Apply for a General Utility Permit

Permits are required for general utility work involving both underground and overhead construction within the public right-of-way or on city property. These permits ensure that all utility work is performed safely, in compliance with city standards, and with minimal disruption to the public and surrounding infrastructure. 

Examples of work requiring a utility permit include:

• Utility operations or service connections
• Installation, removal, or replacement of utility poles
• Work performed on or around existing poles
• Excavation, boring, or trenching within the right-of-way
• Accessing handholds, manholes, or other utility vaults
• Crossing the right-of-way from one side to the other

NOTE: For fiber optic installation or telecom utility work in the public right-of-way, you will need a Communication Backhaul Permit.

Ordinance 71943 governs this process.

For this permit, you will need the following:

1. Contact information for the project representative.
2. Construction start date.
3. Estimated duration of project
4. A beginning and ending address.
5. An address at each location in which work is being done, i.e.
   • pole installation, removal or replacement
   • work done to the pole
   • excavation location, boring
   • when accessing a handhold or manhole
   • when crossing from one side of the ROW to the other side of the ROW
6. An address for each parcel of land including parks, parking lots and vacant lots. Property addresses can be obtained from online maps, utility records, etc., and can be cross-checked using Assessor's Office records.
7. A map of the area with a list of property addresses along with the proposed work to be done. A Google map is preferable but not required. 
8. Detailed written work description
   • A second page may be used if additional space is needed. 
   • Lengthy work descriptions should be doubled space for easier reading.

Review the Street Department Requirements for Communication and General Utility Applications.

1. Use the Begin Online button to start your application.
2.  On the next screen after you submit your information, you will be able to upload your construction plans, site map, and project description.

Begin online

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

The permit application generally takes two to four weeks for review. Each application is reviewed by multiple City Departments depending on the type of permit, the location, and scope of the proposed work.

If more information or revisions are needed, whether for clarity or another reason, you will receive an email notification requesting updated information or a resubmission.

Once all application review 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. There may be conditions to the permit.

Once the permit is issued, construction may begin. You must inform the City when construction is complete.

For information about permits, please contact Michele Knox at knoxm@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 622-4627.