Murfreesboro Pothole Reporting & Encroachment Permits

Transportation Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Murfreesboro, Tennessee maintains municipal processes for reporting roadway defects and for permitting any encroachment or occupation of the public right-of-way. This guide explains how residents and contractors report potholes, request repairs, and apply for encroachment or right-of-way permits. It also summarizes enforcement paths, typical sanctions, where to find applications, and practical steps to reduce liability when working near city streets. Use the official report portal or phone contact below to start a request; for permit applications contact the City Engineering/Permits office for requirements and submittal instructions. Report a Concern[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces roadway and right-of-way rules through inspections and permit requirements administered by Public Works and the Engineering Division. Specific fine amounts for unpermitted encroachments or failure to maintain affected areas are not specified on the cited city page; see the municipal code or the Engineering office for code citations and fee schedules.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences — not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work directives, restoration to original condition, and court action where authorized.
  • Enforcer: City of Murfreesboro Public Works and Engineering Division; complaints and inspections proceed via the city service portal or direct departmental contact.
  • Appeals/review: administrative review or appeal to the department listed on the notice; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: permitted encroachments, approved variances, or accepted maintenance agreements may exempt activities from enforcement when properly authorized.
Always preserve photographs, measurements, and permit copies when disputing a notice.

Applications & Forms

Encroachment or right-of-way permits are handled by the City Engineering/Permits office. The city provides an application or instructions on how to request review; fees and submittal requirements are published by the department or on the permit form when available. If a specific application number or fee is required it is listed on the official permit page or the Engineering office materials; if not shown, it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Common form: Encroachment/Right-of-Way permit application (name and number not specified on the cited page).
  • Fees: see the permit form or contact Engineering for current fee schedule.
  • Submission: typically online via the city portal or in-person at the Engineering/Permits office.

Action Steps to Report a Pothole or Apply for an Encroachment Permit

  • Locate the exact address or intersection and take date-stamped photos.
  • Report the pothole using the City service portal or by phone to Public Works: use the official Report a Concern link below to start a service request. Report a Concern[1]
  • For encroachment work, download or request the right-of-way permit application from Engineering and submit plans and traffic-control measures as required.
  • Retain copies of permits, approved plans, and inspection reports to show compliance if enforcement arises.
Do not begin work in the public right-of-way without an approved permit.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Murfreesboro?
Use the City of Murfreesboro Report a Concern portal or contact Public Works by phone to submit location, photos, and a service request.[1]
When is an encroachment permit required?
An encroachment or right-of-way permit is required for any work, structures, or long-term occupation of the public right-of-way; consult Engineering for thresholds and exceptions.
What if I received a notice for an unpermitted encroachment?
Follow the notice instructions, contact the issuing department for appeal or review options, and provide proof of permits or mitigation to avoid escalation.

How-To

  1. Document the hazard or planned work with exact location, photos, and dimensions.
  2. Visit the City Report a Concern portal or call Public Works to file a service request for potholes.[1]
  3. For encroachment, obtain the Engineering/Right-of-Way permit application, submit required plans and fees, and wait for approval before starting work.
  4. Schedule inspections as required and keep all approvals on site during the work.

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes promptly to the city portal with photos and location details.
  • Obtain an encroachment/right-of-way permit before any work that occupies public streets or sidewalks.
  • Keep permit documents and inspection records to avoid fines and removal orders.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Murfreesboro — Report a Concern

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