Apply for an Encroachment Permit

An Encroachment Permit is required for the installation when a private party places a structure or object in the city’s right-of-way (such as sidewalks, medians, parkways, or city property). These remain privately owned, even though they occupy city property, and the city must approve them to avoid interfering with public use. 

Examples:

• Awnings or canopies extending over sidewalks
• Planters, plaques, signs, monuments, benches
• Iron Fencing
• Trash Bins

City Departments such as the Streets Department and the Parks Division may review the project depending on the location. Cultural Resources may also review the project if the site is in a historic district.

Public Improvement Permit 

Note: If your encroachment is related to the following projects, you will need a Public Improvement Permit.

• Utility operations or service connections
• Sidewalk improvements and driveways
• Below or above grade improvements that use or encroach on City ROW:
  • Tunnels and bridges
  • Sidewalk vaults
  • Stairs and ADA entrance ramps
  • Bus shelters
  • Retaining walls
  • Earth retaining systems (ERS)
  • Park improvements
  • Landscaped medians

Review Instructions

Please read all the instructions on this page carefully before applying, including the What to Expect section, as this information will give you an idea of the scope of the process and how long it might take.

Encroachment Conditions

Ensure that the encroachment meets the encroachment conditions.

Insurance

When applying for the permit, you will need to provide a certificate of liability insurance. The insurance must be for $1,000,000 and the City of St. Louis must be listed as additional insured.

The insurance conditions are listed with the encroachment conditions.

Application Information

Information that you will need for the application:

1. Legal name, address, phone number and email address of your business or organization 
2. Your legal name, address, phone number and email address
3. Desired location of the encroachment (exact address/cross streets)
4. Encroachment description
5. Documents to attach to the application:
   • Drawing of the encroachment
   • Certificate of insurance

We accept .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tiff, .bmp, .pdf, .txt, .rtf, .csv, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx or .zip files under 50 MB.

Use the Begin Online button to start your application.

Begin Online

You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the application to the email you provided. The confirmation e-mail will also include instructions to check the status of your application.

If more information is needed, you will be contacted. The application review process generally takes two to three weeks.

Once the application is reviewed and comments have been satisfied, you will be notified that the application is being referred to the next meeting of the Board of Public Service for final approval.

The Office of the Secretary will issue the permit on behalf of the Board of Public Service.

Once the permit is issued, installation can begin. The Encroachment must be installed and maintained in compliance with permit conditions.

Any changes will require you to resubmit the application and all attachments.