Excavation Permits

Prior to obtaining a permit, the proposed work must be reviewed and approved. Use the permit applications below to begin the process.

• General Utility (Small Diameter) ROW Permit Application

Further right-of-way permit documents for service connections, sidewalks, and small-diameter utility work:

• Permit Regulations
• Permit Regulations Small Diameter Utility Supplemental
• Minnesota State Law Chapter 216D
• Fee structure for permits and inspections 

Contractors can call, fax, or email requests for excavation permits.

Sidewalks, Driveway Approaches, Pedestrian Ramps, Boulevard Regrading, Concrete Roadway Patches & Asphalt Roadway Patches

• City License is required.
• Driveway approaches can not be over 32' for commercial or residential use unless approved by the City Engineer.
• The driveway approach can only be as wide as the garage structure.
• Changes to the current driveway approach must include a drawing for review with the permit application.
• Public Works Specifications for Sidewalks
• Inspection times: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Prior to placing concrete or bituminous materials for any roadway, sidewalk, or path, the applicant shall schedule an inspection of the aggregate base, forms, tie-in points, and other relevant components for any work done in the ROW to ensure compliance with City specifications. Failure to call for an inspection may result in the removal of the concrete or bituminous material at Applicant’s cost until fully inspected. Inspections may be scheduled by calling 507-328-2400. 

Rochester Code of Ordinances 9-2 states, in part:

An excavation permit is required by any person wishing to excavate that part of the public right-of-way described in such permit and to hinder free and open passage over the specified portion of the public right-of-way by placing facilities described therein, to the extent and for the duration specified therein.

Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Service Connections 

• City License is required. 
• Service connection work requires a plan submitted for review with a permit application
• Public Works Specifications for Connections
• Inspection times: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Prior to backfilling any excavations, Applicant shall schedule inspections of all public or private sanitary sewer lines, water lines, storm sewers, and sub-drains to ensure compliance with City specifications. Failure to call for an inspection may require exposing the utility lines at Applicant’s cost until fully inspected. Inspections may be scheduled by calling 507-328-2400.

Cable, Phone, Electrical, Fiber Optics and Gas Service Utilities

General Utility (Small Diameter) ROW Permit Application

• All small-diameter utility permits require a plan on aerial imagery submitted for review with the permit application.
• When utility work is planned that includes aerial placement such as cable, wire or equipment (not underground), the proposed work must be reviewed and approved by Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) prior to obtaining a permit.

Prior to placing concrete or bituminous materials for any roadway, sidewalk, or path, the applicant shall schedule an inspection of the aggregate base, forms, tie-in points, and other relevant components for work in the ROW to ensure compliance with City specifications. Failure to call for an inspection may result in the removal of the concrete or bituminous material at Applicant’s cost until fully inspected. Inspections may be scheduled by calling 507-328-2400.

The applicant must also email pwpermits@rochestermn.gov or call 507-328-2400 once the utility work is complete and the turf is fully restored to schedule a final inspection.

To improve customer service, we implemented an electronic system for receiving information without a signature for our current permit requests.

• Authorized Permit Requesters Form

Tracked within the permit:

1. Permit requested by (this will be the person that requests the permit via e-mail, phone, fax or in person)
2. How was the permit requested (fax, e-mail, phone, in person)
3. Permit request date (this is the date the permit was requested)
4. Person authorizing permit (this is the employee who received the information and created the permit)

All data received via email, fax or in person will be scanned and saved in a file for permit requests for data practice laws.

The form must be completed, notarized and emailed, delivered in person, or mailed to:

DSIC
4001 West River Parkway NW
Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55901