Yakima, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- YMC Chapter 8.20
- Permit issuer
- City engineer or designee
- Business/commercial permits
- Require city council approval
- Residential zone permits
- Companion variance under YMC 15.21 required
- Liability insurance
- $500,000 residential / $1,000,000 business
- Permit term
- Up to 1 year, renews annually
- Appeal path
- YMC Chapter 16.08
Summary
Yakima bars any private use of a public right-of-way, including sidewalks, without a right-of-way use permit under YMC Chapter 8.20. The city engineer issues short-term and residential permits; the city council must approve business and commercial uses. Sidewalk cafes, temporary signs and special-event uses are carved out and governed elsewhere.
It is unlawful for any person to use, for a private purpose, any public right-of-way without first obtaining a permit therefor pursuant to this chapter and without otherwise complying with provisions of this chapter applicable to such occupancy or use... This chapter shall not apply to sidewalk cafes or street beautification projects placed in the public rights-of-way as regulated under YMC Chapter 5.80 of this code. This chapter does not apply to temporary signs placed in the right-of-way, which are regulated under YMC § 15.08.110. Further, this chapter does not apply to those uses of rights-of-way falling under other code sections, such as special event permits or uses that are permitted as part of construction permits.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
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Violations & Fines
Unpermitted private use of the right-of-way is a public nuisance subject to injunction or abatement (§ 8.20.130), enforced alongside YMC Chapter 6.75 (obstructing streets and sidewalks) and RCW 9A.84.030. Items left in the right-of-way may be removed after a five-day posted and mailed notice, are deemed abandoned if not retrieved, and removal costs are billed to the violator. General penalties follow the procedure in YMC § 8.01.010 (§ 8.20.120). The city engineer may also revoke a permit on 30 days' written notice, or suspend it immediately if the use is an immediate hazard; the permit holder can appeal a denial or revocation under YMC Chapter 16.08.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a storage container or dumpster on the street in front of my Yakima home?
How much liability insurance does a Yakima right-of-way permit require?
Can the city revoke my right-of-way use permit?
What happens if I use the right-of-way in Yakima without a permit?
Does the Chapter 8.20 permit cover sidewalk cafes or business signs in Yakima?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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