Brentwood, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City Engineer
- Work start deadline
- 30 days from issuance
- Late-start penalty
- Fee doubled if work starts first
- Continuing use permit term
- Up to 1 year
- Appeal deadline
- 10 days to city council
Summary
Anyone who wants to use, build in, or go over, under, or upon a Brentwood public right-of-way needs an encroachment permit from the city engineer under Municipal Code Section 12.08.020. The permit fee doubles if work starts before the permit is issued, and denials can be appealed to the city council.
An encroachment permit is required for all encroachments except encroachments exempted pursuant to this chapter. The granting of a permit pursuant to this chapter may not constitute the only city or administrative approval required for the encroachment. ... The city council shall adopt and update fees for permits by resolution. Before a permit may be issued, the applicant shall deposit with the city payment in a sufficient sum to cover costs for processing the permit, field investigation, inspections and all other related costs pursuant to the city's cost allocation plan. The required fees shall be doubled if work is started prior to obtaining a permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4604307; v5 updated 2025-12-09).
Full Breakdown
020 requires a permit from the city engineer for any encroachment not specifically exempted. 030 flatly bars permits for certain uses regardless of application: loading docks in the right-of-way, underground tanks, vaults or elevators (other than utility vaults), unpermitted signs, and any fill, wall, pipe, or vegetation that would reduce a watercourse's storm-water capacity. 100 can attach conditions or deny the permit in writing if it conflicts with the chapter or threatens public health, safety, or welfare. 120. 180 sets fees by council resolution, requires a deposit before issuance to cover processing, inspection, and related costs, and doubles the required fee if work starts before a permit is obtained. 330.
Violations & Fines
An encroachment built or maintained without a permit, or in violation of permit conditions, is enforceable under Section 12.08.330 alongside other applicable city code chapters and procedures. The city engineer, as enforcement authority under Section 12.08.340, has sole discretion to determine violations and may order an immediate work stoppage for issues affecting public health or safety, in addition to requiring the permittee to restore the right-of-way at their own expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a sign or dumpster in the Brentwood right-of-way?
What happens if I start work before getting the permit?
How long do I have to start and finish encroachment work?
Can I appeal if the city engineer denies my encroachment permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brentwood
California rules heatmap·Compare Brentwood to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle encroachment permits.