Sacramento County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Road Commissioner
- Minimum processing fee
- $75
- First-violation fine
- $2,500
- Deposit required
- Yes, restoration costs
Summary
Sacramento County requires an encroachment permit from the Road Commissioner before anyone digs, builds, or places an obstruction in a county road right-of-way.
It is unlawful for any person to lay, construct or maintain any pipes, drain, or conduit across, along or on any street, road or highway in the County, or to make any excavation or cut or obstruction therein for such purposes without first obtaining a permit from the Road Commissioner to do so in the manner herein provided. Every applicant shall state in detail the following information:
a. The location, dimension, purpose, extent and nature thereof;
b. The time during which it is estimated that the excavation or obstruction will exist;
c. Such other information as may be required by the Road Commissioner. (Ord. 421 § 2, 1952; SCC 1101 § 2, 1998)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941150; v18 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code § 12.08.020, it is unlawful to lay pipes or conduit, make an excavation, or place an obstruction in a county street or highway without first getting a permit from the Road Commissioner. Applicants must detail the location, dimensions, purpose, and duration of the work. A minimum $75 processing fee applies (§ 12.08.030), plus a deposit to cover restoration costs.
Violations & Fines
Working in the right-of-way without a permit is a misdemeanor and carries administrative civil penalties of $2,500 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for a third or subsequent violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to dig in the road right-of-way in unincorporated Sacramento County?
What happens if I start work without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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