule).