Santa Cruz County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Chapter 9.70 (Streets and Roads) exists, per its purpose clause at § 9.70.010, "to provide for the care and protection of County-maintained roads and rights-of-way ... regulate the use thereof and the manner in which the same may be altered, excavated under, obstructed or encroached upon." The chapter's definition section, § 9.70.030(E), defines "encroach" or "encroachment" broadly as going upon, over, under, or using a County-maintained road "in such a manner as to prevent, obstruct or interfere with the normal use of that way," and lists specific obstructing acts covered: erecting or maintaining a tower, post, sign, pole, fence, stand, building, guardrail, wall, or loading platform on the right-of-way; planting or removing trees or shrubs in the right-of-way landscaping; and placing or leaving rubbish, brush, earth, or construction material on the right-of-way.

Notably, the definition of "County-maintained roads" in § 9.70.030(C) includes the entire width of the right-of-way, and encroachment acts listed in § 9.70.030(E)(5) specifically reference building or maintaining a "sidewalk" within that right-of-way, confirming sidewalks fall under the chapter. The core operative rule, § 9.70.050(A), makes it "unlawful for any person ... without first obtaining a written permit, to encroach upon, or make or cause to be made any encroachment over or under the limits of any County-maintained road." A narrow, self-executing exception in § 9.70.050(A)(1) allows postmaster-approved rural mailboxes, newspaper delivery receptacles, and low plantings behind the curb without a permit, so long as they do not create a traffic hazard or impede pedestrian travel; the Director of Public Works can order any of those items removed if they later become a hazard or interfere with maintenance (§ 9.70.050(B)).

Separately, § 9.70.340 requires that any permitted work or use minimize interference with safe, convenient public travel, and § 9.70.560 lets the Director order removal of an encroachment once its permit is revoked.