Imperial County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Road commissioner
- Covers
- Streets, roads, sidewalks
- Emergency utility work
- Apply within 24 hours
- Unpermitted work fee
- Double normal fee
Summary
Imperial County bans placing, building or excavating any structure or thing in a public street, road or sidewalk right-of-way without a road commissioner permit.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to place, build, construct or erect any structure, thing or contrivance or to excavate, cut, fill in, upon, over, across, along, above and/or under any public street, road or highway including the sidewalks thereof except for the normal planting of grass, tree or shrubs unless and until a permit is issued to such person, firm or corporation by the road commissioner. However, public utility corporations having a franchise to operate within the limits of the county may, in case of emergency make excavations or cuts necessary for the preservation of life or property provided an application for a permit is made within twenty-four (24) hours after the office of the road commissioner is first opened subsequent to the making of such excavations or cuts, and provided such work is in compliance with all law in effect at the time in reference to same.
(Ord. 1370 § 2 (part), 2003)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 12.12.010 makes it unlawful to place, build, erect or excavate any structure, thing or contrivance in, on, over or under a public street, road or highway "including the sidewalks thereof" without a permit from the road commissioner, aside from ordinary grass, tree or shrub planting. Public utilities may act first in a bona fide emergency but must apply within 24 hours. Unpermitted work is charged double the normal fee under § 12.12.030(F) and, as with any code violation, is punishable under the general penalty at § 1.16.010.
Violations & Fines
Obstructing or excavating the right-of-way without a permit is an infraction/misdemeanor under § 1.16.010 (up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail) and unpermitted work is billed double fees under § 12.12.030(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a planter or sign in the county right-of-way near El Centro?
Does this rule apply inside the City of El Centro or Calexico?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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