The City needs to assure safety and accessibility on all public property and right-of-way, such as streets and sidewalks. For that reason, it requires an encroachment permit any time a property owner, service provider, business, construction company needs to use part of the sidewalk, street, or other public right-of-way. You’d need an encroachment permit for:
- Dumpsters, scaffolding, storage bins or other structures placed on a sidewalk or in the street (e.g., for a construction project or a move)
- Outdoor dining, furniture, and awnings for a restaurant
- Installing a bike rack (near your business, for example)
- Construction on or repair of sidewalks or streets
- Underground utility work
- Tree trimming or removal
- Transporting a wide load (transportation permit)
Learn more about encroachment permits and download necessary forms here. For personal assistance, contact the Encroachment Permit Counter by phone (707-778-4303, option 6); email ([email protected]); or in person at 11 English Street (East wing, lower basement floor).