Utility permits

Helicopter over work area

Introduction

Utility permits are required to construct, operate or maintain a utility facility on state highway right-of-way. This includes, but is not limited to:

Gas/oil
Electric
Communications – including broadband, cellular, and cameras (see below for more information on cameras)
Water – including permanent irrigation lines
Storm sewers not related to highway drainage
Sanitary sewers – including permanent animal waste pipes
Private facilities (non-public use/ownership)

WisDOT has a comprehensive Utility Accommodation Policy (UAP) that regulates the construction, operation and maintenance of utility facilities on all highways under WisDOT's jurisdiction. The UAP details the requirements necessary to obtain a permit. Once approved, the permit remains in effect as long as the facility is operated and maintained according to permit conditions and the UAP.

Utility Accommodation Policy

The UAP is part of the Highway Maintenance Manual (HMM) and its format places it under Chapter 9, Right of Way Use & Permits, Section 15, Utility Accommodation. A complete list and links to all of the procedures is available at:

HMM 09-15-00

Revisions to individual procedures are also listed at this site.

Apply for a utility permit

►Fill out form DT1553 and submit it to thetransportation region office responsible for the county where the utility project will be located. Include the appropriate plans, a location (plat) map, evidence of coordination or actual permits from other regulatory agencies (DNR, State Historic Preservation Office, Tribal, etc.), and other details (for example, spec drawings).

For faster permit application processing, submit all materials electronically via email, or for larger files, a file transfer protocol (FTP) or Box site. If you do not have access to an FTP or Box site, WisDOT can provide one. Submit the permit form with an electronic (typed) signature instead of scanning it. Supporting materials should be in PDF format. The application and supporting materials may be submitted by regular mail. If this is done, the application cannot be filled out in pencil.

Joint utility installations are allowed and encouraged especially in urban corridors with limited right-of-way or where many utility installations exist. When joint installations are planned, either underground in the same trench or aboveground sharing pole space, each utility owner must submit its own permit application.

Form DT1553

Form DT1553, Application/permit to construct, operate and maintain utility facilities on highway right-of-way, is available by clicking on either link below. If you need instructions on how to fill out the form, choose DT1553i.
Note: All three forms below have been updated effective August 2023. Effective October 2, 2023, permit applications will be returned if the new form is not included with your submittal.

DT1553
DT1553
DT1553 (form instructions)

Permit and other fees

There is no charge for a standard utility permit. Under Wis. Stat. s. 66.0414, certain nondiscriminatory fees may be charged to wireless providers for installing a small wireless facility (SWF) on utility, third-party utility or government-owned poles. Below are the fees that WisDOT charges per SWF:

For use of state highway right-of-way (ROW), $20 annually.
To occupy (attach to) a WisDOT-owned streetlight or other infrastructure, $250 annually.
A one-time application fee of $500 (5 or fewer SWFs) or $100/each (more than 5 SWFs) installed on existing utility poles.
A one-time application fee of $1,000 for collocation of a SWF on a new or replacement utility pole.

See HMM 09-15-41 for more information.

WisDOT also charges for the longitudinal use of controlled-access highway right-of-way. This includes interstates, freeways, and other freeway/expressway highways. See HMM 09-15-40, section 2.3 for more information.

Work zone requirements and training

See the main State ROW Permits page for information on these topics.
▶ Please note the requirements on the use of green lamps (lights).

Cameras

WisDOT allows the use of surveillance and license plate reader cameras on STH right-of-way. The cameras must not be installed:

On any WisDOT infrastructure (signs, traffic signals, lighting, etc.)
In the highway median
Within the clear zone if on a separate pole

For more information, contact Kathy Jennings at (608) 261-8976 or kathy.jennings@dot.wi.gov.

Questions

► Contact the transportation region office for questions regarding specific permit issues or requests.
The link contains a map of the state with region boundaries and office contacts.

For general questions on WisDOT's Utility Accommodation Policy or the permit application form, contact:

Bob Fasick
Wisconsin DOT
Bureau of Highway Maintenance
4822 Madison Yards Way, 5th Floor South
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 266-3438
robert.fasick@dot.wi.gov

Subscribe to Utility Accommodation Policy email list

Sign up to receive email notifications when the Utility Accommodation Policy or form DT1553 is updated along with information regarding other related documents.

Utility relocations on highway projects

Direct questions regarding the relocation of utility facilities associated with highway improvement projects to one of the utility coordinators in the transportation region office responsible for the project. These projects may or may not require a WisDOT utility permit.

Direct questions on WisDOT's utility coordination guide to:

Wisconsin DOT
Bureau of Technical Services
Utility Coordination Section
4822 Madison Yards Way, 5th Floor South
Madison, WI 53705
DOTDTSDCOUtilityCoordination@dot.wi.gov

Associated Wisconsin law

Visit the links below for Wisconsin law associated with utilities and permitting on state right of way.