Frequently Asked Questions

Three (3) government entities are responsible for maintaining the street portion of the Rights-of-Way in the City of Key West.

Monroe County maintains:

• 1st Street
• The 400 block of Whitehead Street
• Bertha Street
• Eaton Street
• Flagler Avenue
• Palm Avenue

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) maintains:

• The 500 - 900 blocks of Whitehead Street
• North Roosevelt Boulevard
• South Roosevelt Boulevard
• Truman Avenue

The City of Key West maintains all other Rights-of-Way not recognized for maintenance by the County or FDOT.

The original modern developers of the City of Key West designated certain routes as public "Rights-of-Way" to allow commerce to exist.  Businesses and residents need avenues to transport goods and move around the island.  The City was granted designated Right-of-Ways, which are required to be maintained to allow people the right of passage.

The City must maintain the streets in a manner conducive to the passage of people and goods.  The City has the responsibility to ensure that the use of the Right-of-Way maintains proper public access and that the infrastructure is properly designed and installed.

Permits

"Right-of-Way" permits are required for all construction and landscape work and for any use of the Right-of-Way, such as

• Signs
• Trash receptacles and dumpsters
• Construction laydown areas
• Bike racks

Permits are required for filling low spots with rock, asphalting on the edge of pavement, sidewalks, and brick driveways.

"Maintenance of Traffic" permits are required when any use of the Right-of-Way will cause a temporary blockage of the street, sidewalk or parking lanes. These requirements include cones, barricades, flaggers, and other means to ensure vehicles and pedestrian traffic are routed safely.

Local utilities and the contractors hired by the utility companies may perform work on the road or on rights-of-way in Key West. 

• AT&T
• City of Key West Landscaping crews
• City Sewer
• City Storm Water
• Comcast Cable
• Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority
• Keys Energy Services
• Petroleum pipe lines

The City of Key West is a member of the Utility Coordination Association, which holds monthly meetings to provide updates on projects on our island.  We maintain a five-year plan for all utility work and attempt to schedule projects on the same road in the same period to reduce asphalt overlay costs. 

Sometimes, work can not be coordinated due to the nature of, or extent of, repairs or funding availability.

A permit is not required if the dumpster/container is placed on private property.  If placing the dumpster/container on private property is not an option, a permit for using the Rights-of-way is required. 

The Company supplying the dumpster/container is authorized to apply for the permit, as they are responsible for placing and removing the container. 

A property owner may not apply for a dumpster/container permit.

Americans with Disabilities Act, otherwise known as (ADA) accessible curb ramps are installed on all newly constructed corners. 

ADA Curb ramps are installed whenever an existing corner requires reconstruction or by request.  Some ramps will be placed in the downtown area or installed where none exist.

Sidewalk inspectors look for hazards that cause people to trip and fall.  For example, sidewalks that are raised, badly cracked, have holes or rough spots or are damaged by tree roots may be hazardous. 

Guidelines suggest lips or settlement exceeding 1 3/4 inches may be considered a hazard. 

If you want to report a hazard, contact the Engineering Department at 305-809-3965.

Yes. Property owners who complete their own work in the right-of-way must obtain a permit from the Engineering Services office at 1300 White Street. This permit offers inspections for forms and final finish work. Information is available to property owners who need advice on how to make repairs. Inspections are included in the permit. Call 305-809-3965 for more information.

Once they are notified that a hazard exists, property owners have 30 days to complete repairs by doing the work themselves, hiring a contractor, or asking the City to make repairs.  A City permit is required for sidewalk repair within the City right-of-way.  Fees or bonds are based on the linear footage of the sidewalk being replaced.  The City also provides property owners with an inspection to ensure the repair is completed according to City code.  Permits can be downloaded from the Engineering Department section on this website or obtained at the Engineering Services office located at 1300 White Street.  Call 305-809-3965 for further information.

City code states that public sidewalks are to be maintained by the adjacent property owners.  If a citizen complains about an unsafe sidewalk, it will be inspected after the complaint is received. A repair notice will be sent to the adjacent property owner if it is found to be hazardous.

When the City of Key West issues calls for bids, they provide the information online at DemandStar.  They can be reached toll free at 1-800-711-1712.

The City of Key West will also advertise calls for bids in the local newspaper.