Placer County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- digging/excavating in county ROW
- Private drive permit fee
- $61.00
- Private crossing permit fee
- $74.00
- Parcel split/commercial fee
- $52.00
- Issuing agency
- Department of Public Works
Summary
Anyone digging, excavating or otherwise working in a county road, street or sidewalk needs an encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works under County Code § 12.04.010, with set fees such as $61 for a private drive and a bond or cash deposit required for underground utility work.
It is unlawful for any person to dig, cut, open, excavate or maintain, or to cause to be dug, cut, opened, excavated or maintained, any ditch, cut, hole, drain, tunnel, or other opening, in, through, under, along, across or upon any county or public road, land, street, sidewalk, or highway in the county, without first procuring a permit from the department of public works. ... Fees for encroachment permits are as follows: Private drive $61.00 Private crossing 74.00 Parcel split and commercial 52.00 Fee for utility permit 61.00
Full Breakdown
010(A) makes it unlawful to dig, cut, open, excavate or maintain any ditch, hole, drain, tunnel or other opening in, through, under, along, across or upon any county or public road, land, street, sidewalk or highway without first obtaining a permit from Public Works. Before issuing a permit for underground facilities, subsection (B) lets the granting authority require a bond or cash deposit equal to the estimated construction cost, to guarantee the road or highway is restored to its prior condition; that guarantee is waived for a public utility or public agency that shows it is financially responsible and has not violated a prior encroachment permit.
170, or on an hourly actual-cost basis for utility-installed work; snow tunnels erected under the older Chapter 30 code are exempted from that inspection fee. 00 for a utility permit. 020. 050 to restrict or close roads for public protection or to shield roads from storm or construction damage.
Violations & Fines
Fines collected for violating this article are paid into the county treasury under § 12.04.040. Because Article 12.04 does not set its own fine schedule, an unpermitted encroachment defaults to the county's general penalty at § 1.24.010: a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, or an infraction with a capped fine, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need an encroachment permit in unincorporated Placer County?
How much does an encroachment permit cost?
Do I need a bond for underground utility work?
What happens if I encroach without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
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