A Harris County Right of Way Notification is required to be submitted whenever an individual, contractor or utility company plans to perform work in Harris County. HC ROW Notifications include, but not limited to, the following; non-residential sidewalk construction, roadway paving, left turn lanes, median openings, and utility (waterlines, sewer lines, pipelines) crossings, repairs or connections.

The purpose of the Notification is to ensure that work constructed in County ROW is performed safely and in conformance with engineering standards. The goal is to protect users of the ROW and preserve the County’s infrastructure.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the inspection process, please email acceptance@harriscountytx.gov.

Harris County Right of Way Process for Standard Bond Users

• After the project is approved, contractor can submit a HC ROW Notification prior to construction.
• Contractor will provide a “Notification of Construction in the Right-of-Way” application and a surety bond on the Harris County Bond Form with the seals that are either embossed or raised to our office either by mail or hand delivery. The applicant also has the option to submit the documents electronically using our e-Permits portal, http://apps.harriscountytx.gov/Epermits/Login.aspx
• It is the intent of Harris County to process and approve the HC ROW Notification within 10 business days.
• Once the HC ROW Notification has been approved, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address listed on the application with the request number and finalized fee.

For Public Utility Companies that are Perpetual Bond Holders

• Public Utility Companies and/or engineering firms that are submitting on behalf of Public Utility Companies, please submit HC ROW Notifications electronically using our e-Permits portal, http://apps.harriscountytx.gov/Epermits/Login.aspx.
• The submittal must include the “Notification of Construction in the Right-of-Way” application; drawings detailing the proposed items within HC ROW, and a Traffic Control Plan if needed.
  • TCPs are required for long runs, complex situations such as open cuts, or installations with limited space, or as determined by our Traffic Department.
  • Available are Harris County Traffic Standards that may be used if applicable
  • TCP must be signed and sealed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of Texas
• The HC Right of Way Notification will be made available online to the applicant after the project has been approved. The applicant or the contractor may submit the “HC 48 Hour Pre-Construction (Notice to Proceed)”. Links for the 48 Hour Notice to Proceed form are provided on the confirmation email. Inspections For Standard Bond Users

• After the HC ROW Notification has been received, contractor may submit the “HC 48 Hour Pre-Construction (Notice to Proceed)”. Links for the 48 Hour Notice to Proceed form are provided on the confirmation email.
• After construction has completed, contractor will submit an “Initial Inspection Request for work in Right of Way”. Link is also provided on the confirmation email. Of note, depending on the type of construction, the Harris County inspector will let you know of any requirements that he may have. For example, he may need you to call him before a roadway pour or before covering a storm sewer.
• The Final Inspection must be requested 90 days prior to the expiration date on the bond. The final inspection request must be submitted on the company’s letterhead before the inspection can be performed. Once all inspections are completed and passed a bond cancellation letter will be sent out to the company specified on the Initial Inspection Request Form. The contractor that originally performed the work is not required to be in attendance for the final inspection. For Perpetual Bond Holders

• After construction has completed, contractor will submit an “Initial Inspection Request for work in Right of Way”. Link is also provided on the confirmation email. Of note, depending on the type of construction, the Harris County inspector will let you know of any requirements that he may have. For example, he may need you to call him before a roadway pour or before covering a storm sewer.