The Bureau of Engineering is managed by the City Engineer who is responsible for the engineering staff, and for performing all necessary engineering services in connection with Public Works projects, capital improvements and related projects. The Bureau performs necessary engineering field surveys; prepares construction plans and specifications, contracts and contract specifications; conducts inspections of contract work in progress; investigates related complaints; handles utility contracts and permits; maintains engineering data files and maps. The Bureau also provides engineering review of plans submitted to the Planning and Zoning Boards.

Each year the Bureau issues nearly 1,000 permits for construction within the City rights of way. A permit from the Department of Public Works is required to perform any work within the street and sidewalk area (referred to as the public “Right of Way”). In addition to the pavement area this generally includes the area approximately 10 feet from the curb or edge of pavement.