• Construction in Harris County or Harris County Flood Control District ROW Regulations
• Harris County Public Review Notification Process

Emergency utility work within Harris County Right-of-Way (ROW) in certain situations may require an open cut of the roadway pavement. If an emergency necessitates an open cut of the roadway pavement, do not replace the pavement after the repair work has been completed. Use temporary steel plating to cover the open cut area and provide proper warning signage at the project location. All warning signs shall be in compliance with part 6 of the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The owner must contact the Harris County Permit Office at 713-274-3931 during normal business hours to request an inspection of the site. Upon inspection, Harris County will determine the extent of the pavement repair that will be required. Once this determination is made, the owner must apply for a ROW notification permit within 5 days.

• Emergency Utility Work in Harris ROW

Online Electronic Plan Submittal – E-Permits

First time users will need to register for an account. 

Make sure you are selecting the correct application type in order to avoid any unexpected delays! 

Here are the steps for applying through E-Permits:

1. Access the E-Permits platform and log in
2. Navigate to the "Projects" section
3. Click on "Apply"
4. Locate your address on the map by either entering it or zooming in and double-clicking on the location
5. A "Red Pin" will appear on the map, and all associated data will be retrieved by E-Permits. If the address is incorrect, you can correct it on the next page
6. Click on the green "Apply" button
7. In the selection labeled "Application," choose "Harris County Notification of Construction in the Right-of-Way"
8. Provide the required detailed information and click on "Next"
9. Complete the application page and click on "Next"
10. Upload all the necessary documents, and once finished, click on "Next"
11. Finally, review the disclaimer, select "Agree," and then click on "Submit Application"

Standard Bonds

• After the project is approved, the contractor can submit a Harris County Right-of-Way (ROW) Notification prior to construction
• Contractor will provide a “Notification of Construction in the Right-of-Way” application and a surety bond on the Harris County Bond form with the seals that are either embossed or raised to our office either by mail or hand delivery. The applicant also has the option to submit the documents electronically using our E-Permits portal

The Bond

• Must use the Harris County approved bond
• Must use a new bond. An existing bond will not be accepted
• Harris County’s minimum bond is $5,000
• $5,000 per ROW crossing other than storm sewer bores, tunnels, median modifications, turn lanes, roadway open cuts, or widenings
• $8 per Linear Foot, other than irrigation
• $2 per foot for irrigation line installation in the ROW
• $80,000 or 100% of the construction costs whichever is greater per traffic signal
• $40,000 or 100% of the construction costs whichever is greater per median modification, turn lane, road widening, storm sewer bore, and tunnel, or roadway open cut
• Power of attorney must be attached to the Harris County approved bond
• It is the intent of Harris County to process and approve the Harris County ROW Notification within 10 business days
• Once the Harris County ROW Notification has been approved, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address listed on the application with the request number and finalized fee 

Perpetual Bonds

• Public Utility Companies and/or engineering firms that are submitting on behalf of Public Utility Companies, please submit Harris County ROW Notifications electronically using our E-Permits portal.
• The submittal must include the “Notification of Construction in the Right-of-Way” application, drawings detailing the proposed items within Harris County ROW, and a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) if needed.
  • TCPs are required for long runs, complex situations, such as open cuts, installations with limited space, or as determined by our Traffic Department.
  • Available Harris County Traffic Standards that may be used if applicable
  • TCP must be signed and sealed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of Texas
• The Harris County Right- of-Way Notification will be made available online to the applicant after the project has been approved. The applicant or the contractor may submit the “Harris County Notification of Inspection in the Right-of-Way.” Link for the form is provided on the confirmation email, as well as online.

Contact E-Permits Support

Plans need to be approved by the Civil Development Group. You may email Civil Development or call them at (713) 274-3921 to obtain more information.

• Harris County 48-Hour Pre-Construction (Notice to Proceed)
• Final Inspection (As-Built drawings will need to be submitted before the final can be scheduled, see requirements in the Harris County Public Review Notification Process - 2023)
• One-Year Warranty (Must request 90 days prior to the expiration date on the bond) 
• All inspections may be requested through the “Right-of-Way Inspection” form
• Final inspection and a one-year warranty may also be requested through E-Permits but will not be scheduled until the requirements listed above have been met