02/27/2025
The Pullman Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has unanimously voted to cover the cost of Right-of-Way Use permits for eligible Chamber members in good standing. The decision to cover permitting for members comes after the Pullman City Council implemented a new fee structure for right-of-way permits, requiring anyone wanting to use the public right-of-way to pay a $30 permit fee and $215 annual processing fee.
“The Chamber Board recognizes that this year has been a time of hardship for some of our businesses, and with that in mind, we have allocated money in our Community Investment Fund to reimburse our members for their Right-of-Way Use permits,” says Pullman Chamber Executive Director Marie Dymkoski. “This reimbursement should help our members offset costs associated with permits, making operations and enhancing public areas in front of their businesses easier,” Dymkoski added.
A prime example of businesses required to obtain Right-of-Way Use permits are restaurants with outdoor seating areas on public sidewalks. The Pullman Chamber commenced its permit reimbursement process this week by presenting Rico's Pub owner, Tawny Szumlas, with a permit reimbursement certificate valued at $245. The permit is necessary for Rico’s to maintain their outdoor seating area in front of their main street business.
“When I heard about the Chamber wanting to help offset the fees for first-year right-of-way permits, I was really excited,” says Szumlas. “[The reimbursement] is really wonderful
considering the year that downtown businesses have had—it’s been hard for us. We were super excited about the construction, but it was a long haul, and not having to pay this money out of pocket this year, this time, is a really big deal for us.”
Reimbursement for Right-of-Way Use permits is available for all Pullman Chamber members who apply and are approved for a Type C Right-of-Way Use permit. Reimbursements are valid for one year only in the amount of $245 and will be included as a member benefit for the duration of 2025. Members who believe they are eligible for reimbursement but have not been in contact with the Chamber are urged to call Executive Director Marie Dymkoski at 509-334-3565.
