Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in San Diego County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in San Diego County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of San Diego County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Obstruction Rules

In unincorporated San Diego County, no one may place, change, or renew an encroachment, meaning a pole, pipe, driveway, fence, billboard, sign, structure, or similar object in, under, or over a county highway, pathway, sidewalk, or trail, without first getting a written permit from the Director of Public Works under Section 71.602. Working without one is charged as an infraction under Section 71.117.

San Diego County Sidewalk Encroachment Permit Rule

Significant Restrictions

San Diego County Code §§ 71.602, 71.101(e), (m), 71.117, 11.116(c)

SEC. 71.602. PERMIT REQUIRED. No person shall place, change or renew an encroachment in, under or over any portion of a highway, pathway or trail, without first obtaining from the Director a written permit in accordance with this chapter and with Chapter 1 of this division. (m) "ENCROACHMENT" means any tower, pole, poleline, pipe, pipeline, driveway, private road, fence, billboard, stand or bui...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encroachment Permits

No one may place, change, or renew an encroachment on a county highway, pathway, sidewalk, or trail in unincorporated San Diego County without a written permit from the Director of Public Works.

San Diego County Encroachment Permits

Some Restrictions

San Diego County Code § 71.602

No person shall place, change or renew an encroachment in, under or over any portion of a highway, pathway or trail, without first obtaining from the Director a written permit in accordance with this chapter and with Chapter 1 of this division.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗