Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Department of Transportation

Overview



Minor Permits/Highway Occupancy Permits Overview

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Operations Permits Office issues permits for Minor Access Permits and Highway Occupancy Permits (HOP).

  • Minor Access Permits

    Property owners seeking traffic access to state roadways and transportation infrastructures must submit applications for access to NJDOT. Access applications with fewer than 500 daily trips are considered Minor Access Permits.

  • Highway Occupancy Permits

    are required when any activity is undertaken over, under, or within any portion of State highway right-of-way or property under the jurisdiction of the Department. Additionally, a highway occupancy permit is required for any activity that may interfere with the free and safe movement of normal highway traffic on a State highway or when any activity will affect any portion of State highway right-of-way or property under the jurisdiction of the Department.

The Minor Access Permit and HOP e-Permitting system is a web-based, GIS-enabled application developed to manage, track, and document all aspects of the permitting process. It is designed to automate the management of Minor Access Permits and HOP requirements for NJDOT while ensuring compliance with state and local regulations. ALL Minor Access Permits Access and HOP permits must be submitted through the new e-Permitting system.

Pursuant to the MOBILE NOW Act, the Department has implemented a Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Program. The Department is seeking broadband company registration to send federal project notifications to broadband registers. The Department will coordinate efforts with broadband companies to facilitate broadband infrastructure deployment in the State’s ROW of applicable Federal-Aid highway projects. If you are a Broadband Company and have not registered yet, please go to NJDOT Broadband Office - Doing Business to register.




ePermitting User Manual


Ready to make an account and start using e-Permitting? See FAQ and support information below.

Description: Customers can set up a new account in the Customer Portal based on their organizational needs. The account holder will be the Department's primary point of contact for all communications regarding that application/permit.

  • In scenario 1, the individual should enter their information for both the company/designer/engineer and again for the contact information.

  • In scenario 2, the user should enter the company details and then enter their contact information. Once the account is created, this user will be the primary contact and can add other contacts, as necessary.

  • In scenario 3, one company can have multiple office locations. The company can decide if they want to have one account that includes all office locations or one account for each individual office location.

    • It is the business’s role to communicate within their organization and decide which scenario works best for their future permitting needs.
    For step by step instructions, watch the Creating an Account video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8A6VrbTZXM

For general permit workflow information and navigation, please see the video: https://youtu.be/HcJfQ1tqRS0?si=qZ5aG95sb9SyFulD

  1. Click Submit Application.

  2. From the Application Selection Dashboard, choose the Application Type Name of the permit for which you are applying.

  3. Enter the applicant information. If you are submitting the application on behalf of yourself or your company, click the checkbox and the applicant information is shown as read-only and cannot be changed on this screen. This can be changed in the Account-Company Profile option and return to this screen if a change needs to be made.

  4. Enter the location, permit, and lot/development/frontage information sections.

  5. Upload/attach the required attachments.

  6. Complete the Acknowledgment by checking the checkbox.

  7. Complete the Signature section and click the Submit Application button or the Save for Later button.

    1. If the Submit Application button is clicked, the system verifies the information and saves the permit information.
      1. The system opens the payment portal, where the customer chooses to pay by credit card or e-check. The customer enters the payment information. Once payment is complete, the application is submitted.

      2. The system displays the Application Submitted Success screen and provides the customer reference number.

      3. An email is sent to the customer confirming that the application has been submitted and will include the Customer Reference Number and a copy of the application document.

      4. An email is sent to NJDOT to inform them that an application has been submitted.

      5. Click the Return to Dashboard button to go to the dashboard.

      6. Click on Applications History to view the newly submitted permit and to see status updates.

      7. Click on Payment Activity to view the submitted payment.

    2. If the Save for Later button is clicked, data that was previously entered will be saved and the application can be completed later, as described below. The application can be saved at any time and does not necessitate all required fields to be completed.

    3. To access a saved application
      1. Return to the dashboard screen and click on Action Items.

      2. Locate the application to be completed and click the Complete Item button.

      3. The application screen will open and the previously entered data will be populated, except for attachments and the acknowledgment

      4. Follow the steps above to complete the application.

Description: Don't miss a payment or deadline. You can now respond to requests sent by the NJDOT in the portal.

  1. Customer receives an email requesting one of the following:
    1. Additional Information Requested
    2. Extension Payment Request
    3. Permit Communication
    4. Permit Fee Request

  2. The email may have attachments sent by NJDOT. The customer should open and review these attachments.

  3. Login to the Customer Portal and click on Action Items.

  4. Click the Complete Item button to open the action item details.
    1. If the NJDOT had attached documents, open the documents to review them.
    2. If the action item is for additional information, enter response. If necessary, click the Select files button to attach one or more documents as part of response.
    3. Click the Submit button.
    4. If the action item is to complete a payment, click the Complete Payment button. The system opens the payment portal where the customer chooses to pay by credit card or e-check. Enter the payment information and complete the payment.

  5. An email is sent to the NJDOT informing them of the response.


Important Points to Check Before You Submit Application to Avoid Delays
  • Online application and fee should be completed and paid for through the system.
  • Read the Permit Review, Approval, Execution and Closeout Process below.
  • All plans should include the traffic control plan and restoration detail (if applicable). Plans should be uploaded within the customer portal.
  • Case manager should only be contacted after 45 days if you do not receive an update for your application.

Need to reference the Code Documents?

Additional Reference Links:

What happens after you submit a permit? Below is our process so you understand what happens next.

  • All correspondence and document submission will be done through the E-permitting system. The applicant is notified by email when there is a new item for them to review.
  • Application is entered into the E-permitting system by the applicant or their agent. A letter acknowledging receipt and noting the application number and the case manager's information is sent to the applicant.
  • Inspector performs review of application (up to 45 days).
  • Inspector forwards the Plans to all involved NJDOT-Units Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for review and comments.
  • Inspector may send a revision letter with any deficiencies in the submission as per SMEs comments.
  • Applicant will upload the revised plans as per the NJDOT Comments provided.
  • Revised Plans will be reviewed by SMEs.
  • Once the plans are approved by all involved NJDOT Subject Matter Experts.
  • Permit issuance package is generated & sent to applicant.
  • Once we receive signed permit package back from applicant, permit will be signed we sign it and send the final executed permit package to the applicant.

  • Applicant should notify case manager for pre-construction meeting. Case manager will go over the plans, schedule, and what is expected of with the contractor.
  • Applicant/contractor submits Traffic Interference Report (TO-100 or TO-102), attached with the permit at least 72 hours in advance of scheduled work.
  • Applicant/contractor performs proposed work and all required restoration.
  • Inspection may be done throughout the work being performed.
  • Perform final inspection.
  • Once work is completed, the permit is closed out. No permit will be closed without final inspection.
  • Applicant has to provide proper signed and sealed As-Builts to Case Managers. If any drainage pipe or structure modifications were done as part of the work, obtain signed and sealed as-builts for the work.
  • Case Manager submits As-Builts to Engineering Documents Unit.
  • Perform final inspection.
  • If work was not completed as required, a corrective letter is generated with the punch list items and sent to applicant for them to make the corrections and then request another final inspection.
  • If the work is acceptable, a construction acceptance letter is generated and sent to the applicant.
  • If there is a pre-paid inspection fee/restoration or maintenance guarantee balance, we will put in a refund request with Accounting Dept.

Quick Facts and tips about each permit
Minor Access - Minor Traffic Generators

Who can apply: Property Owner

Required documents and plan elements for other Minor Traffic Generators application submittal:

  • Lot location map
  • Copy of tax map
  • Right of way line from Department desirable typical section
  • Topography showing all highway features within 500 feet of the lot frontage on both sides of undivided highways and one side of divided highways.
  • Setback and location of structures
  • Curb: existing and proposed
  • Sidewalks: existing and proposed
  • Trees within Department right-of-way
  • Signs
  • Utility poles
  • Highway electrical installations
  • Locations of all lot driveways: existing and proposed
  • Driveway width
  • Driveway alignment with respect to the highway
  • Curbline openings
  • Edge clearance
  • Type of driveway
  • Contours: existing and proposed
  • Corner clearance
  • Driveway & island radii
  • Estimated 24 hour & highway peak-hour traffic count for the lot & access point
  • Number of lanes on the highway
  • Speed-change lanes (acceleration, deceleration, left turn)
  • Lane and shoulder widths
  • Typical highway pavement sections
  • Location of centerline on undivided highways and median on divided highways
  • Location of existing median opening on divided highways
  • Location of existing driveways on opposite side of undivided highways
  • Dimensions from the lot line to the edge of pavement
  • Number of new units for residential units; rooms for hotels; square footage for retail, office, or warehouse; or appropriate unit of measure for other land uses
  • Traffic patterns: existing and proposed
  • Highway traffic striping: existing and proposed
  • Construction details
  • Length of frontage along highway
  • Distance to nearest traffic signal if less than 250 feet- preceding (in feet), following (in feet)
  • Zoning designation for lot
  • Waivers requested
  • Location of any access easement on the lot
  • Applicability of Pinelands Act
  • Justifications for exceptions to design standards
  • Detailed plan or sketch: 1 inch = 30 feet or 1 inch = 50 feet
  • A copy of current deed for lot
Helpful Tips: To calculate projected peak hour and daily trips refer to the Trip Generation Rates used in HAPS link under the Highway Access Management Data section located at Highway Access Permits Overview - Doing Business (state.nj.us).

Minor Access- Single Family Residential (SF) or Residence & Business (RB) (Single Family Residence with attached small business)

Who can apply: Property Owner

Required documents and plan elements for SF and RB application submittal:

  • Copy of tax map
  • Right of way line from Department desirable typical section
  • Setback and location of structures
  • Curb: existing and proposed
  • Sidewalks: existing and proposed
  • Trees within Department right-of-way
  • Signs
  • Utility poles
  • Highway electrical installations
  • Locations of all lot driveways: existing and proposed
  • Driveway width
  • Driveway alignment with respect to the highway
  • Curbline openings
  • Edge clearance
  • Type of driveway
  • Corner clearance
  • Estimated 24 hour & highway peak-hour traffic count for the lot & access point
  • Length of frontage along highway
  • Distance to nearest traffic signal if less than 250 feet- preceding (in feet), following (in feet)
  • Zoning designation for lot
  • Waivers requested
  • Location of any access easement on the lot
  • Applicability of Pinelands Act
  • Justifications for exceptions to design standards
  • Detailed plan or sketch: 1 inch = 30 feet or 1 inch = 50 feet
  • A copy of current deed for lot
Helpful Tips: To calculate projected peak hour and daily trips refer to the Trip Generation Rates used in HAPS link under the Highway Access Management Data section located at Highway Access Permits Overview - Doing Business (state.nj.us).

Banners, Decorations, Temporary Announcements, or Guide Signs

Who can apply: Anyone

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Documentation of Local Endorsement.
  • Plan - including size, height off the roadway, and what will be attached. (How will it be mounted?)
Helpful Tips: Temporary banners/signs may be installed for up to 14 days per permit.

Bridge Attachments

Who can apply: Utility Companies

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Structural calculations for attachment.
  • Evidence of existing infrastructure above and below ground.
  • Plan showing attachment location on structure.
  • Details showing attachment method.

Bus Shelter

Who can apply: Registered Motor Carrier or Local Authority

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Plan Should include Size of Shelter, set back, Minimum of 25 feet of curb, if no curb exists.
  • Shoulder construction may be required if evidence shows shoulder deterioration.
  • Resolution or certification for maintenance if it is going to be maintained by someone other than the applicant.
  • Location of bus shelters, details of bus shelters.
  • Traffic order.
  • Evidence of existing infrastructure above and below ground.
  • Pre-Approved Bus Shelter Locations

Charitable Solicitation on Roadways (Coin Drop/Toss)

Who can apply: Charitable Organizations soliciting for charitable purposes

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Sealed copy of a municipal ordinance authorizing the signing of the permit on behalf of the municipality by the local police chief or whomever is responsible for municipal police services and states that this entity will be responsible for supervising the solicitation and enforcing the terms of the charitable solicitation permit.
  • State highway traffic control plan.
  • Documentation of local authority endorsement from any and all authorities (municipal and county) that have jurisdiction at the location of the solicitation.
  • Local law enforcement commitment for traffic control.
  • The solicitation route.
  • Date(s) and optional rain date(s) must be included in the endorsement letter(s).
Helpful Tips: Dates can be as many as desired at the same location within the same calendar year.

Crosswalks

Who can apply: Local authority

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Striping plan.

Curb and sidewalk

Who can apply: Abutting property owner or local authority

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Construction Plan, showing width of sidewalk - minimum 4 ft (5 ft recommended)
  • Copy of Deed if applicant is Property Owner.
  • Block and lot (except for local authority applications.)
  • Evidence of existing infrastructure above and below ground.
  • Plans must include NJDOT curb and sidewalk details.

Detours on and off state highways

Who can apply: Local Authority

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Documentation of local authority endorsement if the detour is off state highway right of way in accordance with NJSA 27:3-1.
  • Proposed detour route with all required signs.

Drainage

Who can apply: Abutting property owner or local authority

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Site plan including the existing and proposed drainage facilities.
  • Block and lot (except for local authority applications.)
  • Evidence of existing infrastructure above and below ground.
  • Hydrology & Hydraulics Checklist (if to be sent to H&H for review).
  • Storm water management report or drainage calculations including 25-year storm event.

Erection of Pole

Who can apply: Utility Pole owner

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Site plan showing the following:
    • Existing pole location(s) with offset and pole number.
    • Existing service drops and conduit(s) transferred responsible party should be Permittee (must reflect on Plan).
    • Proposed pole location(s) with pole number.
    • Offset from driveway/side street curb return should be minimum of 10 feet or setback 5 feet from face of the curb.
    • Offset of face of proposed pole from face of curb.
    • Proposed pole should be installed behind guiderail.
    • No pole allowed within guiderail end treatment minimum of 30 feet.
    • No pole allowed in driveway island less than 100 linear feet.
    • No pole allowed in grass median of divided highway.
    • Offset to back of guiderail (must be at least 4 ft without having to modify the guiderail).
    • Note stating the existing pole is to be removed within 90 days of the new pole installation.
  • Existing or proposed infrastructure above and below ground.

Grading

Who can apply: Abutting owner or local authority

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Existing grading for site.
  • Proposed grading for site.
  • Block and lot (except for local authority applications.)
  • Contours or cross sections.
  • Evidence of existing infrastructure above and below ground.
  • Soil Conservation District approval, if more than 5,000 square feet will be disturbed.

Guiderail

Who can apply: Abutting Owner or Local Authority

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Existing site grading and proposed site grading.
  • Guiderail calculations based on NJDOT Roadway Design Manual.
  • Block and lot, except for local authority applications.
  • Evidence of existing infrastructure above and below.
  • Plan showing the guiderail work with all applicable NJDOT guiderail details.

Landscaping, tree trimming, vegetation control, or unclassified landscaping

Who can apply: Abutting Owner or Local Authority

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Traffic Control Plan.
  • Block and lot, except for local authority applications.
  • Infrastructure above and below ground.
  • Plan showing proposed work.
  • If vegetation is being planted, detail specifications of each type of vegetation.

Lane and Shoulder Closure

Who can apply: Anyone or Utility company. For Utility attachment, the applicant must be the Utility Company

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Applicable Traffic control plan.
  • Existing striping plan, or location of work area (pole, manhole, etc.)
  • Existing number of lanes and shoulder width.
  • Plans should indicate any overpass (No hanging cables allowed under overpass bridges)
  • Any crossing for overpasses bridge must be underground.
  • Existing pavement depth when traffic will use the shoulder for long term construction.

Miscellaneous (Permit work not covered by all other categories)

Who can apply: Anyone

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Supporting documents as required by the department.
  • Existing or proposed infrastructure above and below ground.
Helpful Tips: Please give a full description of the purpose and scope of the proposed permit.

Monitoring Wells

Who can apply: Anyone

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Applicable traffic control plan.
  • Location and depths of the proposed wells.
  • Block and Lot.
  • Existing or proposed infrastructure above and below ground.
Helpful Tips: If also performing test holes, a separate Test Hole permit is required.

Parades or gatherings

Who can apply: Anyone

Documents required for application submittal:

  • State highway traffic control or detour plan.
  • Documentation of local authority endorsement.
  • Local law enforcement commitment for traffic control.
  • Parade route.
Helpful Tips: One event per application.
Date and optional rain date must be included in the endorsement letter.

Temporary Use

Who can apply: Anyone

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Applicable traffic control plan.
  • Documentation of local authority endorsement.
  • Block and Lot.

Test Holes or Borings

Who can apply: Anyone

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Applicable traffic control plan.
  • Location and depths of the proposed holes.
  • Block and Lot.
  • Existing or proposed infrastructure above and below ground.
Helpful Tips: If also installing Monitoring Wells, a separate Monitoring Well permit is required.

Vegetation Canopy Management - Site Investigation (VCI)

Who can apply: Outdoor Advertising permit holder

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Applicable traffic control plan.
  • Supporting documents as required by the department.
  • Existing or proposed infrastructure above and below ground.

Vegetation Canopy Management - Plan (VCM)

Who can apply: Outdoor Advertising permit holder

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Applicable traffic control plan.
  • Supporting documents as required by the department.
  • Evidence of Soil Conservation District approval, if more than 5,000 sq ft.
  • Evidence of all required permits or approvals.
  • Existing or proposed infrastructure above and below ground.

Utility Openings

Who can apply: Utility Company. (Distribution or Collection company)

Documents required for application submittal:

  • Applicable Traffic control plan.
  • Site Plan including the following:
    • Roadway layout (striping, dimensions, etc.)
    • Existing infrastructure above and below ground.
    • Multiple mains for same utility company are NOT allowed in Right of Way (Water main, Sewer, Electric all should be only 1 Line, Gas 1 distribution and 1 Transmission.)
    • Proposed opening location with dimensions called out.
    • Services for abutting property should be minimized in Right of Way - 1 Service per lot for each utility.
    • Proposed restoration area labeled (mill & pave).
    • Note stating that any abandoned/retired pipe in grass area over 4" in diameter shall be removed.
    • Note stating that any abandoned/retired pipe under pavement over 4" in diameter shall be filled with a suitable fill material.
    • Note stating that if concrete slabs are found to be within the pavement structure of the roadway then concrete slab removal and replacement with full depth asphalt may be part of the roadway restoration.
  • Restoration details.
  • Evidence of public utility status by Board of Public Utilities (for any new unrecognized company).
  • Evidence of membership in One-Call Damage Prevention System (for any new unrecognized company).



Contact Us at DOT-OPU.ePermittingSupport@dot.nj.gov
Last updated date: May 23, 2024 2:07 PM