Bryan Street Laws: Potholes & Encroachment Permits

Transportation Texas 4 Minutes Read ยท published March 08, 2026 Flag of Texas

Bryan, Texas maintains rules for street safety, repairs and encroachments on public rights-of-way. This guide explains how residents and contractors report potholes, request encroachment or occupancy permits, and where to find official forms and enforcement contacts in Bryan. Follow the steps below to report roadway damage, confirm whether an encroachment permit is required, and learn appeal and compliance routes so you can act promptly.

Reporting potholes and street damage

To report potholes or urgent street hazards use the City of Bryan online contact portal or call Public Works. Include the exact address or nearest intersection, a photo, and whether traffic is affected. After you submit, Public Works inspects and schedules repairs based on severity.

  • Call Public Works or use the city contact form: City of Bryan contact page[1].
  • Provide location, photo, and preferred contact information for updates.
  • Report hazards that block lanes or endanger traffic as high priority.
Report safety hazards immediately; include photos and exact locations.

Encroachment and right-of-way occupancy permits

Encroachment permits (sometimes called right-of-way or occupancy permits) are required for construction, private structures, landscaping, utilities, or temporary work within the public right-of-way. Contact Development Services or Public Works to confirm permit requirements before work starts.

  • Apply for an encroachment or right-of-way permit through the city's permitting office; check permit types and submittal requirements with Development Services.
  • Common projects needing permits: driveway modifications, curb cuts, driveway aprons, sidewalks, fences crossing the right-of-way.
  • Allow time for plan review; larger or complex encroachments may require engineering drawings and a longer review period.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of street and right-of-way rules is handled by City of Bryan departments such as Public Works and Code Compliance; specific penalties vary by ordinance. The City of Bryan Code of Ordinances sets the controlling provisions for streets and obstructions[2]. Where the code does not list exact fines on the cited page, the amount is not specified on the cited page.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the city code for any enumerated monetary penalties and administrative fines.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences may be subject to escalating penalties or separate enforcement actions; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, required restoration, lien or civil court actions may be used to enforce compliance (not all specifics are listed on the cited page).[2]
  • To file a complaint or request inspection, contact Public Works via the city contact page and follow the complaint intake instructions. Contact Public Works[1]
If a permit was required before work began, the city may order removal or restoration at the property owner's expense.

Applications & Forms

Permit names, application forms and fees are published by the City of Bryan Development Services or Public Works. If no permit form is published for a specific encroachment type on the cited pages, the form is not specified on the cited pages; contact the permitting office for the current application and fee schedule.[2]

  • Typical items requested: completed permit application, site plan, proof of insurance, contractor registration and permit fee.
  • Fees: see the city permit fee schedule or contact Development Services; fees are not specified on the cited page.[2]

Action steps

  • Report potholes: collect location and photos, then submit via the city contact portal or phone. Contact Public Works[1]
  • Apply for encroachment permits before work: contact Development Services to get the application and fee list.
  • If you receive an enforcement notice, follow directions, request an administrative review if available, and submit appeals within the time limit specified on the notice (time limits must be confirmed on the enforcement notice or by contacting the city).

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Bryan?
Use the City of Bryan contact portal or call Public Works, include location and photos.
Do I need a permit to work in the public right-of-way?
Most work that occupies or alters the right-of-way requires an encroachment or occupancy permit; confirm with Development Services.
What if the city orders removal of my encroachment?
The order may require removal or restoration at the owner's expense and may include fines; follow the notice and ask about appeal rights.

How-To

  1. Document the issue: note address, nearest intersection, take photos and note hazards.
  2. Submit a report via the city contact portal or call Public Works to open a service request. Contact Public Works[1]
  3. For encroachments, contact Development Services for permit application, submit required plans, proof of insurance and pay fees as listed by the city.
  4. If you receive an enforcement notice, read the order, comply with deadlines, and contact the issuing department to request an appeal or administrative review.

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes quickly with location and photos to help prioritize repairs.
  • Get an encroachment permit before any work in the right-of-way to avoid enforcement actions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Bryan contact / Public Works
  2. [2] City of Bryan Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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