Question 1

How frequently do I need to log into RULIS to avoid being locked out?

Accepted Answer

In accordance with IT security requirements, you are required to log into RULIS every 180 days and reset your password every 180 days or less to avoid being locked out of the application. If you have been locked out of your account, please contact your district permit coordinator so that they can submit a ticket on your behalf to unlock your account. A TxDOT district utility contacts list can be found at this link https://www.txdot.gov/business/right-of-way/rulis/rulis-training-for-external-partners.html .

Question 2

Why is the password so long?

Accepted Answer

The length of the password is based on TxDOT security requirements.

Question 3

Will I have to create a new account if I already have an existing account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Users will transition from having multiple logins and passwords to a single login and password. This change is designed with the safety and privacy of data in mind, reducing the risk of security breaches, simplifying access, and managing shared accounts. For more detailed instructions on creating a RULIS account, please see the job aid titled RULIS Utilities Login and Registration for External Users.

Question 4

Will consultants who work for different utility companies have one login too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, consultants will have a singular login, streamlining the process and allowing them to work more efficiently on behalf of multiple companies.

Question 5

Once the company is created, as more people log in, can the Manager of an Organizational Unit be changed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Manager of an Organizational Unit can be transferred to another user.

Question 6

Can users view company-wide permit applications?

Accepted Answer

If you’re the manager of an Organizational Unit associated with the Utility or Consultant Company, you will see the permits that have an Action Required. As a Utility Company, you will only see permits submitted by Utility Consultants in your Submitted Applications if you are the user that acknowledged the permit.

Question 7

As the manager or owner of a company, can I manage the requests made by users on my company's account?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a manager, you have full control of the users in the account and can manage their requests.

Question 8

Is company information carried over from the previous system or will I need to create that company account?

Accepted Answer

When logging in for the first time, check to see if your company is already added in the system. If it's not, you can add your company. This process is covered in our tutorial and in the job aid.

Question 9

If my utility or utility consulting company covers multiple regions across Texas, should we have multiple accounts?

Accepted Answer

No. Please create only one account, regardless of the regions your company covers in Texas.

Question 10

Who can provide access permission for additional users on the company account?

Accepted Answer

Any user that is selected as a Manager of the Organizational Unit can approve, add, and remove other Members.

Question 11

Will a single login work for all TXDOT districts?

Accepted Answer

Your single RULIS login will work to submit permits statewide.

Question 12

Can Utility Consultants still work with multiple Utility Companies in RULIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a Utility Consultant can link to multiple Utility Companies and will be able to submit permits for Utility Owner Acknowledgment on behalf of numerous Utility Companies.

Question 13

As a utility consultant, why can’t I submit my permit directly to TxDOT on behalf of the utility owner?

Accepted Answer

TxDOT's policy will remain that utility consultants may not submit permits in RULIS. This policy is the same as in UIR, where users with "Consultant" privilege access cannot submit permits. Utility companies assigning consultants "User" privilege access is against TxDOT policy.
 TAC 21.38 (a)(1) states, "A utility is responsible for the construction and maintenance of its utility facility, including installation, adjustment or relocation, replacement, expansion, and repair. Construction and maintenance must conform to the requirements of §21.37 of this subchapter (relating to Design) and shall be accomplished in a manner and to a standard acceptable to the department."
 With the recent issues of utility companies' facilities that were installed in the incorrect location, causing delays to transportation roadway construction across the State, as a solution, TxDOT will require a representative of the utility company to sign off that the information is correct by submitting the permit application and final location as-builts to the RULIS application.
 If you have any additional questions, please submit your questions to ROW_Applications_Helpdesk@txdot.gov or your local Utility Specialist.

Question 14

How do I submit a permit for Sewer/Wastewater?

Accepted Answer

Sewer/Wastewater will be chosen in the attributes as Non-Potable Water after the design is drawn. TxDOT aligned RULIS with ASCE 75-22: Standard Guideline for Recording and Exchanging Utility Infrastructure Data and complies with TAC RULE §21.37 21.37 Design.

Question 15

Is there a naming convention for the files we upload to our utility permit in RULIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the recommended naming convention for files uploaded to your utility permit in RULIS is DocumentName_Revision#_MMDDYYYY.pdf . For example, TCP_Revision1_11272023.pdf.

Question 16

Is this the part of the system that will determine what District the permit will be sent to for review?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the system uses the location specified on the map to determine the appropriate district for permit review.

Question 17

Is there an option to zoom in using a Lat/Long coordinate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an enhancement has been made to the system to allow users to zoom in on the map using Lat/Long coordinates.

Question 18

When is the best time to use the layer button on the map feature?

Accepted Answer

The layer button on the map feature is best used when you are drawing the utility.

Question 19

Can a layer be added in the map for the real Property Asset Map (RPAM)?

Accepted Answer

Adding a layer in the map for the Real Property Asset Map (RPAM) will be considered as a potential future enhancement.

Question 20

Can I upload a CSV or shapefile for my permit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can upload a CSV or shapefile to your permit. Please note, even if you upload a shapefile for the layers and facility placement, you will still need to draw the utility on the map, but it does not need to be precise.

Question 21

Do I submit a permit for an off-system road?

Accepted Answer

No. Permits will not be accepted in RULIS for off-system highways or highways that are not maintained by the state. TxDOT does not have jurisdiction over these facilities.

Question 22

Is the CSJ number the same number as the Project ID number?

Accepted Answer

No, the CSJ number and the Project ID number are distinct. The Project ID is autogenerated within TxDOTCONNECT once the project is saved and is unique to TxDOTCONNECT.

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