New Orleans Utility Excavation Permit Checklist

Utilities and Infrastructure Louisiana 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana requires permits and clearances before excavating in public rights-of-way or near utility infrastructure. This guide summarizes typical permit triggers, who enforces the rules, common application steps, compliance checks and how to avoid delays when working in streets, sidewalks, or other public property. It is written for contractors, utility companies and property owners planning excavations and includes action steps to apply, notify, and appeal decisions.

What requires a permit

Common triggers for a utility excavation permit include opening the roadway or sidewalk, cutting or trenching into a public right-of-way, installing or relocating utility mains or service connections, and any work that alters pavement, curbs, or drainage features. Private work entirely on private property generally does not require a city right-of-way excavation permit but may require separate building or plumbing permits.

Always call for utility locates before breaking ground.

Preparing your application

  • Completed permit application form as required by the issuing department (name and form number not specified on the cited page). [1]
  • Site plans and detailed trenching plans showing limits of work, dimensions, depths and traffic control measures.
  • Permit fee or escrow for restoration (specific fee amounts not specified on the cited page). [2]
  • Proof of utility locates or one-call ticket (call 811 or state one-call) and private utility clearances. Louisiana One Call [3]
  • Traffic control plan, barricades, and restoration schedule consistent with city standards.

Applications are typically submitted to the city permit office or the Department of Public Works depending on the work; specific submission portals and form names vary by project type. If a precise form number or fee is not posted, the city permit page or DPW permit center should be consulted.

Permit processing may require proof of insurance and bonding.

Permit conditions and bonds

Many excavation permits require restoration to city standards, an erosion/sediment control plan if applicable, and performance bonds to guarantee restoration work. Security deposits or bonds and insurance limits are determined by the issuing department; precise amounts are not specified on the cited pages.

Keep restoration photographs and as-built records to avoid disputes.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically handled by the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and the Department of Safety and Permits for permit compliance and right-of-way violations. Where the municipal code or permit conditions state fines or sanctions, the specific fine amounts and escalation tiers are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the issuing department or the city code. [1][2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages; contact the permitting office for current schedules. [2]
  • Continuing offences: may be treated as daily continuing violations under city rules where applied, but specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory corrective work, permit suspension or revocation, and civil enforcement actions are possible.
  • Enforcer: Department of Public Works and Department of Safety and Permits; inspections and complaints are routed to these offices.
  • Inspections & complaints: report permit noncompliance to the city permit office or DPW; see Help and Support / Resources below for contact pages.

Appeals, review and time limits

Appeal and review routes vary by permit type; specific appeal periods and procedures are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the issuing department. Typical remedies include administrative appeals, requests for variances, or review by a permit board where established.

Defences and discretion

Common defenses include emergency work, prior written approval, and compliance with issued permit conditions. Departments may exercise discretion for minor deviations when safety and restoration standards are met.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes application forms and checklists for right-of-way and roadway opening permits on its permit pages; some specific form names or numbers are not specified on the cited pages. Contact the issuing department for the correct current application and submittal instructions.

Some emergency utility repairs may permit after-the-fact notification instead of a pre-issued permit.

Action steps

  • Confirm whether the excavation intersects public right-of-way and determine the issuing department.
  • Obtain required permits, bonds and insurance before mobilizing.
  • Call Louisiana One Call for utility locates well before excavation. Louisiana One Call [3]
  • Pay permit fees and deposit any required restoration escrow.
  • Follow the approved traffic control plan and schedule inspections.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to dig on my property?
Not always; excavation entirely on private property may not need a city right-of-way excavation permit but could still need building, plumbing or grading permits depending on the work and utility connections.
Who inspects and enforces excavations?
The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and Department of Safety and Permits handle inspections and enforcement for right-of-way and permit compliance.
How do I get utilities marked before digging?
Contact Louisiana One Call to request locates; call at least 48 hours before work to arrange markings. Louisiana One Call [3]

How-To

  1. Determine if the work impacts city right-of-way and identify the correct permitting department.
  2. Assemble plans, traffic control, insurance and bonding documentation.
  3. Request utility locates through Louisiana One Call and obtain private utility clearances. Louisiana One Call [3]
  4. Submit the permit application and pay fees through the city permit portal or DPW as directed.
  5. Schedule inspections, perform work per approved plans, and complete restoration; retain as-built records.

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify whether work affects public right-of-way before excavating.
  • Obtain utility locates via Louisiana One Call well before starting.
  • Submit complete plans, insurance and bonds to avoid permit delays.

Help and Support / Resources

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