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  

Permit Categories

A man wearing a neon safety vest crosses a street behind two orange and white striped construction barriers.

Obstruction Permits

An obstruction permit is required whenever an object or equipment is placed within the City's Right of Way. This includes objects placed in:

  • Alleys
  • Bike lanes
  • Parking Lanes
  • Sidewalks
  • Traffic lanes

It also includes:

  • Block permits
  • Roving permits
Temporary "No Parking" placed along a curb. Street construction in the background.

Utility (Excavation) Permits

A utility (excavation) permit is required whenever ground is broken within the City’s Right of Way. These include:

  • Excavation permits
    • Directional boring
    • Open trench
    • Monitoring well
    • Investigative boring
  • Overhead permits
  • Joint service permits
    • Sewers
    • Water
A group of people cheers with drinks, sitting at an outdoor table a patio alongside a restaurant.

Business Right of Way Permits

Business or other organizations looking to use Right of Way must apply for a permit. The City issues permits for:

  • Bike corrals
  • Blasting
  • Dumpsters
  • Food carts
  • Media events
  • Meter hooding
  • News racks
  • "No parking" signs
  • Parklets
  • Sidewalk cafés
  • Small cell wireless
  • Storage containers
  • Valet stands
Street, curb, and boulevard, with houses in the background.

Residential Right of Way Permits

Residents may occassionally need to use public Right of Way. A permit is required to place any of the following in City Right of Way:

  • Boulevard Rain Gardens
  • Dumpsters
  • Encroachments
  • Raised Planter Beds
  • Storage Containers

Please note: You do not need a permit to place any of these on your own private property. You only need a permit if you're placing these items in City Right of Way (including but not limited to sidewalks, boulevards, and streets). 

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: October 15, 2025