Digging/Excavation Permits

Worker in a trench

Digging/Excavation in the City’s Right-of-Way

The complete set of Excavation Permit Regulations  includes information about standards, traffic control, emergency excavations and  more. The permit application can be found below.

Excavation Regulation Highlights

  1. Excavation Permit application must be submitted FOUR (4) WORKING DAYS prior to the proposed excavation.
  2. To complete the application you will need to provide information including: name, location, Dig Safe number and a sketch of the work area. 
  3. A certificate of insurance is required naming the City of Laconia as additional insured. 
  4. A security deposit and/or bond may be required .
  5. Specific asphalt mix types and asphalt liquid content are mandated.
  6.  Be aware of our trench patching and paving requirements. See the Standard Details webpage.


Fee Structure / Streets under Moratorium

The Administrative/Inspection Fee is $125.

The City's street damage charge is assessed at $5.00 per square foot of excavation occurring within the paved portions of the public right-of-way or on City property.  An infrastructure damage charge of $2.50 per square foot of excavation will be charged for excavation occurring within the unpaved sidewalk areas of the public right-of-way or on unpaved portions of City property.

Streets that have been paved within the last five years are considered under moratorium and work on these streets is permissible only under certain circumstances.  If an excavation occurs in a street where the pavement is less than 2 years old, the street damage charge is multiplied by three (3).  If an excavation occurs in a street where the pavement is 2 years to 5 years old, the street damage charge is multiplied by two (2).


Pedestrian Safety

Throughout the duration of the project, the sidewalks must allow safe passage for pedestrians--including those with mobility limitations and vision disabilities.  For helpful guidelines, see Pedestrian Accommodation in Work Zones. If this is not feasible, in addition to the excavation permit, you will need an approved Sidewalk Encumbrance Permit.     


Applications for a Permit 

To apply, download the application, fill it out and use the "submit" button. Alternatively, one can print the application and email a completed copy to publicworks@laconianh.gov .

Apply for a Utility Mark Out - (used for digging in private property and in the State of NH right-of-way)

Apply for an Excavation Permit  - (used for digging in the City of Laconia right-of-way)

If you have questions, contact the Department of Public Works at 528-6379 or read the ordinance.