Apex, NC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Written irrigation encroachment permit, right-of-way
- Issuing agency
- Dept. of Engineering and Construction Management
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per day, civil
- Permit status
- Non-exclusive, revocable at town's discretion
- Citation
- Apex Town Code § 18-25
Summary
Apex requires a written irrigation encroachment permit before anyone installs or maintains an irrigation system in a street right-of-way; the Department of Engineering and Construction Management issues the revocable permit, and unpermitted work draws civil penalties up to $500 a day.
It shall be unlawful for any person to place or maintain any irrigation system within any street right-of-way without first obtaining a written permit under section 18-25(b)... No person shall construct, place, or maintain any irrigation system without first obtaining a non-exclusive, revocable irrigation encroachment permit... issued from the department of engineering and construction management.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 3).
Full Breakdown
Under Apex Town Code § 18-25, placing or maintaining any irrigation system inside a street right-of-way without a permit is unlawful. The non-exclusive, revocable irrigation encroachment permit is issued by the Department of Engineering and Construction Management on an application signed by the property owner, with a fee set each year in the town's budget ordinance. Permit holders must indemnify the town and, during installation, carry general liability insurance in an amount the director sets. The town can revoke the permit at its sole discretion to protect the right-of-way, and can order violators to cease work and restore the area.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted irrigation work in the right-of-way draws a cease-and-desist order, permit revocation, and civil penalties up to $500 per day for each continuing violation; it is not a criminal offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a sprinkler system in the Apex right-of-way?
What happens if I install irrigation in the right-of-way without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Apex
Compare Apex to another location·View the North Carolina sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle encroachment permits.