Public works proposes four-tier lane-closure permit system with per-lane, per-day fees to limit long-running downtown closures

Brent Johnson, the city’s director of public works, presented a lane-closure permitting proposal that would require private contractors and utilities to apply for permits, submit traffic-control plans and pay a per-lane-per-day fee scaled by street classification. “Our recommendation would be the level 4 permit system,” Johnson said, describing the most comprehensive tier that includes a permit, a traffic-control plan, a schedule and a daily cost for closures.

Johnson told commissioners that permit review could be handled in-house by the city’s right-of-way program and recommended permit renewals every 60 days to maintain leverage if contractors do not meet schedule commitments. He suggested per-lane fees to encourage faster completion and preserve travelways; staff provided sample rates and said fees could be adjusted by whether the closure is on a local, collector or arterial street. Commissioners asked about grandfathering existing projects, posting of closure schedules and enforcement; staff proposed a short grandfather period (90–180 days) and committed to posting weekly closure lists publicly and on social media. The commission supported pursuing a policy and asked staff to return with ordinance language and recommended fee levels.