McKinney Pothole Repair and Encroachment Permit Process

Transportation Texas 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Texas

In McKinney, Texas, residents or contractors who find a hazardous pothole or who need to work within the public right-of-way must follow municipal procedures to report damage or obtain an encroachment permit. This guide explains how to request a pothole repair, when an encroachment permit is required, which city departments handle each process, and how enforcement, appeals, and compliance operate in practice. Use the official reporting and permitting pages linked below to submit requests or applications and to confirm current forms and submission instructions.

Report safety hazards immediately to Public Works.

How to request pothole repair

McKinney Public Works manages street maintenance and pothole repairs. To request service, submit an online service request or contact Public Works directly; the department prioritizes repairs by severity and safety risk. For official submission options, see the Public Works reporting page.[1]

  • Report online or by phone; response times vary by workload and severity.
  • Provide exact location, lane impacts, and photos when possible.
  • Potholes that present immediate danger are prioritized.

Encroachment permits - when and how

Work, obstructions, or permanent features placed in the city right-of-way typically require an encroachment permit administered by McKinney Engineering or Development Services. Applications must include plans, traffic control measures when applicable, and may require insurance or bonds. See the city engineering/development pages for permit guidance and application submission instructions.[2]

  • Determine if work is within the public right-of-way before scheduling construction.
  • Submit construction plans, traffic control, and proposed schedule with the permit application.
  • Fees and bond requirements: not specified on the cited page.
Encroachment without an approved permit may result in removal orders or stop-work directives.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for pothole-related maintenance and unauthorized encroachments is handled by the City of McKinney departments identified above. Where specific fines, fee amounts, or penalty schedules are required by ordinance or permit conditions, the official city permit pages or municipal code provide the controlling language; if not listed on those pages, the amounts are not specified on the cited page.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing violations: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, and required corrective actions are authorized where an encroachment is unauthorized or unsafe.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Public Works for pavement defects; Engineering/Development Services for right-of-way encroachments. Use the official department contact or service request pages to file complaints or reports.[1]
  • Appeals and review: not specified on the cited page; consult permit conditions or contact Development Services for appeal procedures and any time limits.

Applications & Forms

  • Pothole reports: typically submitted via the Public Works service request portal or phone; specific form name not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Encroachment permit application: submit through Development Services/Engineering as directed on the official permit page; exact application name and fee schedule are not specified on the cited page.[2]

FAQ

Who handles pothole repairs in McKinney?
McKinney Public Works handles street maintenance and pothole repairs; report hazards via the Public Works service request page.[1]
Do I need a permit to work in a city right-of-way?
Yes. Work in the public right-of-way generally requires an encroachment permit from Engineering/Development Services; submit plans and required documents per the city instructions.[2]
What happens if I encroach without a permit?
Unauthorized encroachments may result in removal orders, stop-work directives, or other corrective measures; monetary fines and specific penalties are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Identify the issue and gather details: location, photos, and safety concerns.
  2. Report potholes to Public Works via the service request portal or phone; include photos and exact location.[1]
  3. If planning work in the right-of-way, contact Development Services/Engineering to confirm if an encroachment permit is required and obtain application instructions.[2]
  4. Submit required plans, insurance, and fees as directed; do not begin work until the permit is approved.
  5. Follow permit conditions, maintain required traffic control and safety measures, and schedule inspections if required.

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes promptly to Public Works to protect safety and speed repairs.
  • Obtain an encroachment permit before placing structures or conducting work in the public right-of-way.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of McKinney Public Works - Report a pothole and street maintenance
  2. [2] City of McKinney Engineering / Development Services - Encroachment and right-of-way permits

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