Land Contour Permit

If you do land contour work in private or public property whose watershed contains public roadway or sidewalk, you need a Land Contour Permit from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

This includes:

• Clearing
• Grubbing
• Grading
• Filling
• Excavation

The only exception is for building footprints approved by the Department of Buildings (DOB).

• Know the rules: Learn the NYC Highway Rules.

• Get insurance: You need a commercial general liability insurance policy. Check Section § 2-06 of the NYC Highway Rules for details.

• Register with Department of Transportation (DOT): Complete a Registration Application. Once you submit the application and the required insurance, you will get an ID number, called a permittee number.

• Have an EIN or SSN: Corporations or partnerships need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Sole proprietors can use their Social Security number (SSN).

• Prepare design plans: Your plans should be submitted to DOT via the SCARA Application Information form and must include:

  • Site plans
  • Topographical plans
  • Maintenance plans
  • Grading detail plans
  • Swell and erosion control water detail plans
  • Storm sewer plans
  • Road layout plans
  • Truck route plans
  • Road profiles
  • Two proposed storm water profiles
  • List the cubic yards of filling/excavation on your plans.

• Get a survey: A licensed surveyor must perform a survey and outline of the property.

• Know the permit fees:

  • $135 for 30 days
  • $25 inspection fee for the first 400 cubic yards
  • $0.05 per cubic yard over 400 cubic yards

• Have an accepted payment method:

  • Check
  • E-Check
  • Money order
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

• Follow all laws: You must follow all laws and rules of the City of New York.
• Follow permit rules: You must also follow the stipulations on the permit.

• Complete the application: Fill out the Application for Roadway and Sidewalk Permits.
• Submit the application: Bring your application and applicable fee to the Office of Permit Management. While there, arrange a site inspection.
• Get your permit: After your site inspection, DOT will issue your permit at the Office of Permit Management.