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St. Johns County, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Permit required for
Driveways, sidewalks, drainage, mailboxes, signs in ROW
Issuing authority
County Administrator
Initial term
Six months from approval
Maximum extension
Twelve months total, then new application
Application format
Submitted in triplicate, one original
Revocation grounds
Non-compliance, misrepresentation, or safety hazard

Summary

St. Johns County requires a Right-of-Way Permit from the County Administrator before anyone builds a driveway connection, sidewalk, drainage alteration, mailbox, sign, or similar improvement within county right-of-way. The permit runs six months from approval and can be extended to a total of twelve months before a brand-new application is required.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of St. Johns County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

An "Application for Right-of-Way Permit" shall be submitted to, and approved by, the County Administrator prior to commencement of any planned Construction activities within County right-of-way. Construction activities include, but are not limited to: utility installations, driveway connections, sidewalks, drainage alterations, placement of mailboxes, Signs, and similar Construction activities that normally occur within the right-of-way, unless exempted by provisions of Section 6.04.04.B. Right-of-Way Permits shall not be required for Construction activities that are approved through a "Development Permit" subject to the provisions of Part 9.01.00 herein.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

05 of the Land Development Code requires an Application for Right-of-Way Permit to be submitted to, and approved by, the County Administrator before any construction begins in county right-of-way in unincorporated St. Johns County. 00. 04, spells out the same prohibition from the construction side and lists what counts as a regulated structure or utility, including fences, landscaping, drainage connections, cross drains, side drains, ditches, and swales, and gives the County Administrator authority to revoke a permit if the work departs from the approved conditions, if the application misrepresented a material fact, or if the activity threatens public health, safety, or welfare.

Applications must be submitted in triplicate, with one original, and once approved the applicant keeps a copy on the job site for county inspectors, while the county's copy goes to its inspection staff. C caps an approved permit at six months from the date of approval; the County Administrator can extend it in writing up to a total of twelve months, and anything beyond that requires a brand-new application, drawings, and payment of the applicable fees all over again.

Violations & Fines

Starting work in county right-of-way without an approved Right-of-Way Permit is prohibited outright under Section 9.01.05.A and Section 6.04.04.B, and the County Administrator can revoke a permit already issued if the work doesn't match the approved conditions, if the application misrepresented a material fact, or if the activity endangers public health, safety, or welfare, halting the encroachment until a compliant application is submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to put a mailbox or sign in the right-of-way in St. Johns County?
Yes. Section 9.01.05.A lists placement of mailboxes and signs among the activities that require an approved Application for Right-of-Way Permit before you start, along with driveway connections, sidewalks, drainage alterations, and utility installations within county right-of-way, unless the work is already covered by an approved Development Permit.
How long does a St. Johns County right-of-way permit last?
Section 9.01.05.C sets the initial term at six months from the date of approval. The County Administrator can grant a written extension up to a combined total of twelve months, but any work needed beyond that requires filing a brand-new Application for Right-of-Way Permit and paying the applicable fees again.
Can the county take back a right-of-way permit once it's issued?
Yes. Section 6.04.04.B gives the County Administrator authority to revoke a Right-of-Way Permit if the permitted work isn't performed according to the permit conditions, if the application misrepresented a material fact, or if the activity is found to be detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Johns County

All St. Johns County rules

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