DOTE Resource Page
The DOTE Resource Page is a one-stop shop for most of your transportation and engineering needs.
You can quickly access right-of-way management and construction information such as permit applications, contractor licensing, material specifications, standard drawings, revocable street privileges, streetcar information and more, listed in alphabetical order below.
Access Permits
A permit is required whenever working within or utilizing the right of way.
Apply: General Right of Way Permit
Apply: Excess Load Right of Way Permit
Traffic Management Plan Guidelines
Revocable Street Privilege (RSP)
Revocable Street Privilege (RSP) is a conditional contract that allows private entities to encroach upon the public right of way. Examples of encroachments include, but are not limited to, awnings, signs, planters, café seating, and decorative sidewalks.
Apply: Revocable Street Privilege
Cincinnati Municipal Code §718
Special Events
Police provides permitting for special events.
Temporary Parking Restrictions
In a non-event situation, like loading and unloading in front of a business or residence, you can apply for temporary parking restrictions from the Cincinnati Police.
Apply: Temporary Parking Restrictions
Rules & Regulations
To work within the City of Cincinnati's right of way, the following rules and regulations must be followed:
View: City of Cincinnati Right-of-Way Manual
Fees
New Fee Schedule Goes into Effect Jan. 1, 2024
Current Fee Schedule in Effect through Dec. 31, 2023
Payment Options
- VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards are accepted.
- Escrow account service is available upon request.
In association with certain cashiering services, some permits can conveniently be issued to you by mail or faxed directly to your home, business, or even to the job site.
Policies
Ordinance for Management & Control for Use of City Right-of-Way
The creation and maintenance of a comprehensive addressing system is one of the most important services a local government provides for its citizens. An accurate, consistent addressing system enables a community’s law enforcement, fire and rescue, postal delivery, and other service agencies to operate efficiently and effectively. In addition, because they are easy for people to remember, addresses can provide a convenient reference tool for accessing various government records. For these reasons, the addressing of land parcels, structures, and individual occupancies must be done carefully and methodically.
Schedule an Inspector
The Department of Transportation & Engineering (DOTE) has transitioned to an online system for contractors to reach inspectors. Please use the following link:
Note:
- 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 will remain active until Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. This is being offered as a backup for contractors who have an urgent need or experience technical difficulties with the online submission form: (513) 352-3451.
Licensed Street Contractor Bond Form Application
► Contractor License Instructions
► apply online: Street Contractor License and Bond Form
Remember: Review the application check list prior to submitting your DOTE license package. Please allow ten (10) business days for processing the license application package. Licenses cannot be expedited. You will receive an email or phone notification when your license is processed and approved.
Licensed Contractor List & Policies
► Hire a Licensed Street Contractor
Right of Way Rules & Regulations
To work within the City of Cincinnati's right of way, the following rules and regulations must be followed:
Procedures & Specifications
New Driveway Installation Procedures
Standard Drawings for Driveways • Pages 16-18
Permits & Licensing
Apply: General Right of Way Permit
A licensed contractor must be hired to complete driveway work in the right of way.
Dumpsters must be obtained through a licensed dumpster company if the dumpster is to be placed within the right of way. A permit is also required to block any portion of the right of way with a dumpster. The licensed company must apply for the permit.
The city's new pilot program gives residents without access to dedicated off-street parking the opportunity to utilize temporary charging cords across public sidewalks to charge their personal electric vehicles parked on the street.
To participate, EV vehicle owners need to obtain a permit from the Department of Transportation & Engineering (DOTE) and meet certain placement and accessibility-compliant requirements outlined in the pilot program guidelines linked below.
When a vehicle with an oversized, overweight or other difficult loads travels within or through the City of Cincinnati, a permit is required.
Low-Speed Vehicles
Due to Ohio Revised Code permitting the operation of low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on public streets, the city has launched a 3-year pilot program covering the operation and licensing of both commercial and private LSVs.
Pilot Program and Interim Regulations for LSVs • May 2018
Shared Active Transportation Operations
The Department of Transportation & Engineering has established interim guidelines governing shared active transportation companies that provide rentable dockless e-scooters, bicycles and other small vehicles used in the public right-of-way.
Interim Guidelines for Shared Active Transportation (e-scooters) • August 2018
The City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Engineer have jointly developed a specification for controlled low-strength material (CLSM) or controlled density fill (CDF), which are cementitious products used as non-settling (self-compacting) backfill. The following specification was updated in 2019 and producers are required to submit mix designs for approval of their products every five years.
Specifications
HAM-CIN CLSM-CDF Performance Specification - REV 2019
HAMCIN CLSM-CD List of accepted Mixes 11.21.2023
Certification Forms
City of Cincinnati supplements to State of Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Construction and Material Specifications
Most Recent
City Supplement to ODOT - 2023
City Supplement to ODOT with Markups - 2023
Archives
City Supplement to ODOT - 2019
City Supplement to ODOT - 2016
City Supplement to ODOT - 2013
City Supplement to ODOT - 2010
City Supplement to ODOT - 2008
The City of Cincinnati's DOTE is an ODOT certified Local Public Agency (LPA).
The Residential Parking Permit Program is administered by the City's Division of Parking Facilities. Applications are available online:
► Cincinnati Parking Portal
If you have questions, please contact:
Parking Division
300 West Sixth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 352-4530
shanda.green@cincinnati-oh.gov
Revocable Street Privilege (RSP) is a conditional contract that allows private entities to encroach upon the public right of way. Examples of encroachments include, but are not limited to, awnings, signs, planters, café seating, parking pads and decorative sidewalks.
Use the following links to apply and learn more about RSPs:
RSP Overview: Requirements, Terms & conditions
Apply online: Revocable Street Privilege
Owner signature: Revocable street Privilege
Cincinnati Municipal Code §718
Outdoor Furniture Design Guidelines
Parking Pad Requirements • 2014
Apply Online: Parklet Revocable Street Privilege
Cincinnati Police provide permitting for special events.
Street Rehabilitation
Street Restoration & ROW Permit Manual • 2022
Sidewalk Rehabilitation
Sidewalk Regulations Book • 1983
Sidewalk Condemnation Guidelines • 2016
Guidelines for hiring a Licensed Street Contractor for Sidewalk Repairs • 2018
Public Right-of-Way Sidewalk Space • 1997
Curb Ramp Design Guidelines and Policy, Standard Drawings and Specifications 2003
Track Access Training
Read about track access training
Working Near the Streetcar
No one is permitted to work within the streetcar right-of-way alignment without valid Trackway Access Authorization and a valid DOTE right-of-way permit.
Any contractor, utility or individual that needs to work in the streetcar right-of-way alignment must obtain Trackway Access Authorization (TAA). Obtaining TAA is coordinated through the DOTE Right-of Way permit office in conjunction with a normal permit application.
The streetcar right-of-way alignment is defined as “any public right-of-way contiguous with the streetcar trackway, including the area from property line to property line, which may include a roadway, sidewalk, curb, grassy area, or utility facilities; all or any combination of the above.”
Guidelines & Diagrams
Streetcar Right-of-Way Manual • 2021
Streetcar Power Down Fee • FY 2024
Rules, regulations, and procedures for design, construction, dedication, and acceptance of Cincinnati streets
Manual
Locating the Right of Way Property Line
Request a "right-of-way setback" from the DOTE Permit Center at 513-352-3463.
Surveying Private Property
The City does not survey private property. To survey your property, hire a private surveyor.
Permits for Private Property
Find out if you need a permit ► Department of Buildings & Inspections Permit Guide
The Department of Transportation & Engineering issues yearly and temporary valet permits. Valet parking permits enable operators to be the exclusive or temporary provider of valet services in the city's right-of-way.
Questions? Email us or call (513) 352-6229
The Department of Transportation and Engineering issues yearly and temporary vending licenses. The sidewalk vending program regulates the sale of merchandise and food by specified vendors at designated sidewalk locations within the City’s public right-of-way.
Vending License Application
► VENDING APPLICATION (tEMPORARY)- 2024
Wireless Communication Facilities are telecommunication transmission equipment systems mounted on existing or new ground-mounted pole structures located in the public right of way with the approval approval of the City of Cincinnati.
Design Guidelines
Design Guidelines for Wireless Communications • 2021
Policies, Legislation & Additional Information
Wireless Communications Facility Permit Fee • 2023
NOTICE: The online version of the Cincinnati Municipal Code, related legislation, and regulations is not the official version. The only officially published version is available through the office of the Clerk of Council, located in Room 308 of City Hall, phone 513-352-3246. This online version may, occasionally, differ from the official version and should be relied upon for general information purposes only.