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

Corona Code of Ordinances § 12.08.010(A) provides: "Except as provided in subsection (B), no person shall make any excavation in, along or under the surface of any street or other public place in the city or dig in, plow up, tear up, fill, cover, disturb or change any portion of the same or permit to be constructed, put upon, maintained or left therein any obstruction or impediment to travel, pile or place thereon any material without first obtaining a written permit therefor, which permit shall be issued by the City Engineer upon compliance by the applicant with the requirements set forth in this chapter." An excavation done without a permit, and that does not qualify for the subsection (B) exemption, "shall constitute a nuisance."

Subsection (B) exempts residential turf removal for water-efficient landscaping from needing a permit, but only if excavation stays under 12 inches deep, new plants stay under 18 inches at maturity, the owner calls Underground Service Alert before digging, the work does not interfere with utilities, street trees keep their irrigation, and replacement plants match the city's Landscape Design Guidelines.

The application under § 12.08.020 goes to the Planning and Development Department with the applicant's name and address, the excavation's location and dimensions, and all permit, plan-check, and inspection fees set by City Council resolution. The City Engineer can require security under § 12.08.060 covering 100% of estimated repaving costs, 50% for labor and materials, and 25% guaranteeing the work for one year against defective workmanship. Under § 12.08.070, a permit becomes void if work has not started within 60 days of issuance. Chapter 12.08 was substantially updated by Ordinance 3378 in 2023.