Arlington Contractors - Potholes & Encroachment Permits

Transportation Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Arlington, Texas contractors must report roadway hazards like potholes and obtain encroachment permits before performing work in city right-of-way. This guide shows where to report potholes, how to apply for right-of-way or encroachment permits, which city departments enforce rules, and practical steps to stay compliant while working in Arlington.

Reporting Potholes

Contractors who encounter potholes on Arlington streets should report them immediately so the City can schedule repairs or determine contractor responsibility. Use the City of Arlington online reporting tool or call Arlington 311 to submit location, photos, and severity.

City of Arlington: Report a concern / pothole[1]

Report potholes with GPS or a clear address to speed response.

Encroachment & Right-of-Way Permits

Work that occupies or alters the public right-of-way requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit from City of Arlington Public Works or Development Services. Permit requirements include plans, traffic control, insurance, and possible bonds; review the Engineering/Encroachment permit page for current application steps.

Arlington Public Works - Encroachment & ROW permits[2]

Obtain permits before placing materials or equipment in the right-of-way to avoid stop-work orders.

Applications & Forms

  • Check the encroachment permit application on the Public Works page; specific form names and submittal instructions are published there.
  • Fees and bond requirements: see the permit page; if a fee is not listed there, it is not specified on the cited page.
  • Typical processing times are published with the application or determined at intake; if not shown, not specified on the cited page.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of pothole reporting, unauthorized work, and failure to obtain required encroachment permits is handled by City of Arlington Public Works, Development Services, and Code Compliance. Specific fines, escalation, and non-monetary remedies depend on the ordinance or permit condition; where exact amounts or schedules are not published on the official pages cited below, they are stated as not specified on the cited page.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences—ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal of encroachments, restoration orders, and civil court actions may be used.
  • Enforcer and complaint intake: Public Works and Development Services accept reports and review violations; contact details are on the City pages.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal procedures and time limits are determined by the relevant permit conditions or ordinance; if not listed, they are not specified on the cited page.
If you think a citation or order is incorrect, follow the permit or notice appeal instructions immediately.

Common Violations

  • Working in the right-of-way without a permit (typical result: stop-work order and penalty).
  • Insufficient traffic control during lane closures (may trigger fines or required corrective action).
  • Failure to restore pavement or landscaping after work (restoration orders and costs).

Action Steps for Contractors

  • Before work: check the encroachment permit page and submit required documents and insurance.
  • To report a pothole: use the City online report form or call Arlington 311 immediately.
  • If cited: follow the notice for appeals, or contact Development Services to request review.
Keep a copy of permits and traffic control plans on-site until final inspection is completed.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to stage materials on a city street?
Yes. Staging materials or equipment in the public right-of-way generally requires an encroachment or ROW permit; confirm requirements on the Public Works permit page.[2]
How do I report a pothole I found while working?
Use the City of Arlington online report tool or call Arlington 311 and provide location, photos, and contact details.[1]
Where can I find the permit application and fee schedule?
Permits and fee information are published on the Public Works encroachment page or Development Services permits page; if a specific fee is not listed there, it is not specified on the cited page.[2]

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your planned work affects the right-of-way by reviewing project limits and city ROW maps.
  2. Gather required documents: plans, traffic control, proof of insurance, and contractor licensing.
  3. Submit the encroachment permit application through the City Public Works or Development Services portal and pay applicable fees.
  4. Display the permit on-site, implement approved traffic control, and schedule inspections as required.
  5. If you encounter a pothole or hazard, report it immediately via the City report form or Arlington 311.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check and obtain encroachment permits before working in Arlington public right-of-way.
  • Report potholes promptly using the City reporting tool to reduce liability.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Arlington: Report a concern / pothole
  2. [2] Public Works - Encroachment & ROW permits
  3. [3] Development Services - Permits & Inspections

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