Roadway and Sidewalk Obstructions

HPWMP1001
Plan Review
Required
Inspection
Required
Renewal
Required
Fee
Varies (see Conditions & Exceptions)
Admin fee
$31.32 per permit
Renewal fee
Varies (see Conditions & Exceptions)
Valid Period
Varies
Processing Time
up to 10 business days
APPLY QUESTIONS
Houston Public Works

1002 Washington Ave, 2nd floor
Houston, TX 77002

832.395.3057
8 am to 4:30 pm

About

A mobility permit allows the City to maintain a safe and orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians through safe work zone practices.

It shall be unlawful for any person to place, cause, or allow any impairment or obstruction of a sidewalk or roadway, except as authorized by a permit. Permits should be secured prior to obstructing a public roadway or public sidewalk.

After Approval

Permit must be posted on premises. Non-scheduled, unannounced inspections are conducted. The permit holder must accept all terms of the permit conditions and execute them in a timely manner.

Conditions & Exceptions

Permits may be rejected or held in pending status if the contractor doesn’t fulfill permit conditions. See sidewalk and roadway obstruction rules and regulations for more details. 

Fees

Sidewalks

  • Partial sidewalk impairment or obstruction: $75.18 per block, per week
  • Full sidewalk impairment or obstruction: $119.05 per block, per week

Streets

  • Single lane closure on a local street: $62.66 per lane, per block, per week
  • Single lane closure of roadway on major thoroughfare or major collector street outside Central Business District (CBD): $112.78 per lane, per block, per week - during off-peak traffic hours
  • Single lane closure of roadway on major thoroughfare or major collector street outside CBD: $137.84 per lane, per block, per week - during peak traffic hours
  • Single lane closure of roadway on major thoroughfare or major collector street inside CBD: $131.59 per lane, per block, per week - during off-peak traffic hours
  • Single lane closure of roadway on major thoroughfare or major collector street inside CBD: $169.16 per lane, per block, per week - during peak traffic hours
What You Need
  • Company profile created on GeoLink HUB
  • User Profile attached to the company
  • Insurance certificate - City of Houston must be added on
    • $100,000 minimum liability for property damage per occurrence
    • $250,000 per person
    • $500,000 per occurrence
  • A site plan and profile of the location (If required)
  • Traffic Control Plan (If required)
Apply Online
  1. Go to the new GeoLink Hub (the replacement for GIMS) and scroll down to the Houston Public Works Permitting Applications section. 
  2. If you are a new user, select the Sign Up Here link. In the new window, select New User Sign Up in the bottom left corner of the page. Then click the All Other Users button and complete the registration form. 
  3. For existing users, select the Mobility Permit System icon and log in to your account. 
  4. Complete the Roadway/Sidewalk/sidewalk café/general permit application.

Once the permit is completed, an email notification will be sent upon approval or the contractor will be notified.

Apply in Person

For assistance with applying:

1002 Washington Ave, 2nd floor
Houston, TX 77002

Prior to applying in person, please contact 832.395.3020.

Conditions & Exceptions

Single lane closure applications may use standard Traffic Standards for a Traffic Control Plan (TCP). For multi-lane or full closures, a TCP must be submitted prior to permit approval.

Full street closures require a 7-day public notice.

What You Need

Traffic Control Plan Review

Traffic control plans require review and approval by TDO traffic engineering prior to submitting the mobility permit application. Please email the traffic control review form and traffic control plan in pdf format to [email protected].  Please provide the EAM number for the approved traffic control plan when applying for the mobility permit.

Traffic Control Review form link

For assistance, please contact 832-395-3029 or email: [email protected].

 

Submit Plans in Person

Applicants can contact the main office line at 832.395.3020 or stop by in person at 1002 Washington Ave, 2nd floor.

What You Need

Non-scheduled, unannounced inspections are conducted.

  • A copy of the permits and approved Traffic Control Plans must be on site and available for view.
  • All traffic control must be set up in accordance to the standards of Traffic Control Plan approved by the City.
Conditions & Exceptions

The permit holder must accept all terms of the permit conditions and execute them in a timely manner.

What You Need

Renewals can be submitted by following the same login procedures (GeoLink)

Renew Online
  1. Go to the new GeoLink Hub (the replacement for GIMS) and scroll down to the Houston Public Works Permitting Applications section. 
  2. Select the Mobility Permit System icon and log in to your account.
  3. Click the Pay Now link. 
  4. Once payment is received, the permit can be immediately printed.
Renew in Person

Applicants may use the lobby computer for assistance.

Conditions & Exceptions

Any outstanding balances must be paid prior to or at the same time the permit is renewed.
A zero due balance is required to generate new permits.
Insurance certificate on file must be current.
All hard holds must be removed prior to issuance of permit.

What You Need

Renewals can be submitted by following the same login procedures (GeoLink)

Renew Online
  1. Go to the new GeoLink Hub (the replacement for GIMS) and scroll down to the Houston Public Works Permitting Applications section. 
  2. Select the Mobility Permit System icon and log in to your account.
  3. Click the Pay Now link. 
  4. Once payment is received, the permit can be immediately printed.
Renew in Person

Applicants may use the lobby computer for assistance.

Conditions & Exceptions

Any outstanding balances must be paid prior to or at the same time the permit is renewed.
A zero due balance is required to generate new permits.
Insurance certificate on file must be current.
All hard holds must be removed prior to issuance of permit.