Utility accommodation permits and franchises

Washington State law RCW 47.44  grants the authority to issue permits and franchises for utilities to occupy the highway right of way.

The Utilities Accommodation Guide (PDF 1.42MB) contains links to the required forms, provides expectations and examples of submittals for utilities that apply to install, operate, and maintain their infrastructure on the highway right of way. All utilities must follow the requirements and have an approved accommodation before working on the highway right of way. Utilities are responsible for any additional requirements not covered in the guide for state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to utilities.

To find regional utility contacts in the applicable region, please see Utilities contacts.

Utility accommodation policy

The WSDOT Utilities Accommodation Policy (PDF 1.97MB) provides the policy and standards required for authorized use of the highway right of way. Chapter 1 and Chapter 9 of the WSDOT Utilities Manual are included in the Utilities Accommodation Policy by reference. 

• Chapter 1 Accommodation (PDF 1.6MB)
• Chapter 9 Control Zone Guidelines (PDF 939KB)

Regional office contacts

Each region has a dedicated email inbox for submittals or other inquiries.

• Eastern Region  (Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties)
• North Central Region  (Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties)
• Northwest Region  (Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties)
• Olympic Region  (Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, and Thurston counties)
• South Central Region  (Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Kittitas, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties)
• Southwest Region  (Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties)