Right of Way

Civic Access

Applications to use the public Right of Way must be submitted through the Civic Access portal, an efficient tool we use to streamline the permit application process. It is where you should go to submit permit applications, to pay fees, to research permit history, and to download City-issued permits. 

Please note that you do not need a Civic Access account to do the following:

• Research the status of a Permit
• Pay for Permits
• View or Download a Permit

Public Right-of-Way Permit Application Process

Civic Access accounts are required for submitting a permit. The City of Bloomington no longer accepts the paper version of a permit application. 

The first step to submitting a permit is to create an account. Once logged in, you may apply for a permit. For a detailed explanation of the application process (including screenshots of the process), please click through here to review this guide. 

Please remember to disable your pop-up blocker before attempting to create an account or submit a permit application.

Contact (812) 349-3913 for assistance completing a Right of Way (ROW) Use application through the Civic Access portal and one of our staff will be happy to walk you through the process. 

Applicability of the Permit Process

Anyone desiring to conduct work in the City of Bloomington Right of Way will need to obtain a Right of Way Use permit. This type of permit is required for activities that include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Digging any hole, drain, trench or ditch in any public street, alley (e.g., utility access, repair, inspection)
• Remove or change any curb, pavement or other constructed improvement
• Construction of any road and sidewalk improvements
• Temporary placement of a dumpster, POD, or moving truck
• Temporary blockage or restriction of access to pedestrian access points

PODs, Dumpsters, Moving Trucks & Metered Parking

Folks uncertain about their need of a Right-of-Way (ROW) Use permit to park a POD, dumpster, or moving truck will need to contact our office directly to ascertain whether or not a permit is required for their case. There are a number of variables that Engineering Field Specialists need to evaluate in order to determine whether or not a use permit is appropriate at a given site. 

To begin the process: contact engineering@bloomington.in.gov with,

1. a description of your situation, including where you intend to locate the container/vehicle;
2. the dates during which you intend to use a POD, dumpster, or moving truck; and,
3. the address where the container or vehicle will be placed.

An Engineering Field Specialist will endeavor to reply within 2 business days. If a permit is deemed unnecessary, the email reply may be provided to third party vendors that require permits before scheduling container delivery. 

When a permit is required: You will need to submit a ROW Use permit with the Engineering Department using the Civic Access portal, and you may need to request signage and pay for a parking permit with the Parking Services Division. Their office resource links are provided below:

• Request a PODs, Dumpsters and Moving Trucks  *Note the different forms for downtown and neighborhood locations
• Contractor-Construction Permit (Parking Meter Reservation)

Important Reference Documents

• ROW Use Flow Chart 2024
• Right of Way Use Permit & Bond Fee Information
• 2011 Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (IMUTCD)
• 2025 Board of Public Works Schedule and Deadlines
• Traffic Control Reference Guide
• Policy and Procedures on Private Art Installations within the Right of Way
• Noise Permit Application

Required Language

Please view the conditions required in the City of Bloomington's municipal codes to help with the process. The link to the municipal codes https://bloomington.in.gov/municipal-code 

Right of Way Frequently Asked Question's

I’m not doing any digging, is a permit required?  Yes, a permit is required for any closure of the Right of Way. This includes street or lane closures and sidewalk closures.

What are the requirements for a Right of Way Permit Application?  We need a completed application, certificate of insurance, a copy of an appropriate bond, a copy of a certificate of insurability, maintenance of traffic plan, and site plan. Once the permit is processed, payment must be made to the City before the permit will be issued.

Where can I find the bond and insurance requirements?  Right of Way Use Permit & Bond Fee Information

Where are examples of MUTCD compliant temporary traffic control plans?  Traffic Control Reference Guide

Right of Way Fee Table

* Each closure type will be charged individually. Each closure type located on a different block will be charged as a separate closure. All items related to the same project can be listed on the same application as to only charge one application fee.

Citywide Fiber Project Frequently Asked Question's 

Where can I learn more about the Citywide fiber project? GigaBitNow will be the internet service provider. Residents can learn more about the service, register, and track the status of the construction effort at the following website:  https://www.gigabitnow.com/bloomington/

This project is the result of significant effort to achieve high-speed fiber internet service access for all city residents. More about this effort can be found here:  https://bloomington.in.gov/fiber