Permits/Real Estate
- How do I obtain a permit?
- How do I know if this is BNSF property?
- How long does it take to get a permit?
- Once I return the executed permit to you, how long will it be before I can perform the work?
- If I am applying for more than one (1) permit at a time, what is the processing fee?
- What are the specifications for installations on BNSF property?
- If I need to perform maintenance or repair to an existing crossing/line, what do I need to do?
How do I obtain a permit?
Submit the appropriate completed application (see list below), along with two sets of plans and/or drawings and a non-refundable $600 application fee (check made payable to BNSF Railway Company). The exact location must be noted on the application and the drawings. If at all possible, please include the railroad milepost. If this is unobtainable, please state the distance from the nearest public crossing to the location (i.e., 1,500 feet east of Main Street). If any of the above is missing or incomplete, the application will not be processed.
The following documents are in PDF format (Get Adobe® Reader®).
| Consent to Assign | Example: Selling property, name change |
| Environmental Access | Example: Soil sample for contamination; install monitoring wells; topographical survey for contamination |
| House/Structure Crossing | Example: Low-clearance vehicles and those in excess of state DOT height/weight standards, such as houses, boilers, transformers |
| License Agreement - General | Example: Culvert, drainage ditch, storm water fall-out |
| Pipeline Crossing | Example: Installing a pipeline for water, natural gas, sewage, oil, petroleum, etc. |
| Private Crossing | Example: Vehicular/pedestrian/bicycle access over BNSF tracks |
| Roadway Surfacing/Resurfacing | Example: Surface/resurface/overlay existing road (not due to road widening) |
| Seismograph Survey | Example: Laying cable along tracks or on property to test for seismic activity |
| Temporary Occupancy | Example: Geotechnical study of the soil, survey/inspection, construction access |
| Wireline Crossing or Longitudinal Communication & Electric |
Example: Communication line for fiber optic, phone, CATV, electric supply line for voltage, circuits, electricity |
How do I know if this is BNSF property?
Check with the local tax assessor or courthouse records.
How long does it take to get a permit?
If there are no engineering issues or changes involved, a permit should be sent to you for execution within six to eight weeks.
Once I return the executed permit to you, how long will it be before I can perform the work?
If all required insurance and fees are returned with the executed agreement, you should receive a fully executed agreement from Jones Lang LaSalle in about a week. However, if the insurance or fees are incorrect, this will delay the processing time. Also, you must notify the roadmaster (as stated in the agreement), at least 10 days in advance of entering the property.
If I am applying for more than one (1) permit at a time, what is the processing fee?
The processing fee is $600 per application submitted.
What are the specifications for installations on BNSF property?
Please see the Utility Accommodation Manual .
If I need to perform maintenance or repair to an existing crossing/line, what do I need to do?
If you have an existing permit with BNSF Railway Company and are performing maintenance or repair work, you must contact the roadmaster and have a copy of your permit before entering BNSF property.
