Hanford, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Director of Public Works
- Excavation size cap
- 4 ft wide x 25 ft long
- Emergency work
- No permit needed if director notified
- Excavation bond
- $25 cash bond required
Summary
Anyone placing a structure, excavation, or object in a Hanford street or right-of-way must first obtain an encroachment permit from the public works director.
Permit Required. No person or their contractors or subcontractors shall make or cause to be made any encroachment without first obtaining from the director a permit to do so.
B. Limitation of Activities. All activities within any street or right-of-way under the terms of any permit shall be done in conformance with the requirements of this chapter applicable to all permits. Any activity done in violation of such requirements shall be grounds for the immediate revocation of the permit by the director. Any permit shall be subject to such conditions as the director finds necessary for the protection of the public or the street or right-of-way. Any opening or excavation made under the authority of a permit shall not exceed four feet in width or 25 feet in length, except that this limitation shall not apply to emergency work as identified below. (Prior code § 7-1.02)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873707; v4 updated 2026-03-17).
Full Breakdown
Hanford Municipal Code § 12.04.030 requires an encroachment permit from the director of public works before any person, contractor, or subcontractor makes an encroachment: any excavation, structure, or object placed in, over, or under a city street or right-of-way. Excavations authorized under a permit are capped at four feet wide and 25 feet long, except for emergency work. The director can attach conditions to protect the public or the right-of-way, and any violation of permit terms is grounds for immediate revocation. Separate provisions in the same chapter cover banner permits and a $25 cash bond for street excavations.
Violations & Fines
Working in the right-of-way without a permit, or violating permit conditions, is punishable as an infraction under the Penal Code per § 12.04.190, and the director may revoke the permit immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to dig up my Hanford street frontage?
What if it's an emergency repair?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hanford
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