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In accordance with Chaper 480-60 WAC, Railroad Companies—Clearances, the UTC has jurisdiction of overhead, track and side close clearances within rail yards and private industries where equipment is operated by railroad employees. Generally, the UTC rules require overhead clearances be at least 22 feet 6 inches from the top of the rail and side clearances be at least 8 feet 6 inches from the centerline of the track.
A written request for rule exemption must be filed and approved by the UTC prior to a railroad company operating any equipment over the tracks. The request must identify the rule for which an exemption is sought and provide a full explanation of the reason the exemption is requested. The request must also contain a statement from the railroad that they do not oppose the clearance exemption.
For questions, please email Rail@utc.wa.gov.
- Petition for Exemption from Commission Rules - Restricted Clearances - Word
- Petition for Exemption from Commission Rules - Restricted Clearances - Fillable PDF