Redondo Beach, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- RBMC § 3-14.01 et seq.
- Permit Administrator (citywide)
- City Engineer
- Permit Administrator (Harbor area)
- Waterfront and Economic Development Director
- Minimum liability insurance
- $1,000,000, City as additional insured
- Appeal deadline
- 10 days to City Clerk
Summary
Redondo Beach requires an encroachment permit before anyone occupies a City right-of-way, easement or property, issued at the sole discretion of the Permit Administrator and revocable at any time without a hearing.
It is unlawful and a violation of this Code for any person to encroach upon any City right-of-way, easement, or property of any kind without first having obtained a permit for that encroachment; provided, however, that this chapter shall not apply to driveways, walkways or landscaping related to or serving an abutting (as that term is defined in Redondo Beach Municipal Code Section 10-2.402) residentially zoned property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4889554; v14 updated 2026-05-12).
Full Breakdown
Under Redondo Beach Municipal Code Section 3-14.01, encroaching on any City right-of-way, easement, or property without first obtaining a permit is unlawful, though the rule carves out driveways, walkways, and landscaping serving abutting residentially zoned property. Anyone who owns, leases, or rents property abutting a right-of-way, or who wants to work in one, applies to the Permit Administrator under Section 3-14.03. The City Engineer serves as Permit Administrator citywide, except in the Harbor area, where the Waterfront and Economic Development Director takes that role under Section 3-14.05, reflecting the distinct oversight King Harbor and the Pier receive.
Every permit must specify the encroachment's purpose and limits, require the permittee to defend and indemnify the City, and carry a minimum $1,000,000 comprehensive general liability policy naming the City as additional insured, with 30 days' notice before cancellation. Permits are personal, non-transferable, terminable by the City at will, and non-exclusive, meaning the City can interfere with use whenever public health, safety, or welfare requires it. A permit fee and any renewal fee are set by City Council resolution. Decisions on construction-related permits of 10 days or less are final; all other permit denials or grants may be appealed to the City Council within 10 days by filing a notice with the City Clerk, accompanied by the required fee, under Section 3-14.04.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a right-of-way, easement, or City property without a permit violates Section 3-14.01 and is enforceable as a Code violation, which under Section 1-2.02 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail unless charged as an infraction. Permits can be revoked without prior notice or hearing by the Permit Administrator or City Council vote; a revoked permittee has 10 days to appeal to the City Council by filing a notice with the City Clerk and paying the appeal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to work in front of my Redondo Beach home?
Who approves encroachment permits near King Harbor or the Pier?
Can the City revoke my encroachment permit without warning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redondo Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Redondo Beach to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle encroachment permits.