Storage in the Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit

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Overview of Permit

A permit is required if you want to store the following on a street:

a dumpster
storage POD
trailer
pile of building materials
demolition debris
portable toilets

This permit is required whenever any of the above items or similar items are stored overnight in the City public right-of-way. The City public right-of-way includes the street and the grass parkway area between the street curb and the public sidewalk. The permit must be obtained before the item being stored is placed.

How to Apply

You can apply online using this self-service portal (search for "Storage in the ROW" in the apply permits screen). You can upload any needed documents and process payments online.

Storage in Right-of-Way Conditions and Specifications

View Storage in the ROW Conditions and Specifications.

Length of Time for Permit

The permit is valid for a maximum of seven continuous days.

We approve this type of permit for short duration projects, such as a re-roofing job, demolition of a garage or shed. We would not approve this permit for long duration projects such as major remodeling or reconstruction.

Cost

The permit cost is $75.00. You will receive a permit application fee invoice through the self-service portal. You can pay by credit card through the self-service portal, or drop off payment in person, through mail, or by using the secure payment depository drop-off box at City Hall. Please include “Attention: Engineering Services” on envelopes which are submitted via mail or to the Secure Payment Depository drop-off box. Make checks payable to “City of Wauwatosa” and clearly identify the purpose for the payment on the check (e.g., “Storage in the ROW Permit Application”).

Payment must be received before this permit can be issued.

Contact Us

For more information about this permit, please contact the Engineering Services Department staff at (414) 479-8927.

FAQs

Are there any seasonal restrictions to storing an item on the street?

Yes, storing an item on the street between the dates of October 15 and April 15 must also have the approval of the Public Works Operations Supervisor due to potential conflicts with fall leaf collection and snow plowing/snow removal.

If you are planning on storing an item on the street between October 15 and April 15 then please contact the Engineering Services Department before you come to City Hall for a permit so that we have time to check with the Public Works Operations Supervisor on whether or not your application would be approved.
Does the City provide flashing barricades?

No, the City does not provide the required flashing baricades, you must arrange to provide the barricades privately. Some dumpster and storage pod leasing companies will provide flashing barricades as part of their service, others do not - check with your leasing company. If your leasing company does not provide flashing barricades, or if you are not using a leasing company, then you will probably need to contact a barricade flasher supply company to inquire about renting or buying the barricades.
Does the City require flashing barricades for storing items on the street?

Yes, we require flashing barricades for items placed on the street.
Are there other conditions or requirements which I must follow that are associated with using the street occupancy permit?
Yes, you must obey the following conditions and requirements with a street occupancy permit:
- You may only store items on the street in locations where parking is permitted. Items must not be stored where parking is prohibited.
- Items stored on the street must be placed so as to maintain two-way traffic at all times.
- You must also place a flashing barricade at each end of the stored item, facing traffic, for any item stored on the street. The flashing barricades are required by the City for nighttime visibility. Using orange safety cones, barrels or caution tape in lieu of flashing barricades is not acceptable.
Do I need a permit to store a dumpster, storage POD, trailer or a pile of building materials or demolition debris on the street?

Yes, a permit is required anytime a container such as a dumpster or storage POD is placed in the City public right-of-way. The permit is also required whenever an item such as a trailer, a pile of building materials or demolition debris, or similar item is stored overnight in the City public right-of-way. The City public right-of-way includes the street and the grass parkway area between the street curb and the public sidewalk. The permit must be obtained before the item being stored is placed.
Do I need a Storage in the ROW permit to store a “Bagster - dumpster in a bag” on the grass terrace between the curb and sidewalk?

No, at the present time the City does not require a Storage in the ROW permit to store one of the “Bagster - dumpster in a bag” type of storage item on the grass terrace between the street curb and the sidewalk. However the bag must not overhang the curb, obstruct the public sidewalk or otherwise constitute a nuisance. Storing other large, relatively immobile items such as a dumpster, storage POD, a pile of building materials or demolition debris, etc., on the grass terrace does require a street occupancy permit.
Can I extend the street occupancy permit beyond the seven day limit or renew the permit?

The permit can only be extended or renewed by express written approval from the Board of Public Works or their agent. To request such an extension or renewal you would typically first need to complete and submit a form called the “Board of Public Works Application”. The fee for that application is $100.00 and the application would need to include an explanation as to why you need the extra time. The Board of Public Works then typically requires about three weeks to review a request and render a decision. For more information regarding the Board of Public Works application procedures please contact Development Department staff at (414) 479-8907.
How long can I store an item in the public right-of-way with the permit?

The street occupancy permit is valid for a maximum of seven continuous days of storage in the public right-of-way from the start date listed on the permit. This limitation means that the permit would typically be approved for short duration projects such as a re-roofing job or demolition of a garage or shed, but would not be approved for long duration projects such as a major remodeling or major reconstruction job.
Do I need a Storage in the ROW permit to store a dumpster, storage POD, trailer or a pile of building materials or demolition debris on my private property?

No, you do not need a Storage in the ROW permit to store a dumpster, storage POD, trailer, pile of building materials or demolition debris, or similar item on your private property. A permit is not required as long as the item is located entirely on private property outside the limits of the City public right-of-way, which is typically 2 feet behind the public sidewalk in most locations.

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Wauwatosa, WI

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