Hollywood Utility Excavation and Restoration Rules

Utilities and Infrastructure Florida 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Florida

Hollywood, Florida requires permits and defined restoration standards for utility excavations in public rights-of-way. This guide explains who enforces the rules, typical permit steps, restoration requirements, and how to report noncompliant work so property owners, contractors, and utility operators can plan safe, code-compliant excavations.

Always check the city permit office before starting any excavation in a public right-of-way.

Overview

Excavation of streets, sidewalks, and other public places in Hollywood generally falls under the citys right-of-way and building permit rules. Work in the public right-of-way normally requires a permit and an approved restoration plan to return pavements, sidewalks, landscaping, and subgrade to city standards.

Permit Requirements and Process

Permits are typically issued by the Building Division or Public Works department. Requirements commonly include a completed permit application, insurance and indemnity documentation, traffic control plans, utility location and coordination, and a restoration specification. Contractors must often schedule inspections before and after work.

  • Apply for a right-of-way or utility excavation permit through the Building Division or Public Works.
  • Submit plans showing limits of excavation, backfill materials, compaction requirements, and final paving restoration.
  • Schedule required pre-construction and final inspections per permit conditions.
  • Pay applicable permit fees and provide required bonds or deposits if requested.
  • Comply with traffic control and safety measures during excavation and restoration.
Permit submission and approval times vary by application completeness and workload.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is generally handled by the City of Hollywood Building Division and Public Works. Typical enforcement actions include stop-work orders, restoration orders, assessment of fines, and referral to code enforcement or the city attorney for collection or court action. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited city pages referenced in Resources below.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration directives, and civil actions may be applied by the enforcing department.
  • To report a violation or request inspection, contact the Building Division or Public Works (see Resources).
  • Appeals and review: the city code or permit conditions describe appeal routes; time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Unauthorized excavation in the right-of-way can trigger immediate stop-work and restoration orders.

Applications & Forms

The typical documents are a Right-of-Way/Excavation Permit application, restoration plan, proof of insurance, and traffic control plan. Where form numbers or exact fee schedules are required, those details are not specified on the cited city pages listed in Resources below.

  • Right-of-Way / Utility Excavation Permit application: name and form number not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees and deposit amounts: not specified on the cited page; check permit fee schedules.
  • Submission method: typically in-person or via the Building Division online portal when available.
If a published fee schedule is needed, request it with your permit intake contact.

Compliance and Best Practices

Follow these action steps before work begins to reduce delays and enforcement risk.

  • Locate utilities through Sunshine 811 before excavation.
  • Obtain required permits and submit full restoration details with the application.
  • Maintain insurance and post any required bonds or deposits until restoration is accepted.
  • Schedule and pass required inspections prior to backfill and after final restoration.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to excavate in a public street or sidewalk?
Yes. Excavation in the public right-of-way normally requires a city permit from the Building Division or Public Works; verify with the city before starting work.
What restoration standards apply after excavation?
Restoration must meet city specifications for pavement, compaction, and surface finish; exact restoration standards are available from the Building Division or Public Works.
How do I report unpermitted or unsafe excavation?
Contact the Building Division or Public Works to report violations and request inspection; see Resources for contact links.

How-To

  1. Call Sunshine 811 to mark underground utilities at least 48 hours before digging.
  2. Prepare and submit the right-of-way/utility excavation permit application with restoration plan and insurance proof.
  3. Obtain permit approval and follow the approved traffic control and inspection schedule.
  4. Complete restoration per the approved plan and request final inspection and acceptance.

Key Takeaways

  • Always secure the necessary permits before excavating in Hollywoods right-of-way.
  • Submit a clear restoration plan and schedule inspections to avoid stop-work orders.

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