Billings Bylaws: Report Potholes & Encroachment Permits
In Billings, Montana, city rules cover street maintenance, public right-of-way use, and encroachments by private property owners or contractors. This guide explains how to report potholes, request encroachment permits for work or structures in the public right-of-way, who enforces the rules, what penalties may apply, and the application and appeal steps.
How to report a pothole
Report street hazards to the City of Billings so crews can inspect and schedule repairs. Use the official municipal code to confirm responsibilities for street maintenance and obstruction removal: Billings Municipal Code[1]. For an inspection request or immediate safety concerns, contact Public Works through the city website or the Street Maintenance/Operations division listed in Help and Support / Resources below.
When you need an encroachment permit
An encroachment permit is required to place, build, or maintain structures, landscaping, or utilities in the public right-of-way or on city-owned land. Typical examples include fences, driveway aprons, retaining walls, signs, and utility connections. Apply before work begins to avoid removal orders or fines.
- Determine if the work is in the public right-of-way and requires a permit.
- Submit plans and a completed encroachment permit application to the Engineering or Development Services office.
- Pay required review and permit fees if applicable.
- Coordinate inspections and restoration requirements with Street Maintenance.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of street, sidewalk and right-of-way rules in Billings is handled by the City of Billings through Public Works, Engineering, and Code Compliance or the department designated in the municipal code. Specific fine amounts for violations are not consistently itemized on the cited municipal page; where amounts or schedules are not listed, those figures are stated as "not specified on the cited page." See the municipal code for controlling language and definitions[1].
- Fines: specific dollar amounts for pothole-related failures or encroachment violations are not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: the municipal code provides for initial notices, orders to comply, and additional actions for continuing violations; exact escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, mandatory restoration, stop-work orders, and civil court actions may be used.
- Enforcer and complaint pathway: City of Billings Public Works/Engineering and Code Compliance handle inspections and complaints; see Help and Support / Resources for official contact pages.
- Appeals and review: appeals or hearings are handled per the procedures in the municipal code or departmental rules; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The city publishes permit applications and requirements through the Engineering or Development Services office. If a specific encroachment permit form number or fee schedule is required, it should be obtained from the City of Billings permit pages listed in Help and Support / Resources. If no form is published online for a specific encroachment, the city accepts written plans and a permit request to the Engineering division (see resources).
Common violations
- Repairing a driveway or installing a structure without obtaining an encroachment permit.
- Failing to report or immediately address dangerous potholes or sinkholes.
- Improper restoration of pavement or failure to meet city restoration standards after utility work.
Action steps
- Report potholes online or by contacting Public Works to create an official service request.
- Contact Engineering or Development Services early to confirm if an encroachment permit is required.
- Submit plans, pay fees, and schedule any required inspections before work starts.
- If you receive a notice of violation, follow the remediation order and use published appeal steps if you contest the finding.
FAQ
- How do I report a pothole in Billings?
- Report potholes by submitting a service request through the city reporting process and by contacting Public Works; consult the municipal code for maintenance responsibilities.[1]
- Do I need a permit to work in the city right-of-way?
- Yes. Most work affecting sidewalks, driveways, utilities, or other right-of-way elements requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit; confirm requirements with Engineering or Development Services.
- What happens if I start work without a permit?
- The city may issue stop-work orders, require removal or restoration at the owner’s expense, and assess fines or pursue civil remedies as allowed by the municipal code.
How-To
- Identify the exact location and take photos of the pothole or the proposed encroachment location.
- Check the municipal code and the city permit pages to determine permit needs and any specific requirements.[1]
- Submit a service request for pothole repair or complete the encroachment permit application with plans and fee payment.
- Coordinate required inspections and complete any corrective work ordered by the city.
- If you disagree with a notice or penalty, follow the city appeal procedure described in the municipal code or departmental instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Report potholes promptly to create an official record and request inspection.
- Obtain an encroachment permit before starting any work in the public right-of-way.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Billings official website - contact pages and department directory
- Billings Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
- City of Billings Public Works and Engineering permit pages