Street Use Permits

Street Use Permits allow for the use of a public street or right-of-way for purposes other than for the usual vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle or other mobility device travel.

Reviews consider potential safety hazards, traffic congestion and address liability. Your project may require additional forms or documents.

What types of permits are available?

These lists are not all inclusive. If your event or activity is not listed and you are unsure whether or not you need a permit, please contact TrafficEngineering@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7729

Type A, B and C – short-term or temporary special events

• Bicycle Racks
• Block Party
• Film Set
• Large Garbage/Recycling Container or Drop Box
• Mobile Food Vendor (Food Truck)
• Parade
• Portable Storage Containers (Pod Units)
• Run or Walk Events
• Sidewalk Sale
• Sidewalk Vending Unit
• Temporary Storage of Equipment or Materials

Type D and E – longer or long-term permits are required for building into or extending over the right-of-way

• Bus shelters
• Business signs
• Canopies
• Fences
• Footings
• Mailboxes
• Monitoring wells
• Planters
• Retaining walls
• Street murals

Additional Forms

Hold Harmless Agreement – required with some street use permits:

Block Party Parade, Run or Walk Event, Food Vendor, Sidewalk Sale, Outdoor Seating Portable Storage Containers (Pod Units) Long Term Right-of-Way or Object in the Right-of-Way

Traffic Control Plan

Traffic Control Plans (TCP) are required for most projects or events in the public right-of-way, as they may create safety hazards or traffic congestion. There is no charge for review and approval of your Traffic Control Plan. Send completed plans to TrafficEngineering@cityofvancouver.us.

Franchise Utility Operators should send your plans to covutilpermits@cityofvancouver.us.

For plans associated with a Right-of-Way (ROW) permit, such as those that require a sidewalk, shoulder or single-lane closure or a standard flagging station, the TCP will be issued with the ROW permit at the Permit Center.

Projects impacting an intersection, or 3 or more lanes of traffic must work with the Public Works Traffic Engineering and Operations Team and use the form below.

Traffic Control Plan Form (Required when project impacts an intersection or 3 or more lanes of traffic.) Example Traffic Control Plan

Related Topics

Sidewalk Café/Seating

Learn more at sidewalk café/seating. 

Sidewalk Repair or Driveway Approach

Construction of curbs or sidewalks or any construction in the street requires a Right-of-Way permit through engineering services.