Sonoma County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Sonoma County Code § 15-8
- Permit issuer
- County road commissioner
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor for unpermitted work
- Fees
- Set by resolution under § 15-8.5
- Bond
- May be required under § 15-14
Summary
Sonoma County requires a written encroachment permit from the road commissioner before digging, placing signs, planting, or building in any county highway right-of-way, with violators guilty of a misdemeanor.
The road commissioner of the county may issue written permits authorizing the permittee to do any of the following acts:
(a)Make an opening or excavation for any purpose in any county highway.(b)Place, change or renew an encroachment.(c)Place or display in, under or over any county highway any kind of advertising sign or device. Any such sign or device placed or displayed contrary to the provisions of this section is a public nuisance and the county road commissioner may immediately remove it. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the posting of any notice in the manner required by law or by the order of any court of this state.(d)Plant, remove, cut, cut down, injure or destroy any tree, shrub, plant or flower growing within any county highway. Any person violating this section or who does any of the acts specified in this section without the authority of such a permit is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. No. 231 § a.)
Sec. 15-8.1. - Recorded notices of acknowledgment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Before excavating, placing or renewing an encroachment, posting a sign, or planting or removing a tree, shrub, plant, or flower within a county highway, Sonoma County Code § 15-8 requires a written permit from the county road commissioner. The road commissioner sets engineering-review and inspection fees by resolution under § 15-8.5, may require a bond or cash deposit under § 15-14, and can impose conditions on the work under § 15-9. This applies only to roads maintained by the county road department: check the applicable city code inside Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Cotati, Cloverdale, or the City of Sonoma.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted excavation, encroachment placement, signage, or tree removal in a county highway is a misdemeanor; the road commissioner can also revoke a permit on five days' notice and order removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to dig up or work in the county road right-of-way?
What happens if I encroach on a county road without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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