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
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
Review of Permit Application
Once Public Works receives the completed and signed permit application (currently a fillable pdf that can be found on this page) and all applicable documentation, the application submittal will be 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 this initial review. *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, current staff workload or request for additional documentation.
Once the permit is generated, the applicant will receive an email stating the encroachment permit is pending and ready for issuance. 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 inspector. Once these items have been completed, the issued permit will then be sent via email to the applicant.
*PLEASE NOTE PAYMENT AND SCHEDULING OF THE PRECONSTRUCTION MEETING IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE 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 a 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 or transportation 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 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 pre-construction meeting has been scheduled with the encroachment inspector. During this scheduled meeting, the encroachment inspector will discuss the County Public Improvement Standards, Conditions, and Work Description 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 accordingly with our encroachment inspector. This inspection will determine if the scope of work performed meets County Public Improvement 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 the completed work meets County Public Improvement Standards, the project will then be signed off by the encroachment inspector (Finaled) and the process of exonerating the damage deposit begins (if a damage deposit was made). Once the damage deposit has been exonerated, please allow 3 to 4 weeks for the check to be issued to the individual or entity that paid the encroachment permit fee. Please note most encroachment permits typically do not require a damage deposit.
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 7/1/2024).
| Type of Permit | Cost |
|---|---|
| Driveway | $1,036 |
|
General Encroachment Permit (i.e., driveway overlay/ maintenance) |
$577 |
| Illegal Encroachment | Recovery per Streets & Highway Code |
| Transportation - Single Trip | $16 |
| Transportation - Annual Blanket | $90 |
| Utility (Non Franchise) | $1,157 |
| Utility Blanket: Utility Company's / CSD's | $5,555 + C&I Agreement / $1,949 |
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
Monday - Friday 8-5
976 Osos Street Room 206
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Tel: (805) 781-5252
Fax: (805) 781-1229
FAQS
After the completion of your project a final field inspection is required. The inspection is to determine if the work that was performed meets the County Standards. If it is determined that the work meets the County Standards, the project will be finalized and the process of exonerating the bond will begin. The applicant will receive their refund in approximately a month.
