***Due to staffing shortages, if you are coming to visit us regarding Engineering (ENG), Excavation (EXC), or Right of Way Use Permits, we encourage you to make an appointment so we can ensure staff is available to assist you. Please request an appointment by emailing Kirsten.McPherson@yakimawa.gov***

Permit Required

A permit must first be obtained in order to use the public right of way for any private purpose (YMC 8.20.010).

An Excavation Permit may also be required for work occurring in the right-of-way, including adding or modifying driveway approaches (YMC 8.72.030).

Application Submittal

A complete application includes:

• A completed and signed application form
• Payment of the applicable fees:
  • $100 for permanent/long-term right of way use permit.
  • $50 for short-term permit (less than 30 days).
  • If within a residential zone, refer to the master fee schedule for the Variance application fee (YMC 8.20.040(B)).
• A scaled site plan depicting the public right-of-way.
• Plans and specifications for utility/structure desired in or on public right-of-way.
• Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement (included in application packet)
• For permit specific requirements based on the type of use, see applicable code section in YMC 8.20.

Prior to issuance of permit/license, applicant shall file evidence of comprehensive public liability insurance, pursuant to the limits in YMC 8.20.060, with the City of Yakima named as an additional insured party; a copy of additional insured endorsement shall be included.

The application and required submittals may be submitted via email to engineering@yakimawa.gov, submitted in-person at the Engineering Counter on the 2nd floor of City Hall, or mailed to:

City of Yakima Engineering
129 N 2nd St
Yakima, WA 98901

Payment of Application Fee

The application fee(s) may be paid at the Permits Counter on the 2nd floor of City Hall (cash, check, or card), by check in the mail (made payable to City of Yakima and mailed to the address above), or through the online permit center – view instructions here. You will be able to pay online once staff has entered your application information into the system.

Review Process

After initial review by the Engineering Division for compliance with code requirements:

• Short-Term Permit (less than 30 days):
  • The City Engineer or their designee shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the permit application.
  • If approved (or approved with conditions), the insurance requirements of YMC 8.20.060 must be met. The applicant shall file evidence of comprehensive public liability insurance with the City of Yakima named as an additional insured party and shall include a copy of the additional insured endorsement.
  • After the certificate of insurance is reviewed and determined to be in compliance with the code, the permit will be issued to the applicant. The applicant shall sign the permit and return it to the Engineering Division prior to starting work.

• Permanent/Long-Term License
  • For Business/Commercial Uses:
    • Engineering Division staff will review the application and present their recommendation of approval, approval with conditions, or denial at an upcoming City Council meeting. It is encouraged that the applicant attends the meeting in case any questions come up.
    • If council approves the application, they will adopt a Resolution to enact their decision and Engineering Division staff will issue the license.
  • For Residential Uses within Residential Zones:
    • Planning Division staff will review the required Variance land use application under the procedures of YMC Chapter 15.21, which requires public notice to be sent by the Planning Division to property owners within 300 feet of the area. A public hearing by the Hearing Examiner will be conducted. There will be a 14-day appeal period that follows the notice of the decision during which time the license cannot yet be issued.
  • For Signs in City-Owned Right-of-Way:
    • The application will be reviewed and approved or denied by the Engineering Division.
  • For Community Crosswalk Painting/Markings:
    • Staff will forward the application to the Arts Commission for review and recommendation by the Commission to the City Engineer, in accordance with the Community Crosswalk Painting Policy.
  • Prior to issuance of the right of way use license, the insurance requirements of YMC 8.20.060 must be met. The applicant shall file evidence of comprehensive public liability insurance with the City of Yakima named as an additional insured party and shall include a copy of the additional insured endorsement.
  • After the certificate of insurance is reviewed and determined to be in compliance with the code, the license will be issued to the applicant.

The applicant or other interested persons may appeal the decision in accordance with the procedures set forth in YMC Chapter 16.08.

Short-Term Permit Expiration

Short-term right-of-way use permits may be renewed one time upon completion of a new application and the payment of the application fee.

Permanent/Long-Term License Expiration and Renewal

Licenses are valid through the period as shown on the Certificate of Insurance, up to a maximum of one year from the date of issuance. Code Administration staff will mail license holders a renewal notice with instructions for paying the $100 renewal fee online. The fee may also be made in person with cash, check, or card. Checks can be made out to the City of Yakima. Upon receipt of the required fee and current certificate of insurance, Code Administration staff will mail the licensee their renewed license.