Encroachment Permits
An Encroachment Permit is a permit which allows people to work within or use the County right of way. An Encroachment Permit is required whenever an activity (e.g. construction, events, etc.) takes place in the County right of way.
What is the process?
Encroachment Permit Application
Encroachment (ENC) permit requests must be submitted through our online ENC application portal Citizens Connect. All applicable/ supporting documentation (e.g. jpeg; pdf) will need to be uploaded prior to submitting the online application. Please note all correspondence will still be via email once the initial application has been submitted electronically and received by Public Works.
See checklist for additional information: Encroachment Permit Checklist
Click here for additional Permit Applications and Misc Online ENC information
Click here for additional Forms & Documents
Review of ENC Permit Application
Once Public Works receives the online ENC application and all applicable/ supporting documentation, the ENC application will be added to our permitting queue based on the order it was received. Once the eventual review process begins, our permit writers/ engineering staff may contact the applicant for any additional documentation or if questions arise during this initial review. *Please note that an encroachment application/ permit request does not guarantee an issued encroachment permit.
Issuance of ENC Permit
Once the review of the ENC application 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, current staff workload or request for additional documentation, etc.
Once the permit is generated and is ready for issuance, the applicant will receive an email stating the encroachment permit is pending along with additional instructions, typically requesting payment. Instructions in the email will detail the necessary steps in order to obtain the ‘issued’ encroachment permit. This will include payment, payment options and how to schedule the required preconstruction meeting with our Public Works inspector.
When these items have been addressed via the instructions provided, the issued permit will then be sent to the applicant via email.
*PLEASE NOTE PAYMENT AND SCHEDULING OF THE PRECONSTRUCTION MEETING IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO RECEIVING AN ISSUED ENCROACHMENT PERMIT. Please send all correspondence, inquiries, scheduling preconstruction meetings, or additional documenation to [email protected] and a follow up email will be returned, 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 (which may be associated with an active building permit), the permit fee and damage deposit amount (*if applicable) must be paid in advance. *Damage Deposit fees vary and will be determined during the review stage and are based on the proposed project scope.
Please see the two 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 paying 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 (ENC) or transportation (TRN) permit.
Through this portal you will also have access to 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) If paying by check, please include the permit number on the check memo line 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
Even with an 'issued' encroachment permit, you may not commence with the permitted scope of work, until an on-site or phone preconstruction 'precon' meeting has taken place with the Public Works encroachment inspector. During this preconstruction meeting, the encroachment inspector will discuss County Public Improvement Standards (PIS), Conditions, and Work Description associated with the issued encroachment permit. If questions arise after the initial preconstruction 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/ project has been completed in the County right of way, a final on-site inspection is required and will need to be scheduled accordingly. This inspection will determine if the scope of work performed meets County Public Improvement Standards (PIS) and Conditions of the 'issued' encroachment permit. The final inspection can be arranged by emailing [email protected] or by calling the encroachment inspector.
Bond Exoneration
If it is determined during the final inspection the completed work meets County Public Improvement Standards, the permit/ project will be signed off by the encroachment inspector (Finaled) and the process of exonerating the damage deposit begins (if a damage deposit was required). Once the damage deposit has been exonerated by our Finance Division, please allow 3 to 4 weeks for the check to be issued/ mailed to the individual or entity that paid the encroachment permit fee. *Please note most encroachment permits do not require a damage deposit.
Is there a charge for this service?
The fee depends on the type of Encroachment Permit; please see the current fee schedule below (as of 7/1/2025).
| Type of Permit | Cost |
|---|---|
| Driveway | $817 |
|
General Encroachment Permit (i.e., driveway overlay/ maintenance) |
$626 |
| Illegal Encroachment | Recovery per Streets & Highway Code |
| Transportation - Single Trip | $16 |
| Transportation - Annual Blanket | $90 |
| Utility (Non Franchise) | $945 |
| Utility Blanket: Utility Company's / CSD's | $5,555 + C&I Agreement / $1,949 |
Special Requests?
Roll-off dumpsters: These typpe of containers/ storage PODs are not permitted or allowed to be placed in the County Right of Way or to encroach into the County Right of Way. Roll-off dumpsters or storage PODs must be placed on private property and cannot obstruct traffic safety devices or impede site distance for vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians.
Crane requests: Use of crane(s) in the County right of way requires a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) to be submitted to the Public Works Department. Any crane(s) allowed to be placed in the County right of way through an encroachment permit requires the permittee to provide 72hr notification to all emergency services, schools, garbage collection, mail services, etc. as most crane(s) placed in the County right of way require an approved road closure.
Sidewalk repairs: Sidewalk repairs on county-maintained roads, in most cases, are the responsibility of the fronting property owner and not the County of San Luis Obispo. The portion of sidewalk that fronts or encompasses the property owner's parcel is their sole responsibility to maintain per the Streets & Highways Code and County Public Improvement Standards (PIS) 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 'no charge' encroachment permit will be required and issued prior to any repairs taking place.
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
Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm
976 Osos Street Room 206
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Tel: (805) 781-5252
Fax: (805) 781-1229
FAQS
The bond amount will be returned once the project has been completed and a final 'field' inspection has taken place. The final inspection will determine if the work performed meets County Standards and permit conditions. If it is determined the completed work has met County Standards, the project will be finaled 'closed out' and the process of exonerating the bond will begin shortly thereafter. The applicant will receive their refund via a check from our Finance Division in approximately 4 to 6 weeks via US mail.
