Encroachment Permits Overview
Agenda Item 12.A
By Eric Eldridge, City Engineer
Meeting Date: November 18, 2025
Encroachment Permits
When is an encroachment permit required?
•A permit is required for all work to be performed within the public right-of-way Why is an encroachment permit required?
•Ensure public safety, minimize potential liabilities, and manage public access •Protect City-owned utilities and infrastructure
•Maintain compliance with applicable standards, including the City’s standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), CAL-OSHA safety regulations, and all relevant Federal, State, and City environmental laws
Managing obstructions:
•Traffic control plan to safely detour vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians around the worksite.
Preventing accidents:
•Operating heavy equipment an urban environment
introduces numerous hazards.
Communication with the public:
•Notify emergency services, schools, and nearby
properties in advance of road closures.
Public Safety and Traffic Control
Avoiding damage:
•A city's right-of-way contains a network of public
infrastructure, including sewer lines, water pipes, storm drains, electrical conduits, and pavement. Review to
ensure the equipment's weight and placement will not
damage this unseen infrastructure.
Repairing damage:
•Should any City property be damaged by the work, the
permit holds the contractor financially responsible for repairs. In some cases, a bond may also be required to
cover potential costs.
Protection of City Infrastructure and Property
Assigning responsibility:
•If an accident occurs the permit creates a legal record that clearly defines the permittee's responsibility for the activity. This protects the city from liability caused by private construction.
Ensuring insurance coverage:
•A contractor must prove they have the proper insurance to cover potential bodily injury or property damage
claims. The City requires the Contractor's specific
coverage to name the city as an "additional insured".
Liability Protection
Regulation enforcement:
•The permit gives the City authority to regulate the use of its public property and ensure only qualified, insured
contractors are performing work.
Establishing rules:
•The City can impose special conditions on the permit,
such as limits on operating hours or specific noise
reduction measures, to mitigate the impact on residents and traffic.
Administrative Control
Encroachment Permits
Three levels of permits based on the type of work.
•Minor Encroachment Permit
•Surface Encroachment Permit
•Subsurface Encroachment Permit
Encroachment Permit Types
Minor Encroachment
Minor Encroachment
Minor Encroachment
Surface Encroachment
Surface Encroachment
Subsurface Encroachment
Encroachment Permit Fees
Encroachment Permit Fees
•User Fee Study presented 2/24/25
•Adopted User Fee Schedule 3/18/25
•Minor Encroachment Permit - $95.00
•Surface Encroachment Permit - $1,440.00
•Subsurface Encroachment Permit - $2,122.00
Encroachment Permits
More information on the applications and Permits on the City's Website
• https://www.pismobeach.org/81/Applications-Permits
•Or key word search “City of Pismo Beach Encroachment Permit” in any web browser
Questions
18