Understanding Utility Permit Application Process

Permit Application Process What happens when you send DOT a permit application? 2019 Southeast Region Utility Conference Terry Kittson SE Region Utilities Supervisor February 14, 2019

Utility Permit Application Process Utility emails completed application to DOT Permit Inbox Utility downloads Utility Permit Application Permit Application is assigned to DOT Permit Coordinator DOT Utilities reviews Permit Application DOT Utilities Approves/Denies Permit Application If denied, Utility may make modifications and resubmit the application to the DOT Permit Inbox. If Approved, Utility submits start and end work notices when work commences and ends

Utility Permit Application Process STEP 1: Utility downloads DT1553 form. https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/real- estate/permits/utility-highway.aspx STEP 2: Utility emails a completed Permit Application to the Utility Permit Inbox. DOTDTSDSEUtilityPermits@dot.wi.gov A completed application includes: DT1553 Form in Word Format (Not a PDF!) Construction plan/drawing Proof of DNR consultation Traffic Control Plan Erosion Control Plan/Notes Railroad permit (if applicable)

Utility Permit Application Process STEP 3: DOT Utility Team assigns the application to a Permit Coordinator STEP 4: The Permit Coordinator Reviews the Application Traffic Control team conducts a simultaneous review. STEP 5: Permit Coordinator Approves/Denies the application If denied, the Permit Coordinator will explain what s needed for an approval. Please review, amend accordingly, and resubmit with ALL pieces of the application included in the resubmittal.

Utility Permit Application Process STEP 6: Utility submits Start Work Notice upon commencing work. STEP 7: Utility submits End Work Notice upon completing work.

Utility Permit Application Process FAQs 1. I have questions. Who do I contact? Contact the Permit Inbox. Your question will be answered by the permit coordinator assigned to your permit application. The inbox is checked twice daily. Make sure to include pertinent and identifying information on the email subject line so we can locate the application in question including: Applicant name Facility Type Work order number WisDOT project number Detailed location description Work start/finish date

Utility Permit Application Process FAQs 2. You really don t have a phone number for me? No. We do not have a dedicated person for permits at this time, and so giving you a phone number increases the likelihood of phone calls getting lost in the shuffle. We have distributed the permit approval workload to our staff and will continue to monitor the response time.

Utility Permit Application Process FAQs 3. How can you accommodate a special request for an urgent permit approval? Highlight the urgency in the cover email with the application submittal. The Utility Permit Coordinator will make an effort to honor your request. 4. Who do I contact if all my efforts to obtain a permit have failed? Jasmine Bhathena at jasmine2.Bhathena@dot.wi.gov 414-750-2566 Terry Kittson at Terry.Kittson@dot.wi.gov 414-750-4791

Utility Permit Application Process FAQs 5. Why does my DT1553 need to be in Word? DOT has some information it needs to add to the form approval of the permit, special notes, etc. If it s sent back to us in Word, it saves a lot of time for us when we re finishing up the permit approval. 6. Why do I need proof of DNR coordination? Per Highway Maintenance Manual (HMM) 09-15-15, Table 2: For a Utility s own project, any work located partially or entirely on DOT ROW is required to be reviewed by DNR, Bureau of Energy, Transportation and Environmental Analysis Contact Lindsay Tekler: Lindsay.Tekler@Wisconsin.gov

Utility Permit Application Process FAQs 7. What is an ESCP and when is it appropriate to use it? An Expedited Service Connection Permit (ESCP) is a simplified utility permit/application process for service connections only. In addition, ESCP applicable work CANNOT: Interfere or disrupt traffic Open cut any paved surface 8. My utility work spans multiple counties do I need multiple utility permits? Yes; 1 for each county. If you re not sure how to break up your applications, reach out to us we ll work with you.

Utility Permit Application Process FAQs 9. Emergency vs. Maintenance vs. Regular Utility Work Emergency: Situations when immediate action is required to protect public safety (e.g., water main breaks, downed lines, broken poles, etc.) What to do: (1) notify WisDOT of the emergency and repair plans, (2) complete the repairs, and (3) submit an after-the-fact permit application indicating exactly what was done. Maintenance: maintenance activities that are minor in nature, do NOT impact traffic, and are NOT on Freeway ROW (see HMM 09-15-15, 3.0-3.3 for an extensive list of maintenance activities) What to do: A State utility permit is NOT required for these activities. Regular utility work: Everything else What to do: submit a utility permit application as previously covered