Frequently Asked Questions

Street light out? Call National Grid at 1-800-322-3223 or fill out their online form.

When do I need a permit from the Engineering Division?

An excavation permit is required for digging in the city right-ofway, which includes roadways, sidewalks and shoulder areas.

Usually, they are issued to excavation contractors to work on underground utilities (gas, water, electric, telephone, CATV, sanitary and storm sewer) and curb cuts.

An obstruction permit is required for blocking or obstructing the right-of-way. This would include ladders, staging, dumpsters, etc. They can be issued to general contractors and homeowners.

A drain layer permit is required for working on any sanitary sewer, public or private. They can only be issued to licensed drain layers.

What do I need to secure a permit?

For all excavation permits, a completed application and plans are submitted to Engineering, then to the Director of Public Works for review. If approved, the applicant must post a $5,000 performance bond and a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance.

For obstruction permits, a completed application and sketch, if required, are submitted to Engineering for review. If approved, the applicant must post a minimum of $300,000 in liability insurance.

All insurance policies must name the City of Newport as an additional insured.

What are the permit fees?

For excavation permits, there is a $60 fee for the first 15 feet of excavation, and an additional $8 for every five feet of excavation, regardless of width.

For example, a 20' trench dug in the grass shoulder of Ocean Drive for an electrical service would cost $68, and a 2000' trench for a new gas main in Broadway would cost $3236 ($60 for the first 15' and $8 for every five feet thereafter.

For obstruction permits, the fee is $20 per day.

How do I get a curb cut for my property?

First, a plan or sketch of the proposed curb cut showing dimensions should be submitted to the Engineering Division for review.

An area of nine feet wide by twenty feet long (9' x 20') per vehicle is required on the property for each vehicle. Three or more residential and all commercial property requires a turn around, with no backing into the right of way.

Upon approval, a contractor must secure an excavation permit (see permit requirements), and is responsible for delivering all removed curb to Public Works.

All work shall be done as directed by the Engineering Division, and all costs associated with the curb cut shall be paid by the property owner.

No one has plowed my street yet. When will it be plowed?

Snow plowing operations are in effect for snowfalls of approximately two (2) inches or more. The city is divided into seven (7) plowing areas with personnel assigned to each area.

Plowing in each area is prioritized with main roads, hills and areas around schools being addressed first.

The length of time it takes city crews to plow 94 miles of roads varies depending on the intensity of the snowfall, breakdowns of equipment, amount of traffic on the roads and available personnel.

City personnel face additional difficulties in Newport due to narrow streets, parked cars on roadways, one way traffic, steep hills and poor visibility. The city advises that all motorists stay off the roadways, if at all possible, during a snowstorm.

Are there any parking bans in Newport during snowstorms?

Yes. City ordinance marks the following streets as tow zones for emergency snow removal work:

Bellevue Avenue: Kay Street to Bowery Street
Broadway
Friendship Street
Spring Street
West Marlborough Street
Washington Square
Thames Street

Motor vehicles parked on such streets one-half hour after the public ban has been announced

Who is responsible for shoveling the sidewalk in front of my property?

City ordinance requires property owners to clear sidewalks within the first five (5) hours of daylight after a snowfall.

It is also requested to assist in keeping streets clear, that snow not be shoveled from a driveway or sidewalk into the street.

Who do I contact regarding a problem with a public building?

If you wish to report a damage or safety issue of a public property, please call(401) 845-5840, during normal business hours.

For reporting issues after hours contact Police Emergency: (401) 847-1212

How can I find out about parking regulations?

In general, parking regulations are covered by City ordinance 10.20.
Most areas in Newport are covered by parking signage. For questions outside of those covered by ordinance or public signage, the city’s Traffic Enforcement team may be reached at the Newport Police Department, Sgt. Christopher Hayes, (401) 845-5717.

What do I do if I receive a parking ticket in error?

To contest a parking ticket, complete the form on the ticket, providing an explanation of why the ticket may have been issued in error. Tickets of this nature are handled by a Municipal Court which convenes each Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the Newport City Hall Council Chambers.

Faulty meters or special circumstances are reviewed directly by our Traffic Enforcement Sergeant, Christopher Hayes at (401) 845-5717, who will initiate contact for additional information. If a Municipal Court appearance is warranted or required, an appearance date will be forwarded to you.

Who do I contact if my car has been towed?

All vehicle tows, whether towed by the police department or by local towing companies under contract with the city, are logged at the police department.

To verify that the vehicle was towed, contact the police department dispatch desk at (401) 845-5717.