Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Ceres

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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permitting authority
City Engineer
Penalty
up to $500 fine
Or jail term
up to 6 months
Curb-cut cap
40% of block frontage
Governing law
Public Right-of-Way Ordinance

Summary

Ceres requires an encroachment permit from the City Engineer before any construction, excavation, planting, or structure placement occurs within a public right-of-way, with violations treated as misdemeanors under the Public Right-of-Way Ordinance.

No person shall do work within the public right-of-way without prior authorization from the City as provided in this chapter. Any activity involving construction, planting of shrubs or trees, excavation, removal of any structure or tree within the right-of-way shall require an appropriate permit issued by the City. The permit shall describe the permitted activity and the conditions established for the performance thereof, including timely completion.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

The City's Public Right-of-Way Ordinance (Ceres Municipal Code § 12.01.040(D)) bars anyone from doing work, construction, tree or shrub planting, excavation, or removing a structure or tree, inside a public right-of-way without a City-issued permit spelling out the approved activity and completion deadline. A separate permit from the City Engineer, required by § 12.02.020, covers sidewalk, curb, gutter, and driveway work specifically, and caps driveway curb cuts at 40 percent of a block's curb frontage (§ 12.02.040). Skipping either permit is a misdemeanor under § 12.01.100, punishable by up to a $500 fine, six months in jail, or both.

Violations & Fines

Working in the right-of-way without a permit is a misdemeanor: up to a $500 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, plus abatement as a public nuisance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build in the Ceres right-of-way?
Yes. Ceres Municipal Code § 12.01.040(D) bars construction, planting, excavation, or removing a structure or tree within the public right-of-way without a City-issued permit describing the approved activity.
What happens if I skip the permit?
Under § 12.01.100, violating the Public Right-of-Way Ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both.
Can I add a driveway or curb cut myself?
No, § 12.02.020 requires a City Engineer permit before building or removing any sidewalk, curb, gutter, or driveway, and curb cuts are capped at 40% of block frontage under § 12.02.040.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ceres

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsObstruction RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsHotels & Lodging: Transient Occupancy TaxSome Restrictions

All Ceres rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Ceres to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview

Get notified when Encroachment Permits in Ceres, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.