DOTE Permits & Licenses
Get what you need online or in person at:
DOTE Permit & License Center
City Hall
801 Plum Street
Suite 425
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(513) 352-3463
(513) 352-5397 (fax)
row.permits@cincinnati-oh.gov
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.
New in 2024!
Changes in 2023:
The Department of Transportation & Engineering (DOTE) has transitioned to an online system for contractors to reach inspectors. Please use the following link:
Notes:
- Submit requests before 8:30 a.m. for same-day inspections. Contractors also may submit inspection requests up to a week in advance.
- The DOTE inspector phone line remains active and currently is offered as a backup for contractors who have an urgent need or experience technical difficulties with the online submission form: (513) 352-3451.
Other Changes in 2023:
DOTE transitioned to an online application process for contractors to obtain the required bonding and licensure for doing business in the City of Cincinnati right-of-way. The links are given here and noted lower on this web page under Licensing.
► Contractor License Instructions
► Apply Online: Street Contractor license and Bond Form
In addition, DOTE rolled out formal Traffic Management Plan guidelines that contractors are required to follow for permit applications. The changes reflect the city's enhanced focus on pedestrian access in construction zones. Get details via the following links:
► Traffic Management Plan Guidelines
► Right-of-Way PermiT application
Permits
A permit is required to work within the right-of-way. For many permits, you must submit plans or related documents. Please contact the DOTE Permit & License Center if you have questions about required documents: (513) 352-3463.
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
Licensing
We have transitioned to an online application only. Please use the following links:
► Contractor License Instructions
► 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 Dumpster Company
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
- Other Services available by calling (513) 352-3463