Welcome. This page provides information concerning applications for special permits to operate certain gas transmission pipelines at pressures based on previous class location designation, under circumstances when class location has changed due to development or changes in population density near the pipeline.

The Federal pipeline safety regulations in 49 CFR § 192.611 require natural gas pipeline operators to confirm or to revise the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of a pipeline segment after a change in class location. To align safety protocols with modern risk-based management practices, PHMSA issued a final rule, effective March 16, 2026. The final rule amended the requirements in 49 CFR § 192.611 for managing gas pipeline segments affected by class location changes. The rule was modeled on a highly successful special permit program for class location changes that was in effect for more than two decades.

Please see PHMSA’s Pipeline Rulemaking Implementation page to find more information regarding the 2026 Class Location Change Requirements Rule to determine applicable requirements.

Operators with existing special permits should consider whether they are eligible to use the IM alternative, and, if so, should contact pipelinespecialpermits@dot.gov to rescind their special permit and use the IM alternative.

For class location change segments that do not meet the criteria of the 2026 Class Location Change Requirements Rule, operators are still required to take one of the following actions: replace the pipeline segment according to the requirements of Part 192, conduct a pressure test under 192.611(a)(1) & (3), reduce operating pressure under 192.611(a)(2), or submit an application for a Class Location Change Special Permit under §190.341.