Cambridge License Commission

Photograph of Pole and Conduit

Pole & Conduit

Issued by: Pole and Conduit Commission

Governed By: Massachusetts General Law ch. 166 & Cambridge Ordinance and Regulations.

Process Length:The approval process takes approximately two to four weeks. The Pole and Conduit Commission usually meets the third Thursday of the month at 10:00am. The filing deadline is 12:00 noon on Thursday, two weeks before the hearing. Please call our office at 617-349-6141 for exact schedule and filing deadline.

Fee: DPW - obtain a $5,000 bond and pay $50 Excavation Permit fee; Electrical Department - $10 installation fee; Traffic, Parking & Transportation - $25 and up for a Street Obstruction Permit fee; Pole and Conduit application fee of $110/street, residential 3 units and under; $180 commercial and residential over 3 units.

Notes: Please see the City's Pole and Conduit Policy

Process:

Step 1:

DIG SAFE  1.800.332.4844

Dig Safe is a centralized notification agency for its member utilities companies, including the cable, electric, gas and telephone companies. Massachusetts state law mandates that Dig Safe and its member companies be contacted at least 72 hours before excavation begins. Upon contacting Dig Safe, the Dig Safe agent will request the following types of information:

  1. the address of the site where digging will occur;
  2. how deep the applicant plans to dig;
  3. the name, address and phone number of the person or group performing the dig
  4. the name, address and phone number of the applicant

The Dig Safe agent will issue a number to certify that the applicant has called. Some City applications require that this number be indicated. Each of the companies will visit the site and mark any underground pipes, cables, etc.

Step 2:

The applicant obtains and completes the Pole & Conduit Questionnaire, and an application. A hearing with the Pole & Conduit Commission will be scheduled for the third Thursday of the month at 10AM. Upon attending the hearing and receiving approval, the Pole and Conduit Commission will issue an approval permit number to the applicant and forward the approved Petition and Order form to the Department of Public Works; Traffic, Parking and Transportation; the Electrical Department; and the Police Department.

Step 3:

The Department of Public Works issues the Excavation Permit (if digging is required ), and determines the Street Preservation Offset Fee (SPOF). The permit process may take from one to seven days. The applicant must obtain a $5,000 bond and pay a $50 permit fee.

Step 4:

The Electrical Department issues the Installation Permit. There is a permit fee of $10.

Step 5:

The Traffic, Parking and Transportation issues the Street Obstruction Permit. This permit process takes about three days. The permit fee is $25, but if meters are involved there is an additional fee of $5 per meter per day and a $25 bagging charge (for up to 16 meters).

Step 6:

The Police Department determines the necessary number of detail officers at the site.

Step 7:

The Pole and Conduit Commission issues or mails the Pole & Conduit permit to the applicant. The applicant has the option to pick up the approval when it is available. The applicant must notify the License Commission, Electrical Department, and the Department of Public Works when work is completed. The Department of Public Works must also be notified when excavation is completed.


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