The public right-of-way (ROW) is land or an easement used for public roads. This usually includes sidewalks, road shoulders and ditches.

We allow mailboxes, roadside vegetation, fences and retaining walls in the ROW unless they block access. You can put basketball hoops on dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs. Traffic control and other authorized signs are also allowed.

Roadside signs, permanent structures, water wells, septic tanks and drain fields are not allowed in the ROW.

We require a right-of-way permit for:

• Utilities
• Sidewalks
• Driveways and property access
• Dust control
• Water and stream measuring devices
• Bus shelters and benches
• Temporary road closures
• Things that aren’t specifically prohibited or allowed without a permit

We require a right-of-way agreement to:

• Opt out of roadside spraying next to your property
• Place storage containers in the right-of-way

We can remove anything put in the right-of-way without compensation whether you have a permit or not.

We may penalize or fine you if you don’t get a required permit, if you don’t meet permit conditions or if you create a hazard.

Related Documents:

• General Conditions 
• Insurance Requirements 
• Performance Bond
• Board-adopted Washington County Fee Schedule
• Permit Amendment (PDF) Used to make changes to scope of work, contractor or person(s) responsible for permit.
• Road Design and Construction Standards 
• Rules for Personal Wireless Service Facilities in Public Right-of-Way (PDF)