The Complete Guide
Right-of-Way (ROW) Permits for Dumpsters: Austin & Denver
If a dumpster needs to sit on a public street, alley, or sidewalk instead of your own private property, you need a permit — and we’ve learned this the hard way. Here’s exactly what’s required in Austin and Denver, how to get it, and a real mistake we made (and paid for) so you don’t have to.
We Got a Real ROW Citation — Here’s What Happened
We once placed a dumpster on what we thought was private property. It wasn’t — it was public right-of-way, and we got cited for it. We went to court over it. Rather than bury that story, we made videos explaining exactly what we got wrong and how to do it correctly next time, because we’d genuinely rather you learn from our mistake than make the same one. Ask us about the video if you want to see it — it’s a real, unedited look at how easy this is to get wrong even when you think you’ve checked.
When Do You Actually Need a ROW Permit?
The short version, in both cities: if the dumpster sits entirely on private property (your driveway, your lot), you typically don’t need a city ROW permit. The moment any part of it sits on a public street, alley, sidewalk, or other public right-of-way, a permit is required — and in both Austin and Denver, that permit has to be pulled by the container/hauling company, not the property owner. This is exactly the distinction that got us cited: what we thought was part of the property was actually public right-of-way.
Austin: Temporary Use of Right-of-Way Permit (TURP)
What it is & what it costs
To place a dumpster on a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way in Austin, a Temporary Use of Right-of-Way Permit (TURP) is required. Short-term permits run $45 for up to 30 days and generally can’t be renewed or extended — if you need it longer, a new application is required.
Contractor requirements
The hauling company needs an active ROW contractor license, a $10,000 bond, and liability insurance on file with the city — this is on us, not something you need to arrange yourself.
How to apply
Applications go through the online Austin Build + Connect Portal, under Right of Way applications. You’ll need the exact dimensions (length and width in feet) of the placement area, the exact street address or meter numbers, and a site map or photo.
Processing time
Plan for up to 10 business days for city review and approval before the container can be placed — this isn’t a same-day process, so it needs to be arranged ahead of your delivery date.
Source: City of Austin Right-of-Way Permits and ROW Contractor Requirements.
Denver: ROW Dumpster License & Street Occupancy Permit
Denver works a little differently — and it’s entirely on us to handle. A City of Denver right-of-way permit for a dumpster must be obtained directly by the licensed container/hauler company, not the property owner or resident. If you’re in Denver, this is exactly the kind of thing to ask us about — we take care of it.
What’s required
A valid ROW Dumpster License, a Revocable Street Occupancy Permit, and an approved traffic control plan, all processed through Denver’s e-Permits system. Only the container company can apply, and it’s responsible for proper placement and maintenance of the unit.
Permit types
Denver offers a Residential Annual Permit and an Arterial & Collector / Residential One-Time Permit, depending on how long the container needs to stay and what type of street it’s on.
Placement rules
Containers must sit at least 20 feet away from corners, alleys, and ramps, fit entirely inside a parking lane, and never block sidewalks, travel lanes, or fire hydrants. The permit or plate must be clearly visible on the container’s upper left corner, with company contact details displayed.
Processing time
Applications require at least 5 business days for city review and approval.
Source: Denver DOTI Right-of-Way Permits.
We Handle This For You
In Denver, the permit has to come from us regardless — residents and property owners aren’t able to pull it themselves. In Austin, you can technically apply yourself through the Build + Connect Portal, but most customers have us handle it since we already carry the required bond, license, and insurance. Either way, tell us up front if your dumpster needs to sit on a public street or sidewalk and we’ll take care of the permit before delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my driveway placement counts as private property or right-of-way?
This is exactly the mistake that got us cited once — property lines aren’t always where you’d assume, especially near the street. If there’s any doubt, ask us before delivery and we’ll help you confirm, or default to applying for the permit rather than guessing.
Who is responsible if a dumpster is placed on the right-of-way without a permit?
In both cities, the container/hauling company is the one licensed to place it and responsible for the permit — which is exactly why we take this seriously and, in Denver’s case, why the permit legally has to come from us in the first place.
Can I extend an Austin short-term ROW permit if my project runs long?
Generally no — short-term permits typically can’t be renewed or extended. If your project is going to run past 30 days on the right-of-way, plan for a new application rather than assuming an extension is possible.
How far in advance should I plan for a ROW permit?
Austin’s TURP review takes up to 10 business days; Denver’s review takes at least 5 business days. Either way, this needs to be arranged well ahead of your delivery date — it’s not something that can be sorted out same-day.
What happens if a container isn’t placed correctly under Denver’s rules?
Denver requires containers to stay at least 20 feet from corners, alleys, and ramps, fit entirely within a parking lane, and never block sidewalks, travel lanes, or fire hydrants — getting this wrong risks a citation to the container company, which is why we handle placement ourselves rather than leaving it to guesswork.
Need a dumpster placed somewhere that might touch a public street or sidewalk? Tell us up front — we’ll handle the permit before delivery day.
Call (512) 962-2586