Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Obstruction Rules

In unincorporated Santa Cruz County, placing anything in the road right-of-way, including a sidewalk, that obstructs or interferes with its normal use requires a written encroachment permit under SCCC § 9.70.050. The definition of a regulated "encroachment" in § 9.70.030(E) expressly covers structures, rubbish, and materials left on sidewalks and other right-of-way areas.

Santa Cruz County Sidewalk Obstruction Permit Rule

Some Restrictions

SCCC § 9.70.050(A) (prior code §§ 8.75.060, 8.75.070; Ord. 3197 § 2, 1982; Ord. 5328 § 5, 2020)

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, company, corporation, association, political subdivision or organization, without first obtaining a written permit, to encroach upon, or make or cause to be made any encroachment over or under the limits of any County-maintained road in the unincorporated territory of the County, or to make or cause to be made any alteration of any nature within, upon,...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encroachment Permits

In unincorporated Santa Cruz County, you cannot build a sidewalk, driveway, fence, or any other private improvement in a county road right-of-way without a written encroachment permit from the Director of Public Works. The rule covers sidewalks, curbs, culverts, plantings, and structures placed on or under the maintained road.

Santa Cruz County Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit

Significant Restrictions

Santa Cruz County Code § 9.70.050(A)

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, company, corporation, association, political subdivision or organization, without first obtaining a written permit, to encroach upon, or make or cause to be made any encroachment over or under the limits of any County-maintained road in the unincorporated territory of the County, or to make or cause to be made any alteration of any nature within, upon,...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Santa Cruz County ordinances

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