If your time has come to obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) permit, you should do your best to prepare in advance, and obtain a strong understanding of the task ahead. The DOT issues over 150 different types of permits through its office of Permit Management and Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination; these could pertain to street opening, construction activity, sidewalk construction, or canopy permits. Permits may be dependent on a variety of factors and oftentimes depend on permits or approvals from other agencies, such as the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Buildings, or the LPC. Be sure to have all applicable original permits in hand before applying for a DOT permit.
When setting out to obtain a permit, remember: the DOT looks more favorably on work on streets as opposed to avenues, as the disruption to traffic patterns is less. Similarly, evenings are preferred over weekends for work. External influences like special parking (consulate, press, ambulatory, etc.), cafes, and presence of a historic district may influence whether or not a permit is granted. It is also a very good practice to apply at least three weeks prior to when the permit would be needed.
Lastly, remember that there are slight differences between the DOB and the DOT insurance requirements. The Department of Transportation requires Location Bond, alongside active Workers Compensation and General Liability Certificates. Be sure to notarize signatures on the Permittee Registration application, Acknowledgement of Surety, and the Broker Certification. Use the 2-50 Locations Bond to insure against future problems if the construction loops around a corner. Double check that all dates match between the General Liability Insurance Certificate and Broker Certificate, and that the company name remains consistent throughout the application. The checklist of items required provided by the DOT is there to help, but it’s up to you to be thorough when assembling all necessary documentation.
With all of these tips said, remember one last important one: Milrose is here to help! For further information or advice regarding obtaining a DOT permit, please contact Milrose by clicking the 'Contact Us' button below.
