San Diego County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Director, Dept. of Public Works
- Unpermitted work
- Infraction, § 71.117
- Fee
- Set by Board of Supervisors
- Duration
- Fixed term or indefinite, revocable
Summary
No one may place, change, or renew an encroachment on a county highway, pathway, sidewalk, or trail in unincorporated San Diego County without a written permit from the Director of Public Works.
No person shall place, change or renew an encroachment in, under or over any portion of a highway, pathway or trail, without first obtaining from the Director a written permit in accordance with this chapter and with Chapter 1 of this division.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
County Code SEC. 71.602 bars placing, changing, or renewing an encroachment in, under, or over any portion of a highway, pathway, or trail without a written permit from the Director, Department of Public Works. Applicants must submit a written application describing the encroachment's location and justification, how it will interfere with public use, and the duration sought (SEC. 71.603). Permittees must indemnify the County for resulting damage (SEC. 71.604) and restore the right-of-way when the permit expires or is revoked (SEC. 71.607). Working without the permit first is a criminal infraction under SEC. 71.117.
Violations & Fines
Placing an encroachment, or building/repairing a curb, sidewalk, gutter, or driveway in the right-of-way before obtaining the permit, is an infraction under County Code SEC. 71.117; short-duration permits (10 days or less) are revocable on notice, longer ones per SEC. 71.115.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to place something on the sidewalk in unincorporated San Diego County?
What happens if I encroach without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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