Annual Vehicle Permits for Contractors and Utility Agencies

Our Annual Vehicle Permit (AVP) lets contractors and utility agencies use public spaces, like streets and sidewalks, for short-term construction work. In order to use this permit, your project can’t cause major disruptions to public areas or traffic.

You can keep your project on track and avoid delays by following the AVP rules. In this guide, you’ll learn more about who can get an AVP, how to apply, and what you need to know to get started. You must follow all the conditions and limits described in this guide to do your work with an AVP.

What is an Annual Vehicle Permit?

The AVP is a yearly permit designed for:

Doing short-term construction or utility-related work in the street, on sidewalks, or in other parts of the right-of-way.
Performing work that has only minor impacts and doesn’t involve major disruptions like excavation or prolonged street closures.

An AVP is specific to each vehicle that you use, and you must renew it every year. If your project doesn’t meet the AVP conditions that we list below, you will need to apply for a different permit instead. You can call or e-mail us and we'll help you decide which permit is best for your project.

Why is an AVP Important?

It makes it easier for you to follow Seattle’s laws and rules.
It makes it easier for you to use public spaces like streets and sidewalks for routine construction and maintenance tasks.
It makes it easier for you to get a permit for your short-duration, low-impact projects.

If you work for a utility agency, telecom company, or contractor that often needs to use the street or sidewalk to do short-term tasks without interfering with public infrastructure, an AVP is crucial.

What are the AVP Eligibility Requirements?

You can use an AVP if:

Your work includes short-duration, low-impact projects in the street, on sidewalks, or in other parts of the right-of-way.
Your work does not involve groundbreaking, sidewalk closures, or major traffic disruptions.

What Conditions Must I Meet?

Your work’s duration is limited to the following:

Standard residential streets (non-arterials): Up to 8 hours
Any street in Urban Centers or Villages and All Arterials: Up to 2 hours between 4 A.M. and 10 P.M.

Your work must not:

Take place between 6:00 – 9:00 A.M. or 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. peak traffic hours
Effect bus, streetcar, or light rail stops or their power systems

You must:

use traffic control equipment and methods that are suited to the site and that follow our Traffic Control Manual for In-Street Work.
give people living and working within two-blocks of your work site advance notice.
avoid conflicts with nearby events and other construction. You might find these tools helpful:
- Coordinate app (No login required)
- Events Calendar

If your project involves groundbreaking, sidewalk closures, or any other restricted activities, you’ll need a different type of permit. You can call or e-mail us and we'll help you decide which permit is right for you.

How Do I Apply for an AVP?

You can apply for an AVP through the Seattle Services Portal. Simply follow these steps:

Log in to the portal and fill out your application details.
Specify the number of permits needed (you can request up to 150 per application).
Submit the application. You’ll receive a PDF confirmation with your AVP permit numbers within one business day.

After approval, we will prepare your decals and mail them within 3 business days. If you would like to pick up your decals at our office, e-mail us at SDOTPermits@seattle.gov. We will arrange a pickup time with you.

You must make sure your AVP decal is visible on the vehicle’s windshield as stated in the permit instructions.

IMPORTANT: Your permits are valid for each calendar year regardless of the date you submitted your application.

Are There Any Key Things to Remember?

You must have a single “on site” contact to respond to any problems related to your AVP work.
Your AVPs are subject to inspection and inspection fees.
Your decal must be in good condition. If it is damaged or can't be read, e-mail us at SDOTPermits@seattle.gov to ask for a replacement.
You’ll need other permits if you have to use parking spaces or need temporary no-parking spaces. Visit our Temporary No Parking Zone Reservation page for more details.
If your work takes place between 10:00 P.M. and 4:00 A.M., you must follow Seattle's rules about noise or obtain a variance.

What Info Should I Prepare Before I Apply for an AVP?

Make sure you have the following ready when applying for an AVP:

A description of your typical work vehicle
A detailed description of the work you’ll usually do
Be sure to include the specific type(s) of qualifying work, the time it usually takes to complete, and its purpose

What Conditions Do I Need to Follow I Get My AVP?

Once your AVP is approved:

Make sure the decal can be seen and read. It should be put in windshield on the passenger side.
Keep a printed copy of your permit in each vehicle.
Give people living and working in the area advance notice and, before starting any work, coordinate your work with anybody who will be affected by your work.
Get “no-park” permits and place in right-of-way as needed

You can avoid unexpected delays by giving our Street Use inspections team two (or more) days notice before you start work. When you do, we can work proactively with you to avoid problems and give coaching to set up your work site according to the rules. Please tell us:

- the address where you'll be working,
- the hours you'll be working
- the dates you'll be working
- a short description of your work.

IMPORTANT: If you need to work on a weekend or between 5 P.M. and 8 A.M. on a weekday, email our Off-Hours Inspection team at DOT_StUse_OffHours_Inspections@seattle.gov with all your project details before you begin.

If you do not follow these guidelines, you can be fined or have your permit suspended.

What are Some Examples of What I Can (and Can’t Do) With an AVP?

Work You Can Do:

Maintenance work without cutting the pavement or digging.
Pole access for equipment installation, splicing, or aerial work with bucket trucks or lifts.
Rot detection for utility poles.
Cathodic protection device maintenance.
Installing approved public amenities, such as bike racks or benches.
Street tree pruning (additional permits may be required—see our Street Tree Manual.)
Building-mounted sign installations.

Work You Can’t Do:

Dig or cut pavement.
Turn off transit system power or moving or closing bus, streetcar, or light rail stops.
Close sidewalks that cannot be managed by flagging according to our Traffic Control Manual.
Close access to property to to customers, deliveries, businesses, or residents.
Repetitive daily work to the same location, or any work that extends beyond the hours allowed by an AVP.
Use lifts that require equipment that need a separate Right-of-Way Construction permit.

When in doubt, review your project scope to make sure you're following the guidelines. You're always welcome to call or e-mail us with questions.

E-mail: SDOTPermits@seattle.gov
Phone: (206) 684-5253

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