Charlotte County, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Section 3-6-24(a) makes it unlawful to construct, install, remove, revise, alter or modify any structure, facility or topographic feature on county-owned or publicly dedicated right-of-way without first getting a permit, except for the narrow exemptions in section 3-6-25: routine trimming of existing trees and shrubs done under chapter 3-9, article IV, and mailboxes that meet federal, state and local rules. Applications go to the building division of the community development department under section 3-6-29 and must include the applicant's and agent's contact and license information, scaled dated drawings of the proposed work, a maintenance-of-traffic plan, underground-installation detail where relevant, a subcontractor list, and professional-engineer-sealed drainage or pavement plans for private-road connections or intersection work.

Section 3-6-30 ties the permit's duration to the period the county specifies, allows one no-charge extension at the county's discretion, and lets a permit expire, with no refund, if it is not activated within six months. Pavement or intersection-improvement permits additionally require a development agreement and a surety or cash bond equal to one hundred ten percent of the work's cost under section 3-6-31. 4 requires the permittee to carry comprehensive general liability coverage with a three-hundred-thousand-dollar combined limit and to name the county as an additional insured.