Midland, TX Pothole Reports & Encroachment Permits

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

In Midland, Texas, maintaining safe streets and approving work that crosses or occupies the public right of way are managed by city departments. This guide explains how residents and contractors can report potholes, request repairs, and apply for encroachment or right-of-way permits, with links to official City of Midland resources, forms, and enforcement pathways so you can act quickly and know what to expect.

Reporting Potholes & Street Defects

To report a pothole or other roadway defect in Midland, submit an online concern report or contact Public Works. Use the City of Midland report tool for location details, photos, and preferred contact information to help crews prioritize repairs. For official reporting and tracking use the city's report-a-concern page City of Midland - Report a Concern[1]. Reports with photos and precise locations speed inspections and repairs.

Report hazardous potholes immediately and include a photo and exact location.

Encroachment & Right-of-Way Permits

Work that places equipment, materials, structures, or fills the public right of way requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit from the City of Midland. Typical activities include construction staging, utility work, driveway work, fences, and permanent structures that intrude into the ROW. Apply through the city's permits page and follow the submittal checklist for drawings and insurance requirements Right-of-Way Permits - City of Midland[2].

Do not begin work in the right of way without an approved permit.
  • Permit types: encroachment, obstruction, and utility permits as required by the Public Works/Engineering office.
  • Submittal materials: plans, traffic control, insurance certificates, and contact information; specific checklist available on the permit page.
  • Fees: application and inspection fees may apply; see the permit page or contact the permit office for current rates.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces street maintenance and right-of-way rules through Public Works, Code Enforcement, and the permitting office. Exact penalty amounts and fee schedules should be confirmed with the official municipal code or permit office pages linked below. If a specific fine amount or escalation schedule is not published on the cited page, this guide states that the amount is "not specified on the cited page" and cites the source.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or contact Public Works for current fines. [3]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence rules are not specified on the cited page; the enforcing department may issue stop-work orders and require corrective work.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal orders, required restoration, and referral to municipal court for compliance.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Public Works/Engineering and Code Enforcement handle inspections and complaints; see the Public Works contact and permit pages for submission and inspection procedures. [1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact the permitting office or municipal court to confirm appeal deadlines and procedures.
If enforcement issues arise after a permitted activity, retain permit documents and inspection records to support an appeal.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes application forms and checklists for right-of-way and encroachment permits on the permits page. Where a specific form name, number, fee, or deadline is not posted on the official permit page, it is "not specified on the cited page." For permit forms and the submission process, see the Right-of-Way Permits page Right-of-Way Permits - City of Midland[2].

Common Violations

  • Starting work in the ROW without a permit.
  • Blocking sidewalks or lanes without approved traffic control.
  • Leaving debris or hazards after construction.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Midland?
Use the City of Midland report-a-concern tool or contact Public Works directly to submit location, photos, and a description. Report-a-Concern.[1]
Do I need a permit to place a dumpster in the right of way?
Yes. Placing a dumpster, storage, or construction materials in the public right of way typically requires an encroachment or obstruction permit; apply via the Right-of-Way Permits page.[2]
What happens if I work without a permit?
The city may issue stop-work or removal orders, require restoration, and assess fines or refer the case to municipal court; exact penalties are not specified on the cited page.[3]

How-To

  1. Gather location details and photos of the pothole or proposed work area.
  2. Report potholes via the City of Midland report-a-concern page or phone the Public Works office.[1]
  3. For encroachment work, download the ROW permit checklist and application from the Right-of-Way Permits page and assemble required documents.[2]
  4. Submit the permit application and pay any fees; schedule inspections as required and do not start work until permit approval.
  5. If cited or fined, request appeal or review instructions from the permitting office or municipal court; retain permit records and inspection reports.

Key Takeaways

  • Always report potholes promptly to help prioritization and repair.
  • Obtain an encroachment permit before occupying the right of way to avoid stop-work orders and restoration costs.
  • Contact Public Works or the permitting office for forms, fees, and appeal procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Midland - Report a Concern
  2. [2] City of Midland - Right-of-Way Permits
  3. [3] Midland Code of Ordinances - Municode

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