Jacksonville, NC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

City Code Sec. 23-23 makes it unlawful to make any excavation or do any other work that may cause a dangerous condition in or on any street, alley, sidewalk, public way, or public place in the city without first obtaining a written permit from the director of public works, and no permit issues in cases requiring a bond until the bond is executed and filed with the city clerk. The director may refuse a permit for good and sufficient cause, but the applicant can appeal a refusal to the city council.

Once issued, Sec. 23-24 requires the permit to specify the location, character, and extent of the proposed work, the person to whom it is granted, and who will perform it; the permit becomes void if the work is not begun and completed within the specified time, and the applicant must notify the city police communications center twenty-four hours before starting, except in an emergency. The council, director of public works, or another authorized city officer can revoke the permit at any time. Sec. 23-25 places all permitted excavation and work under the director's supervision and requires a final inspection to confirm the street, sidewalk, or public place is restored to as good a condition as before, with all debris and equipment removed.

Sec. 23-26 separately requires anyone who tears up a street, sidewalk, alley, or public place to promptly backfill, compact, and restore the surface to its prior condition to the director's satisfaction, with a continuing failure treated as a separate offense each day. Sec. 23-1 additionally bars placing fences or other encroachments on city sidewalk or trail property, though it allows decorative shrubbery in the adjoining right-of-way if it does not obstruct traffic sightlines, fire hydrants, or walkways.