Right-of-way permits in City of Shoreline: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a right-of-way permit in City of Shoreline, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Shoreline Planning & Community Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Shoreline's source.
When does a right-of-way need a permit in City of Shoreline?
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 City of Shoreline's own code
“A. A right-of-way use permit shall not be required of utilities for activities exempted under SMC § 12.15.170 or when responding to emergencies that require disturbance of the right-of-way; provided, that the department shall be notified by the responding utility or contractor verbally or in writing, as soon as practicable following onset of an emergency. Nothing herein shall relieve a responding utility or contractor from the requirement to apply for a right-of-way use permit as provided in this chapter within 48 hours after beginning emergency work in the right-of-way. B.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-17
What City of Shoreline says in its own permit handout
From Right of Way Permits, published by City of Shoreline. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“When is a Right-of-Way Permit Required? A permit is required for all construction within the public right-of-way. Additionally, permits are required to locate structures in the right-of-way or to use the right-of-way for special events or activities.”Handout ↗read 2026-09-05
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
Who can do this work in City of Shoreline?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Shoreline and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the right-of-way permit with Shoreline Planning & Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Shoreline right-of-way quote.
Notes & caveats
Right-of-Way Use Permit required separately. Civil Engineering Plans must meet frontage requirements per SMC 20.70.320. Frontage improvements are NOT required when adding an ADU (per ADU Handout).
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Shoreline 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: Shoreline Planning & Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Right-of-way permit fees vary by city: a base fee for a residential driveway or curb cut, plus a per-day occupancy charge if the street is obstructed. Apply electronically via eTRAKiT (https://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/planning-community-development/permit-center-remote-services/register-for-a-professional-etrakit-account).) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull right-of-way permits in City of Shoreline every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Shoreline Planning & Community Development, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Right-of-way permits in City of Shoreline — FAQ
When does a right-of-way need a permit in City of Shoreline?
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 City of Shoreline?
Current fee per the City of Shoreline fee schedule: Right-of-way permit fees vary by city: a base fee for a residential driveway or curb cut, plus a per-day occupancy charge if the street is obstructed. Apply electronically via eTRAKiT (https://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/planning-community-development/permit-center-remote-services/register-for-a-professional-etrakit-account).. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.