Introducing PAULIE: The City’s New Permitting and Licensing Platform

PAULIE is the City of Saint Paul's new secure online system for permits, licenses, inspections, complaints, and more. This new platform: ​

  • Provides a secure, mobile-friendly way to submit and track applications.​
  • Centralizes the licensing and permitting process, from application through inspection and renewal.​

Learn how to apply through PAULIE and get answers to common questions.

Learn More About PAULIE

Public Right of Way

Public roads, boulevards, and sidewalks are located within public right of way. Land within the right of way is reserved for public use and is under the jurisdiction of the City of Saint Paul. 

Private property generally starts behind the public sidewalk or some distance from the back of the curb if no sidewalk exists. 

A black and white graphic showing the public right of way area on a residential street. The right of way is from the edge of the sidewalks, includes the boulevard where there are trees and the entire street.

Right of Way Permits

All residents, businesses, utilities, contractors, or any other entity must obtain Right of Way Permits from the city's Right of Way Management Division to do any work in Saint Paul's public right of way.

The City of Saint Paul is now using PAULIE. This new platform reimagines how we handle permits, licenses, inspections, and enforcement. You can now apply, track application status, and communicate with City staff in one centralized, secure, and mobile-friendly platform. Right of Way Permits will not be issued until all required information has been received including, original signatures, proof of insurance, and payment of permit fees. 

To get started, click the "Get Ready" button below. This will take you to our dedicated PAULIE webpage, providing important information about what to expect in the new platform.

Get Ready to Apply in PAULIE  

Sidewalk

Obstruction Permit

An obstruction permit is required whenever an object or equipment is placed within the city's right of way (streets, boulevards, sidewalks, alleys and other rights of way). Obstruction permits include:

  • Dumpster
  • Food Cart
  • Full Block Use
  • Hoisting
  • Meter Hooding
  • Parking Lane Use
  • Scaffolding
  • Sidewalk Use
  • Boulevard Use
  • Parklet
  • Special Events
  • Traffic & Bike Lane Use
  • Utility Company Use of Right of Way
  • Valet Parking
Obstruction Permit Application & Information
Tables

Sidewalk Café Permit

A sidewalk café permit allows a food establishment, such as a restaurant or coffee shop, to provide outdoor seating for customers in the public right of way.

Sidewalk Café Permit Application & Information
Portable

Storage Container Permit

A permit is required for a storage container whenever it is placed in the city's right of way.

A permit is NOT needed if the storage container is placed completely on private property.

Storage Container Permit Application & Information
Excavation

Excavation Permit

An excavation permit is required whenever excavation or underground work is planned within the city’s right of way (sidewalks, boulevards, and roadways). Prior to obtaining a permit the proposed work must be reviewed and approved through the Plan Review Committee. Excavation Permits include: 

  • Geoprobes
  • Utility Service Connection
  • Monitor Well
  • Utility Company Use of Right of Way
  • Tree Trench Restoration
Excavation Permit Application & Information
Large

Transportation Permit

A transportation permit is required whenever oversized or overweight equipment travels on roadways or bridges within the City of Saint Paul. A transportation permit is only required for oversized equipment or overweight vehicles. Saint Paul does not have seasonal road weight restrictions.

Transportation Permit Application & Information
Generic

Other Right of Way Permits

Find resources for obtaining other Right of Way permits, including:

  • Filming permit
  • News rack permit
  • Sprinkler permit
Other Right of Way Permits Information

Road Closures in Saint Paul

List and map of current construction related road closings and restrictions.
Road Closures List & Map

Right of Way City Project Contacts and Information Map

Right of Way Project and Inspector Map

Last Edited: September 17, 2025