All permit applications are encouraged to be emailed to PWpermits@reno.gov for digital processing. Once received, reviewed and approved, permit staff will return an email with the approved permit number, total fees, and directions for payment online through the Accela ONE portal. Alternatively, permits may be submitted and paid for in person at City Hall, 1 E 1st Street Reno, NV. Permits are typically processed within 3 business days for smaller projects, and up to 3-5 weeks for larger projects.  Please call 775-334-2548 or email PWpermits@reno.gov for any questions.  

Timely processing of any permit is based upon the completeness of the information required on the application, as well as receipt and acceptance of the proper excavation bond and insurance. Per Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) regulations, any disturbed area that has a potential to distribute a pollutant into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) must be protected by Control Measures.

Section 6.11 of the Reno Municipal Code (RMC) requires any person requesting to use the public right of way for the purposes of temporary storage, construction, repair, and maintenance to obtain a temporary encroachment permit. This permit is for the placement of mobile storage containers and large dumpsters in the public right of way.

• Dumpster and Storage Container Encroachment Perm

Encroachment/Excavation Permit Application

Sections 6.11 and 12.08 of the Reno Municipal Code require any person performing work within the City of Reno right-of-way to first obtain an encroachment and/or excavation permit. The permits are combined onto one application form and will be issued simultaneously. ONLY a licensed, bonded, and insured Contractor, or the contractor’s Authorized Agent, is able to obtain an Encroachment/Excavation Permit.

In order to excavate within the right of way, contractors must file a bond and submit the required insurance. Please refer to the Bonding and Insurance requirements below.

To become an Authorized Agent for a Licensed Right of Way Contractor, please have the contractor complete the Authorized Agent form.

• Encroachment/Excavation Permit Application
• Encroachment/Excavation Permit Authorization Form
• Contractor Application - Bonding
• Contractor Application - Insurance

Best Management Practices

Best management practices shall be implemented for all construction sites and shall be in place prior to commencing construction. All Contractors shall comply and maintain an inspection checklist onsite for review by State and local government inspectors. The Contractor shall inspect the site at a minimum weekly, prior to forecasted rain events, and within 24 hours of any rain event that creates runoff at the site. The City maintains the right to inspect any site of construction activity.

• Construction Site Inspection Checklist

City of Reno Guidelines for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)

The purpose of the following information is to establish the City of Reno’s guidelines for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) within the City’s right of way for conduit of 6 inches or less. The information provided herein is intended to promote public safety and protect all existing underground facilities. This is not a step-by-step procedural manual, but rather a collection of standard practices which must be followed in order to obtain an Encroachment and Excavation Permit (EE Permit) and perform HDD within the City of Reno right of way.

• HDD Guidelines 

Large-Scale Utility Improvement Submittal

This submittal is intended to promote public safety and protect all existing facilities within the City of Reno right-of-way. Large-Scale Utility Improvement Projects consisting of more than 500 lineal feet of utility installation or determined by the City as requiring additional review, will require initial and final submittal items due to the City of Reno Public Works. A licensed engineer shall complete the listed design requirements in the form prior to receiving an Encroachment and Excavation Permit.

• Large-Scale Utility Improvement Submittal

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