Santa Maria, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- sidewalk, curb, driveway, pipeline work (8-6.06)
- Issuing agency
- Public Works Department
- Curb numbers
- painting address numbers also needs permit
- Driveway separation
- 20 ft unbroken curb minimum (8-6.07)
- Driveway width cap
- 50% of lot frontage aggregate (8-6.07)
- Fee authority
- Council Resolution 79-4866
Summary
Installing, removing or reconstructing sidewalk, curb, gutter, driveway or underground pipeline in the public right-of-way requires a public improvement/encroachment permit from Public Works under Municipal Code Section 8-6.06. Even painting a curb address number needs one.
It is unlawful for any person to install such items including but not limited to sidewalk, parkway improvements, underground pipeline, curb or gutter, driveway or to remove or to reconstruct the same on any public street or way in the City, without first securing a public improvement/encroachment permit from the Public Works Department. Painting address numbers on curbs shall also require an encroachment permit. Failure to do so is not in compliance with the requirements specified in this chapter. It shall be the responsibility of the permittee to provide all information necessary for issuance of the permit and to provide all work necessary for the completion of the work permitted.
Full Breakdown
06 makes it unlawful to install, remove or reconstruct sidewalk, parkway improvements, underground pipeline, curb, gutter or driveway on any public street or way in Santa Maria without first getting a public improvement/encroachment permit from the Public Works Department, and the chapter reaches even small work: painting street-address numbers on a curb also requires the same encroachment permit. 03). 06). 07). 09), but that flexibility is limited to Chapter 8-6.
Violations & Fines
Doing right-of-way work, including driveway, curb, gutter or pipeline installation, without first securing the Section 8-6.06 permit is expressly declared unlawful and treated as noncompliance with the chapter, exposing the responsible party to citation under the Municipal Code's general misdemeanor/infraction penalty in Chapter 1-6. Building a second driveway without the required 20-foot curb separation, or exceeding the 50%-of-frontage width cap, is a separate violation of Section 8-6.07, and Public Works can require the excess curb cut to be closed and restored at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway apron?
Do I need a permit just to paint my house number on the curb?
Can I add a second driveway to my lot?
What standards does my contractor have to follow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Maria
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