Guide to Getting a Right-of-Way Permit

We have outlined a step-by-step process on how to apply for right of way permits with the City of Homestead to ensure you meet all regulatory requirements with ease. From initial application to final approval, our guide simplifies the process, providing clarity and support at each juncture.

Before You Begin

The City of Homestead as of October 1, 2025, has launched a new permitting and licensing platform for Building, Utilities, Inspections, and Land Development applications. This project will be implemented in two phases. To view the list of applications/services that are available via EPL-B.U.I.L.D, click here.

Definitions

  • Utility Installation - is for franchise utility installation such as ATT, FPL, Comcast, etc., as well as installation of stand along light poles and fire hydrant installation not associated with any other projects.
  • Street Closure - this permit is for work on private property that requires setting up the MOT in the City right-of-way.
  • Right-of-Way Permit - right-of-way permit for work within the City right-of-way, permit applied for by the contractor.

A right of way permit application will require drawings and documents to be submitted in association with the submission of right of way permit application, you may be instructed to gather additional documents. You can find document forms and resources on the Permitting Forms & Documents page.

Note: All Right-of-Way permits will be managed via EPL-BUILD after October 1, 2025.

Depending on your application, additional permits/permissions from other City departments and/or from other government entities may be required. Before executing any Public Works projects, you must first register as a contractor.

Apply for Permit

If you need to submit a Building, Planning & Zoning, or Right of Way permit application, you will need to use the City’s EPL - B.U.I.L.D. platform. This platform is integrated with DigEplan, the City’s Electronic Plans Review platform.

The following permits are required for all construction activities performed within the right of way providing public safety and to protect public facilities. Permits guarantee that all work is done in accordance with all applicable standards and control construction and encroachments on the surface. 

Note: If you are submitting for a project that is located on a state or county road \ you will also be required to submit your application to the Florida Department of Transportation and/or Miami Dade County for permits as applicable.

Pay Upfront Fees

You will be required to pay an upfront fee before your application is accepted.

Pay Fees

Name & Prepare Your Files Properly

You will be required to collect certain documentation, depending on the right of way permit type. You can view the checklists for a variety of permits on the Permitting Forms and Checklists page.

The City of Homestead allow multi-page uploads. Plans however, must be grouped according to disciplines. Additionally, you must follow a standard naming convention before you can upload it to our system (See Standard Naming Convention).

Note: Your application will not be accepted if the naming convention is not followed.

If any of your drawings or documents need to be "signed and sealed," you will need to do so digitally.

Digitally Sign and Seal Documents

Submit Drawings & Documents

The City of Homestead allows the upload of drawings and documents electronically, using the City’s Electronic Permitting and Licensing -B.U.I.L.D portal. You will be required to upload drawings and documents once you arrive at the “Attachment” screen in the online application submission process. You will be prompted to also upload a copy of the signed and notarized permit application for your application to be accepted by the City of Homestead.

For drawings and documents to be approved, the City of Homestead adds a seal (or stamp) to the upper-right corner of each page within the plan. (This does not refer to text documents such as LOI, applications, notification letters, etc).

Please ensure that you leave the upper-right corner blank (empty), per the below sizes:

Applications may be notarized using a Remote Online Notary and an electronic signature. Although we do not endorse any vendor, here we list four companies that provide this service.

Scanned notarized signatures are accepted.

Note: If you have a legacy project (a legacy project in the City of Homestead is defined as an application that was submitted via email the Department of Public Works - Engineering Division) with a link to drawings and documents.

Wait for Application Acceptance

Once your drawings and documents have been received by the City of Homestead, a Permitting Coordinator will review your submittals for acceptance.

Note: We will notify you via e-mail if there is a problem with your submission.

Respond to Review

Once your application has been accepted, it will undergo review, and we will send you comments back.

Note: For a right-of-way permit application, it usually takes 21 business days for the first cycle of review to be completed.

Submit Revised Drawings & Documents

If corrections are required, you will receive an email from eplnotifications@homesteadfl.gov with instructions regarding corrected sheets for additional reviews and approvals.

You will need to update the entire PDF discipline set that the reviewers applied a "Changemark" on or requested changes to in the comment checklist.

Await Approval & Finalize

Once your plans have been approved; you will be required to complete several finalization steps, which may include “Adding/Updating Contractor” or pay any outstanding fees that may be applicable.

Pay Permit Fees

You will be notified of the review and/or permit fees owed via email. To pay your permit fees, visit the EPL-B.U.I.L.D portal.

Permit Issuance

All right-of-way permits will be issued once the required fees have been paid to the City of Homestead.

Download Approved Plans & Documents

After you have paid your fees, we will e-mail you to let you know your final plans are available for download. You will need to log-in to E.P.L. B.U.I.L.D. and download your plans.

Reminder: A copy of the approved and stamped set of plans must be available at the project site.