Rules & Licenses · Capital Region
Albany Water and Sewer Work Can Trigger a Street-Opening Step
City of Albany water or sewer work should check the right-of-way and street-opening permit step before a contractor cuts or digs.
Published July 6, 2026 · Last verified July 6, 2026
Albany water and sewer work can turn into a street-opening question faster than people expect. The city’s water and sewer checklist asks whether work will happen in the right-of-way, sidewalk, or street. It also asks whether work will happen at the water or sewer main in the lawn.
If either answer is yes, the checklist says a street opening permit is required through DGS. That can matter on a water service repair, sewer lateral job, sidewalk disturbance, curb cut, utility trench, or driveway-related project near the public edge.
Do not leave that question floating between the homeowner, plumber, excavator, and city office. Ask who pulls the permit, who carries insurance, who calls DIG SAFE NY, who restores the pavement or sidewalk, and who calls for inspection. The checklist also says water and sewer permit approval should be in hand before work starts.
Keep the sketch, contractor name, permit, insurance certificate, DGS contact, DIG SAFE number, and photos of the repair. The street may be public, but the paperwork can land on a private project budget. A few clear questions at the start can save a lot of pointing later.