Blanket Permits for Utilities
Annual Blanket Permit
Public and private utility companies with infrastructure in the public road right-of-way are required to obtain an annual blanket permit. This permit covers all utility work (excluding pavement cuts) performed in areas designated as county public road right-of-way for one calendar year, January 1 to December 31, inclusive. All public road crossings require advance notification to Charles County inspections, even if no pavement cut is necessary.
Pavement Cut Permit
If a pavement cut is required for any utility work, such as to make a test pit for location of utilities, the utility company must obtain a separate pavement cut permit. This permit will only be issued when it is demonstrated that no alternative to cutting the pavement is feasible. Only directional-drilling will be utilized for making road crossings and no moles will be allowed.
Other Blanket Permits
Other work within the public road right-of-way such as soil borings and miscellaneous concrete pads for speed cameras may be permitted as Blanket Permit-Other.
Heavy Haul Permits
When vehicles and their cargo will exceed legal state limits, a heavy haul permit and bond will be required for their travel over county roads.
Road Closure Policy
If a county public road closure of more than 15 minutes duration is required, a detour plan shall be provided to the County highway engineer for review and approval. Road closure shall only be allowed if traffic can’t otherwise be maintained safely through the construction zone and justification shall be provided. Once approved, the contractor shall contact the County highway engineer at least one month in advance for adequate public notification. Please contact the County highway engineer for more information.
Detour Plan Submittal Requirements:
- Phasing plans (if necessary)
- Barricade types and locations
- Signs
- Dates and hours of closures
- Restrictions for holidays
- Variable message sign locations, messages, and time frame for deployment
- Note on the plan requiring coordination with the County highway engineer and road inspector one month prior to scheduled closure.
Outside Agency Permits
Maryland State Highway Administration Utility Permits (MDSHA) and Maryland Department of the Environment Utility Construction Permits (MDE)
The MDSHA permit is applied for by the county on behalf of the applicant and the MDE permit is applied for by the developer. The applicant must provide necessary information for each permit. Details on the required information can be found in the Plan Preparation Package under water and sewer.
