Sacramento, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

12 makes it unlawful for any person to encroach within public rights-of-way, including sidewalks, without first obtaining an encroachment permit from the director of public works. 010 to cover excavations, construction-related work, window cleaning, access to overhead or underground utilities, pressure washing sidewalks or driveways, and placing or storing construction equipment, materials, trailers, containers, dumpsters, or bins in the right-of-way. 030, an applicant must file a written application on a city form stating their name and address, the location and approximate area of the encroachment, the purpose with a plan or drawing, a schedule, and a traffic control plan if required, along with a nonrefundable fee set by council resolution; the director may waive the fee for good cause.

040 gives the director authority to approve, disapprove, or modify a permit, and bars issuance to anyone with an uncorrected violation of the chapter. 070). Non-utility permittees must also carry public liability insurance of at least $300,000 per person / $500,000 per occurrence and $100,000 in property damage coverage naming the city as additional insured, and may need to post a bond. 020 lets a utility encroach without a prior permit to preserve life or property if the director is notified the next business day the city offices are open.