1. Utility Permitting Overview
Tim Pelotte, Field Technician, Region 2 Mike Moreau, Utility Engineer

2. Utility Accommodation
Maine Statutes (Title 35-A Chapter 23) authorize the use of highway corridors for various forms of utility accommodation.
Such accommodation is subject to the conditions and restrictions of the “Applicable Licensing Authority”.

3. Permitting Jurisdiction
MaineDOT, as a designated “Licensing Authority”, issues “Utility Permits” in the following areas:
All State Highways outside of compact areas
All State-Aid Highways outside of compact areas
All controlled-access areas on state or state-aid highways, regardless of the compact limits
All state owned or maintained bridges, regardless of the compact limits

4. Utility Permits
Location Permits – Provides legal authorization to locate a facility in a specific location within a highway corridor. Applications are typically submitted in the late planning or early design phase. Typically no cost.
Highway Opening Permits – Provides authorization to enter upon and excavate within the highway corridor. Applications are typically submitted in the late design or pre-construction phase. A 10% fee, based on the area impacted, is applicable. Larger projects will typically require an escrow.

5. Governing Documents
Utility Accommodation Rule ( CMR Chapter 210)
MaineDOT Highway Opening Policy
MaineDOT Standard Specifications

6. Basic Accommodation Rules for Underground Utilities
All facilities constructed within the highway corridor must be permitted
Depth: 3 feet minimum
Horizontal Clearance: 3 feet minimum
Vertical Clearance: 1 foot minimum
Coordination with adjacent existing utilities for new utility construction is required.
A Dig Safe™ call is NOT coordination.

7. Typical Application Requirements
Signed Application Form
General Location Map
Specific Location Plan(s)
Traffic Control Plan(s)
Documentation of Utility Coordination

8. MaineDOT’s Web Site

9. Web Site Resources Policies, Rules and Specifications
Permit Application Forms
Important Links
MaineDOT’s Map Viewer, which includes:
Roads and Corridor Priorities
Compact Areas
Traffic Volumes
Work Plan Projects
Survey Information
And much, much more!

10. Field Coordination