Los Angeles County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- fences, driveways, pipelines, structures
- Issuing agency
- Public Works commissioner
- Issuance fee
- $214, CPI-adjusted annually
- Work must start within
- 60 days of issuance
- Unpermitted work
- misdemeanor under §16.06.010(B)
Summary
Anyone placing an encroachment, fences, structures, driveways, pipelines, in an unincorporated LA County highway right-of-way must get a permit from the Public Works commissioner before starting work; unpermitted work is a misdemeanor.
Every person, except as otherwise provided in this Division 1, is required to obtain a permit from the commissioner before he: ...2. Makes or causes to be made any excavation or encroachment in any highway; 3. Places, changes, renews or abandons a facility or encroachment;... B. Any person who does any of the acts specified in this section, without the authority of such a permit, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 16.06.010 requires anyone who places, changes, renews or abandons a fence, wall, pipeline, sign, retaining wall, or other structure in, on, over, or under an unincorporated-area highway to get an encroachment permit from the Public Works commissioner before starting; the same permit covers driveways, curbs, sidewalks, and overhead structures. Permits expire if work isn't started within 60 days (§16.08.110), and the issuance fee is $214, adjusted annually for CPI (§16.10.020). Doing the work without a permit is a misdemeanor under §16.06.010(B), and work started without one must stop until a permit is obtained (§16.06.020).
Violations & Fines
Working in the right-of-way without a permit is a misdemeanor under §16.06.010(B); the commissioner can also cancel or revoke a permit and remove it from the job site for cause (§16.08.130).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this permit apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
How long is an encroachment permit valid before work must start?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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