Excavation Permits

Excavations

Excavation Permits are granted only to excavators licensed by the City of South Portland for the current calendar year. Excavator Licenses are $400 and run annually January 1 through December 31. Applications for a City Excavator License must be accompanied by a $10,000 bond and an insurance rider protecting the City from liability.

Street opening permits (known as Excavation Permits) are $525 each.  

Driveways

Excavators working only on driveways are charged $50 each for Driveway Excavation permits.

A separate $50 permit for the location of a "curb cut" for a new driveway may be taken out by the property owner, but if any digging in the City right-of-way is involved with the proposed driveway, a currently City-licensed excavator must also take out an Excavation Permit for the driveway and pay the $50 fee.

Applications & Payment

Contractors have several options for completing and submitting applications and payments : 

  • The fastest method is to utilize our Online Application Portal to complete your application and submit your payment online.
  • Download PDF's electronically and email completed applications/bonds/insurance to Street Openings, and submit payment via check by mail or credit card over the phone.
  • Print application(s) and mail or deliver to the Department of Public Works, 929 Highland Ave, South Portland, ME 04106 with payment by check.  Credit card payments can also be made by phone or in person at the Public Works office.

Public Utilities

Public Utilities including Unitil, Portland Water District, Central Maine Power, and Fairpoint will be invoiced, and their applications may be submitted via Online Application Portal or emailed to Street Openings.

Required City Email Notifications

Review the Metro Bus Service Route Map


If you have excavation questions or concerns, please email Street Openings.