The right of way of a State highway acquired by either fee or line establishment provides space for the pavement, guide rails, drainage facilities, trees, directional and warning signs, public utility poles, wires, conduits, water mains, sidewalks, driveways to adjacent properties, and many other facilities essential to the personal safety, convenience and economic well-being of all our people.

Public welfare and safety make it essential that reasonable regulations shall be exercised by the Transportation Commissioner to control the manner in which any change is made by any person in the structure, layout, drainage or topography of a State highway and its appurtenances. A permit manual (see permit regulations) was issued in the early 1930s after the State "Highway Dept." was first established and it was approved by legislator and published as Regulations on November 1, 1974.

The authority for the regulations is in Section 13b-17, Regulations, Delegations of duties and responsibilities of commission (Encroachment Permit Regulations - updated Regs pending), Section 13a-143a, Driveway Permits and Section 13a-247, Excavations and Obstructions, all of the Connecticut General Statutes.

When a permit is issued to you to perform a specified activity within the highway right of way, it is granted on the premise that the work will be performed in accordance with the special provisions inserted on the permit form in the manner detailed in the manual, and in conformance with the current issue of the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Roads, Bridges and Incidental Construction, (Form 817), other State regulations, and local town ordinances and as detailed in the Standard Permit Attachments.

Your full cooperation in maintaining our State highway system at a high standard is earnestly requested.

Application for Permit - A standard form of application (PMT-1) which must be filed with the appropriate District Maintenance Director before an encroachment permit is issued.

NOTE:  All applications for encroachment permits are issued from a District Special Services Office located in one of the four District offices.  Please open the "District Towns" link below and find the corresponding District Office for the subject town.

Encroachment Permit - A standard form (PMT 2B) issued by the District Maintenance Director allowing the use of highway right of way, to a permittee who has met certain qualifications.

Bond - A written obligation which binds the signatory to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of the terms of the permit.

Certificate of Insurance - The Department will now accept standard insurance industry Acord Forms.

Special Provisions - Specifications and details specific to specialized work performed within the state row can be accessed here.