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

Municipal Code Chapter 10.16 makes it unlawful for any person to encroach on, in, over or under city-owned real property, including easements, with any structure or object, temporary or permanent (Section 10.16.010). This covers private uses of the public right-of-way such as fences, retaining walls, signs, awnings, planters and similar structures placed on or over sidewalks and city land. The only lawful ways to encroach are: a legal exemption already recognized under Section 10.16.010, a written agreement with the city, a valid encroachment permit, or a valid waiver of the permit requirement (Section 10.16.020).

To apply, the property owner or a person lawfully entitled to use the adjoining land must file an acknowledged application with the director of public works describing the proposed encroachment and the city property involved, and must sign a statement accepting that the permit can be cancelled at any time and the encroachment must be removed within thirty days, that no title or interest in city property vests from the permit, and that the applicant will pay for all injuries and property damage arising from the encroachment (Section 10.16.030(A)-(B)). The director has sole discretion to deny or condition the permit if it would interfere with future public works, create a dangerous or defective condition, or endanger public health, safety or convenience (Section 10.16.030(C)). For inconsequential encroachments, the director may waive the permit requirement entirely rather than require plans or drawings (Section 10.16.040). Any permit or waiver issued is only a temporary privilege, transfers no ownership interest, and can be cancelled by the city at any time (Section 10.16.050). The permittee must keep the encroachment free of dangerous or defective conditions and assumes liability for any resulting injury or damage (Section 10.16.060).