Encroachment Permits

What is the process?

Encroachment Permit Application

Submit the encroachment permit application to Public Works via email to [email protected] (the preferred method), in person or by mail to 976 Osos Street Room 206, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

See checklist for additional information: Encroachment Permit Checklist

Click here for additional Encroachment Permit Applications

Click here for additional Forms & Documents

Click here for Citizens Connect online Payment Portal

Click here for Citizens Connect online Payment Instructions

Review of Permit Application

Once Public Works receives the completed and signed permit application and all applicable documentation, the application is added to our permit que which is then followed by an engineering review. Once that review process begins, our permit writers may contact the applicant for any additional documentation or if any questions arise during that review stage. *Please note that all encroachment applications must be signed, and application submittals do not guarantee an issued encroachment permit.

Issuance of Permit

Once the review stage has been completed, the encroachment permit will then be generated in our permitting system. Permits are typically reviewed and issued within 5 to 7 business days of receipt but may vary depending upon the complexity of the request and current workload.

Once the permit is generated, the applicant will receive an email stating that the permit is now ready for issuance. Instructions will be included in that email regarding the necessary steps to obtain the ‘issued’ encroachment permit.  That will  include payment options and scheduling the required preconstruction meeting with our inspector prior to issuance of the permit.  Once those two items have been completed, the issued permit will then be sent via email to the applicant.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT PAYMENT AND SCHEDULING OF THE PRECONSTRUCTION MEETING IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE ISSUED ENCROACHMENT PERMIT.  Please send all correspondence (inquiries, scheduling preconstruction meetings, etc.) via email to [email protected] and we will respond back, typically within 24hrs, confirming that your email inquiry was received.

Payment Options

To receive an issued Encroachment Permit or a Final sign off of any issued encroachment permit, the permit fee and damage bond amount (*if applicable) must be paid in advance. *Bond fees vary and will be determined during the review stage by the permit writer based on the scope of the project.

Please see the payments options below that are currently available:  

Option 1) Payment can be made by going online and using Development Services online payment portal Citizens Connect and pay by credit or debit card.  By using this payment portal (the preferred method of payment), you can pay 24hrs a day/ 7 days a week once you have been supplied with an encroachment permit number for either an encroachment or transportation permit.  Through this portal you will also have access to all your permit information. *You will be required to log-in and create an account in order to make payments which only takes a few moments.  For a step-by-step guide regarding our payment portal and any additional questions on the portal please click the following link online payments  Please note payments can only be made for encroachment related permits on this portal.

Option 2) Payment can be made by credit card over the phone by calling (805) 781-5252 and asking for the cashier. When speaking with the cashier, please reference your permit number and the associated fees when making any payments so that these fees can be processed accurately.

Option 3) If paying by check, please include the permit number on the check and mail to Public Works - County of San Luis Obispo, 976 Osos Street Room 206, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

Setting up Pre-Construction Meeting

Once the permit is issued you may not commence with the permitted scope of work until an on-site pre-construction meeting has been scheduled.  During this scheduled meeting, the County inspector will discuss the County Standards and Conditions of the issued permit. If questions arise after the initial pre-construction meeting, a follow up inspection (milestone) can be scheduled by emailing [email protected] or by calling 805-781-5252.

Setting up Final Construction Meeting

Once the encroachment work has been completed, a final on-site inspection is required and will need to be scheduled with our encroachment inspector. This inspection will determine if the scope of work that was performed meets the County Standards and Conditions. The final inspection can be arranged by emailing us at [email protected] or by calling 805-781-5252 

Bond Exoneration

If it is determined during the final inspection that the completed work meets the County Standards, the project will be signed off by our encroachment inspector (Finaled) and the process of exonerating the bond begins (if a bond was added in the permit fee).  Once the bond has been exonerated, please allow 3 to 4 weeks for a check to be issued to the individual or entity that made the original permit fee payment.

Who can use this service?

Anyone can use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

The fee depends on the type of Encroachment Permit being applied for, the current fee schedule (as of 7/1/2023).
 

Type of Permit Cost
Driveway $1170

General Encroachment Permit

(i.e., driveway overlay/ maintenance)

$538
Illegal Encroachment Recovery per Streets & Highway Code
Transportation - Single Trip $16
Transportation - Annual Blanket $90
Utility (Non Franchise) $654
Utility Blanket: Utility Company's / CSD's $5,555 + C&I Agreement / $2,168

Special Requests?

Roll-off dumpsters: These containers are not allowed on the County Right of Way and are required to not pose a public safety risk by encroaching into the Right of Way. These roll-off dumpsters must be placed on private property and not obstructing site distances for vehicles. Traffic control plans may be required depending on the use and location of dumpsters.

Crane requests: Use of cranes in the County Right of Way require a Traffic Control Plan that must be provided to the County and allow for 3 days notification to emergency services for road/ lane closures. 

Sidewalk repairs: Sidewalk repairs on county-maintained roads in most cases are the responsibility of the homeowner and not the County of San Luis Obispo. The portion of the sidewalk that fronts the property owner's parcel is the responsible party to maintain the sidewalk within County Standards so that it does not endanger or interfere with the use of the public sidewalk. For more information, please call 805-781-5252 or email [email protected]

Note: In most cases, a general encroachment permit will be required along with a damage bond for these special requests/ repairs.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Public Works via web form, email, or call us at (805) 781-5252.