Arcadia, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Chapter 3 of Article VII of the Arcadia Municipal Code governs street excavations and encroachments. Section 7300.1 makes it unlawful for any person to encroach, or to do any encroachment work, upon, over, under or within any right-of-way in the City without first obtaining a permit from the Development Services Director or designee. Section 7300 defines encroach as going over, upon, under, within, or using or doing work upon a public right-of-way so as to prevent, obstruct or interfere with its normal use, and it applies to construction contractors, telephone companies, cable television providers and franchisees, not only to homeowners.

The definition of encroachment is broad. It includes constructing or repairing a sidewalk, curb, gutter, driveway, pipe or conduit; erecting any flag, banner, sign, pole, fence, wall or mailbox on or within a right-of-way; lighting a fire; placing rubbish, brush or earth; planting or removing any tree, shrub or grass within a right-of-way; and painting a street curb for a property address, bus stop or loading zone.

Under Section 7300.2 the applicant files a form with the applicant's name and address, the contractor's name and license number, enough detail to show the purpose, location and dimensions of the encroachment, and a map, plot, sketch or diagram. The form is filed with all fees, cash deposits, bonds, certificates of insurance and the hold harmless agreement. Section 7300.3 requires the City to act within 30 days of a complete application, and the permit cannot be transferred or assigned. Section 7300.4 lets the Director refuse a permit and requires written notice of the grounds.

Money and paperwork follow. A permit fee and an inspection fee are set by City Council resolution (Section 7300.7). Section 7300.8 requires a cash deposit to assure compliance and restore the right-of-way to its original condition, and the Director can require a time completion deposit that is forfeited for each calendar day beyond the number of days on the permit. Section 7300.9 lets an applicant post a surety bond or certificate of deposit instead, and the Director can require an additional $1,000 cash deposit for traffic control or emergency work. Section 7300.5 requires the permit to be kept at the work site, and Section 7300.14 binds subsequent owners of the encroachment.

A refusal or revocation can be appealed in writing to the City Manager within 30 days (Section 7300.29).