Syracuse DPW committee backs new right-of-way fines, refundable escrow to enforce restorations after utility and contractor work

Syracuse City Department of Public Works engineering staff presented a proposed right-of-way violations fee schedule and a refundable escrow at a DPW committee meeting, saying the changes are intended to hold contractors and utilities accountable when they cut into streets or install sidewalks without required permits.

Engineering presenter Mirza said the city currently charges $100 for a roll-cut permit — the permit to do work in the public right of way — but that amount does not cover review, inspection and restoration costs. “The current fee for a roll cut permit is hundred dollars and that covers, review for all city departments… So as you guys can see right off the bat, hundred dollars is not enough,” Mirza said.

The presentation showed six completed projects that, staff said, either proceeded without an approved right-of-way (ROCA) permit or did not follow approved site plans or Syracuse specifications. For those six examples staff estimated the city would have to spend roughly $40,000 to $80,000 per project to…