Apply for a Utility Cut Permit

The Bureau of Highways handles the permit process for utility companies and their contractors to undertake certain repairs or construction within the County right-of-way.

A utility cut permit is required anytime you occupy, use or engage in any activity in a public right-of-way including:

  • Excavation in paved or unpaved areas
  • Installation of above or below ground facilities
  • Antenna attachment on utility poles
  • Activity that obstructs or impedes traffic

A permit is not required if maintenance activity:

  • Makes no material change to the footprint of an existing facility or structure
  • Makes no material change to the surface or subsurface of a right-of-way
  • Does not disrupt or impede traffic

Note: Private utilities require the grant of a license agreement prior to occupancy in County rights-of-way. Installation of fiber optic cable over 500 feet requires a franchise agreement in addition to the utility cut permit.

PERMIT PROCESS

  1. Complete the application
  2. Fill in location information—Identify every street you will impact
  3. Fill in applicant information
  4. Fill in scope of work—Briefly describe all activity in paved and unpaved areas of the public right-of-way
  5. Check the type of permit box that applies
  6. Sign application—Permit must have authorized signature to be approved

  1. Attach a set of engineering drawings
  2. Clearly illustrate and highlight the proposed work
  3. Clearly identify all existing utilities—all work under this permit must maintain one foot minimum vertical clearance and five feet horizontal clearance from all water, sewer or storm drain utilities and structures
  4. Identify all streets, driveways, entrances and sidewalks
  5. Provide detailed measurements of proposed work area

Submit the application and plans via email to Bonny Jasinski at bjasinski@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Upon receiving the application, the plans will be circulated for internal review by County agencies that may have information or interest in the area of the proposed work. The review process takes one to three weeks depending upon the scope of the job. 

When the review is complete, the Bureau of Highways will:

  • Contact the applicant
  • Advise the applicant of the appropriate permit fee
  • Share any revisions that may be required

Upon receipt of final revised drawings with a Professional Engineer (PE) stamp and fee, a permit will be issued.

24 hours prior to beginning construction, the Permittee must notify the Bureau of Highways of the intent to begin the proposed work via fax at 410-887-5656 or by calling 410-887-4306.

All contractors and subcontractors working on behalf of Permittee shall be prequalified by Baltimore County, following the requirements for Construction Contracts Contractor Prequalification.

PERMIT FEES

The following is a list of the fees that are charged when a utility cut permit is issued. These fees are required to be paid with delivery of the final revised drawings with a Professional Engineer (PE) stamp.

  • Under 500 feet—$125
  • Over 500 feet—25 cents per foot

ANTENNA ATTACHMENT FEES

  • Existing Pole—$100 per attachment
  • New Pole Attachment—$200 per attachment
  • Streetlight Attachment—$100 per attachment
  • Test Pit or Soil Boring—$60 per pit, per boring