Right-of-Way & Water/Wastewater Permits

Complete a Right-of-Way & Utility Work Permit Application

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: Our online permitting application system is under temporary construction. Please complete the PDF application and mail or bring to City Hall - Attention: Public Works Permits, or come in to see us at 601 Main Street West - 1st floor. Thank you for your patience!


Please plan your project to allow 2 to 3 business days for your permit application to be reviewed. 


What to Know About Obtaining a Permit

What is the right-of-way?

A public way dedicated for public use which includes but is not limited to a street, road, highway, alley, sidewalk, bicycle path, and bridge. A public right-of-way includes that portion between the curb lines and the adjacent property lines, commonly referred to as a boulevard or shoulder.

Types of Permits:

  • Permanent Right-of-Way Permit
    Any permanent work or activity within the public right-of-way requires a permanent right-of-way permit to be issued prior to the start of the project. Examples of permanent work in the right-of-way include placement of any permanent utility lines, reconstructing a driveway/sidewalk/culvert, or landscaping.
  • Temporary Right-of-Way Permit
    Any work or activity within the public right-of-way involving temporary use of said right-of-way requires a temporary right-of-way permit to be issued prior to the start of the project. Examples of temporary obstructions of the right-of-way include dumpster placement, trailer placement for uses such as storing construction equipment, barricades, scaffolding, lift equipment, or placement of outdoor tables/seating at a restaurant.
  • Water and Wastewater Permit
    This permit is required any time you are repairing or connecting to a City owned utility. 

Fees

Permanent Right-of-Way Permit: $150.00

Temporary Right-of-Way Permit: $30.00

Water Connection Fee: Per the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the actual cost of a service lateral from the main to the stop box will be billed to the property owner. Fees may vary.

Wastewater Connection Fee: $800.00

How do I obtain a permit?

  1. Contact the Public Works Department or the Planning and Zoning Department to discuss the project.
  2. Complete the permit application linked at the top of this webpage. Be sure to include a sitemap (PDF) of the work area.
  3. As per Chapter 501.10 of Ashland City Ordinances, bond and insurance must be on file prior to the issuance of a permit. 
    1. All contractors and subcontractors submitting an application for or performing work under a Right of Way permit shall also have security on file. Unless otherwise specified, the required security shall be a $500 cash deposit, held for a one year period or a $5,000 bond for all permits obtained within a one year period. 

    2. No permit, registration or agreement shall be issued until the applicant or contractor or subcontractor has filed proof of insurance for general liability, in an amount no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 cumulative for personal injury, death, and property damage and shall be provided for on a certificate of insurance listing the City of Ashland as additional insured.

  4. Pay the permit fees either online or at City Hall. Cash, check, or card payments are accepted but note that service fees apply to all card payments.
  5. Contact Digger's Hotline by calling (800) 242-8511 prior to the start of the project.
  6. Contact a representative from the City 24 hours in advance for an end-of-project inspection.
  7. Restore all disturbed areas to their present condition or better.

As always, contact the Department of Public Works with any permit questions at 715-682-7061.