Transportation & Engineering

Get what you need online or in person at:

Upon entering City Hall, take the elevators to the fourth floor. Turn right out of the elevator and proceed down the hallway toward the back of the building nearest Central Avenue. The Permit & License Center is opposite the back stairwell. 

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A permit is required to work within the right-of-way. For many permits, you must submit plans or related documents.

Circumstances where permits are needed include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Installation of driveways
• Repair of sidewalks
• Placing a dumpster in the public right-of-way
• Installing a utility service
• Encroachments
• Driving through city limits with an oversized load

► search: PermitS and related resources

► Permit Fee Schedule • 2024

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Inspections

DOTE has transitioned to an online system for contractors to reach inspectors. Please use the following link: 

► Schedule an Inspection

• Contractors may submit inspection requests up to a week in advance. For same-day inspections, submit requests before 8:30 a.m. 
• The DOTE inspector phone line remains active for urgent needs or those who experience technical difficulties with the online form: (513) 352-3451. 

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Licensing

► Contractor License Instructions

► Contractor bond form 2025-2026

► Apply Online: Street contractor License and Bond Form 

Customers Looking for Licensed Contractors

Check our list of contractors and dumpster companies that are bonded and allowed to do business in Cincinnati:

► Hire: Licensed Contractor

► Hire: Licensed Dumpster Company

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Other Customer Services

DOTE offers additional services to aid in construction and development:

• Utility Coordination for Management of Street Right-of-Way Infrastructure

• Street Address Information
• Technical Record Sales of Engineering Documents and Maps
• Central Business District Work Schedule Coordination
• Street Privilege Requests and Information
• Street Activity Information