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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit required for
Any right-of-way work (Sec. 7.2.201)
Issuing authority
City Engineer
Decision timeline
30 working days
Completion deadline
90 days from issuance
Public notice required
2-5 working days before work
No-permit consequence
City removes work at owner's expense

Summary

Clovis requires an encroachment permit from the City Engineer before anyone digs, builds, plants, or stores material within a public right-of-way. Applications take up to 30 working days to decide, permitted work must finish within 90 days, and a security deposit may be required; working without a permit lets the City remove the work at the violator's expense.

No person shall encroach or cause to be made an encroachment of any nature whatever within, upon, over, or under the limits of any right-of-way in the City without having first obtained an encroachment permit as required by this chapter and paid all fees associated therewith. Failure to obtain an encroachment permit shall result in penalties consistent with Section 7.2.217. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no permit shall be required of officers or employees of the City acting in the discharge of their official duties. The permits required by this chapter shall be issued and enforced by the City Engineer subject to conditions set forth in this chapter or required by law. The City Engineer has been delegated authority to issue, approve and execute permits pursuant to this chapter.

Full Breakdown

102: excavating or filling the right-of-way; erecting a post, sign, pole, fence, guardrail, wall, or loading platform; planting a tree or shrub; building a driveway, culvert, pipe, or conduit; lighting a fire; or leaving building materials, machinery, or apparatus in the right-of-way for more than 24 hours. 203). 208). 209-211). 212). 205). 204).

Violations & Fines

Working in the right-of-way without a permit lets the City remove, relocate, or abandon the unauthorized work entirely at the responsible party's expense under Section 7.2.217, and the same conduct can be charged as a separate code violation carrying the citywide penalty in Section 1.2.01: up to $1,000 and six months in jail as a misdemeanor, or escalating infraction fines of $100, $200, and $500 for repeat violations within a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to put a driveway or fence in the Clovis right-of-way?
Yes. Clovis Municipal Code Section 7.2.201 requires an encroachment permit from the City Engineer for any driveway, fence, sign, planting, excavation, or other structure placed within, over, or under a public right-of-way, and all associated fees must be paid before work begins.
How long does it take to get an encroachment permit in Clovis?
The City Engineer must act on a complete application within 30 working days under Section 7.2.203, either issuing the permit with conditions or denying it in writing. Once issued, the permittee generally has 90 days to finish the authorized work under Section 7.2.211.
What happens if I dig in the Clovis right-of-way without a permit?
The City can remove, relocate, or abandon your unauthorized work at your expense under Section 7.2.217, and the work can also be prosecuted as a separate code violation carrying fines up to $1,000 or six months in jail under the citywide penalty section, Section 1.2.01.
Is a deposit required for a Clovis encroachment permit?
Yes, in most cases. Before issuing a permit, the City Engineer can require a cash deposit or surety bond under Section 7.2.208, sized to cover restoring the right-of-way and the permittee's activity for up to twelve months; it can be waived if existing bonds already cover the work.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clovis

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Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Fresno County handle encroachment permits.

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Significant Restrictions