Carrollton Street Potholes & Encroachment Permits

Transportation Texas 4 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Texas

Carrollton, Texas residents and contractors must follow city procedures to report potholes and to request encroachment or right-of-way permits before performing work in public streets. This guide explains who handles street repairs and permits, what to expect from inspection and enforcement, and action steps to report a hazard or apply for permission to place equipment or materials in the right-of-way. Contact the Public Works or Development Services departments for operational requests and permit applications[1][2].

Reporting potholes

To report a pothole, provide the street name, nearest address or intersection, a description of the hazard, and a contact phone or email. The city’s Public Works division triages safety hazards and schedules repairs; urgent, large, or safety-critical defects will be prioritized for temporary or permanent repair depending on workload and weather conditions[1].

Report immediately if the pothole is causing a traffic hazard or vehicle damage.

Applying for encroachment or right-of-way permits

Any work that places material, equipment, fencing, landscaping, or structures in the public right-of-way typically requires a permit from Development Services or Public Works. Permit requirements, submittal instructions, and plan-review steps are published by the city; fees and documentation requirements are listed on the permit page or via the permit portal[2].

Applications & Forms

  • Right-of-way/encroachment permit application: name and form number not specified on the cited page; submit per Development Services instructions[2].
  • Fees: fee schedule or per-application fees are not specified on the cited permit page; check the permit portal or contact Development Services for exact amounts.
  • Submission: follow the city’s online permit instructions or deliver to Development Services as directed; electronic submittal may be required.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of street and right-of-way rules is handled by city departments such as Public Works, Development Services, and Code Enforcement. The municipal code sets standards for obstructions, encroachments, and repairs; specific fines and penalties are defined in the code where applicable. If an exact fine schedule or escalation is not available on the cited page, the text below states "not specified on the cited page" and cites the code or department page used.

  • Monetary fines: specific fine amounts for right-of-way encroachments or street-obstruction violations are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page[3].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page; enforcement typically allows correction orders before fines are imposed[3].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, corrective work directives, and court action may be used; the cited code references city enforcement authority but fee and penalty specifics are not specified on the cited page[3].
  • Enforcer and complaints: contact Public Works or Development Services to report hazards or suspected unpermitted encroachments; see department contact pages for complaint intake and inspection procedures[1][2].
  • Appeals and review: permit denials or enforcement orders may be appealable under city procedures; specific appeal deadlines and venues are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with Development Services or the municipal code[3].
If the municipal code does not list a dollar amount, the code often allows the city to set fines by resolution.

Common violations

  • Performing work or placing materials in the right-of-way without a permit.
  • Blocking sidewalks or lanes without approved traffic control.
  • Failure to make required repairs after a city order.

How-To

  1. Document the location with the nearest address or intersection and take clear photos of the pothole or encroachment area.
  2. For potholes, submit an online report or call Public Works with location, photos, and contact information[1].
  3. For proposed work in the right-of-way, consult the Development Services permit page, confirm required plans and insurance, and begin the right-of-way permit application process[2].
  4. Await city plan review and any required corrections; schedule any inspections the city requires before and after work.
  5. If the city issues a correction or removal order, comply promptly or follow the permit appeal procedures if you intend to contest the order[3].

FAQ

Who do I call to report a pothole?
Contact Carrollton Public Works via the city report portal or the department contact page; provide exact location and photos when possible[1].
Do I need a permit to place a dumpster or scaffolding on a city street?
Yes: placing equipment or materials in the right-of-way generally requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit from Development Services; see the permit page for requirements[2].
What penalties apply for unpermitted work in the right-of-way?
Specific fines or daily penalties are not specified on the cited municipal pages; the city may issue removal orders and assess fines or recover abatement costs per the municipal code[3].
How long does permit review take?
Review times vary by project complexity and workload; the permit page provides guidance but exact turnaround estimates are not specified on the cited page[2].

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes promptly to Public Works with location and photos.
  • Obtain a right-of-way/encroachment permit from Development Services before placing materials or equipment in streets.
  • Contact the city for fees, submission portals, and appeal procedures if unclear.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Carrollton - Public Works
  2. [2] City of Carrollton - Development Services Permits
  3. [3] Carrollton Municipal Code - Municode

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