Prescott Valley, AZ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Town Code § 16-02-070(A) requires a permit from the Town Engineer before anyone digs a hole, grades for roadways, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, driveways, signing, striping, lighting, drains, trenches or ditches in a public right-of-way, changes any public improvement there, or uses the right-of-way for traffic control, construction haul routes, landscape maintenance, maintenance of underground facilities or temporary parking. No permit is required for work done for municipal purposes using Town personnel and equipment, and private utilities must still obtain permits for work on their facilities but are exempt from fees.

Before issuance, § 16-02-070(B) requires evidence of the applicant's right to use the right-of-way, insurance indemnifying the Town, an Arizona registrar of contractors license, a signed contract or verifiable professional cost estimate, plans showing existing surface conditions and the work, and a bond or other cash assurance equal to the cost of construction plus 15%. Under § 16-02-070(D) the Town Engineer or designee reviews a completed application within ten business days and issues the permit once the work is found not to interfere with the safety of the traveling public or with the current or future community improvement project, the plans are approved, fees are paid and a traffic control plan is approved.

Emergency work under § 16-02-070(E) needs a diligent effort to telephone the Town Engineer before work starts and a permit application within two business days of commencing. A permit expires if work does not start within 30 days of issuance or is not completed within ten days after the stated completion date, and permits run no more than one year, with a one-time extension of no more than six months (§ 16-02-070(U)).

Cutting pavement has its own rule. Section 7-10-030(A) requires a Right of Way permit issued by the Public Works Department to cut into any street pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalk, storm drain, culvert, bridge or pipe within a public right-of-way, and § 7-10-030(B)(1) bars open trenching on street pavements less than five years old without the Town Engineer's written approval. Section 7-10-020 requires the contractor to notify the property owner twenty-four (24) hours before construction in front of a driveway.