Alameda County unincorporated areas require driveways to be paved, maintain clear sight lines, and not block sidewalks or public right-of-way. Encroachment permits needed for new driveway approaches.
Alameda County Public Works Agency regulates driveway approaches in unincorporated areas (Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, Sunol) via encroachment permits. Driveways must be paved with approved surface material, maintain 10-foot clearance from fire hydrants, and cannot extend beyond property lines into neighbors parcels. Vehicles parked in driveways cannot overhang sidewalks or block pedestrian passage. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR face additional residential restrictions. Contact Public Works at (510) 670-5480 for encroachment permit applications before constructing or widening driveways.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Alameda County's driveway rules rules stack up against other locations.
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