Cell Tower Permit - Type F Access - Wireless Communication Site Access Permit
What is the purpose of this permit?
This permit is to allow an off and on approach to a partially controlled limited access highway facility in a legal manner for the sole purpose of serving a wireless communication site. The permit allows site access for the normal construction, operation and maintenance of the wireless communication site for the permit holder and its contractors but not its subtenants. If a sale or merger occurs that affects an existing wireless communication site, the new wireless communication provider will be authorized to utilize said approach upon the state's receipt of written notice of the sale or merger action.
Who issues this permit?
Washington State Department of Transportation
What activities require this permit?
It is required to have an approved permit prior to constructing an access connection to a state highway for the purpose of serving a wireless communication site.
How much will this permit cost?
The base fee for the permit is $500.00 and other factors determine the final fee amount. There is a $500/year annual fee per permit.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called '
DOT Form 224-009' is online and can be accessed at
https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/fulltext/forms/224-009.pdf.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Yes- Additional items required are located on-line and on the back of the application form:
https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/fulltext/forms/224-694.pdfIs the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Yes - approval will be based on several factors, but center around safety of the public, applicant, and roadway at the requested access connection point.
How long will it take to review my application?
The estimated processing time of a completed application is 30 days.
Where do I submit my application?
Applications are review regional, based on the location of the requested Access Connection.
How long is my permit valid?
Once the permit is signed, and the connection is built, the permit is valid until there is a change of use. However, the wireless communication site access permit may be canceled upon written notice for reasons specified in the wireless communication site access permit general provisions. The permit will only be issued if it meets all state criteria, including, but not limited to, design and safety standards.
What is the appeal process for the permit?
Since the state is the owner of the access right, this permit is not pursuant to Chapter
47.50 RCW, and therefore, there is no right to appeal a denial of a Type F approach permit.
Notes / Comments:
The Wireless Permit is designed specifically for Wireless Communications Sites, in accordance with
Chapter 47.52 RCW.Permit Timeliness Results
Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.
All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:
Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 9Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 4(Summary results based on 3 submittals in 2023)
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:
https://wsdot.wa.gov/business-wsdot/highway-access-requests-trainingSubject matter expert phone: LeRoy Patterson (360)705-7266 and Jeanne Doolin (360) 705-7458
Subject matter expert email:
doolinj@wsdot.wa.govPublications: Several publications and information are available at
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/realestate/ right hand column under Property Management
Other: The Wireless Permit is designed specifically for Wireless Communications Sites, in accordance with Chapter
47.52 RCW.
Statewide Contact:
Washington State Department of Transportation
Development Division
310 Maple Park Ave SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Telephone: (360) 705-7458
Email: doolinj@wsdot.wa.gov
Website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov
* Permit information last updated 6/8/2023