Encroachment Permits

Encroachment Permits information for all applicants regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

For the well-being of Caltrans' staff and encroachment permit applicants, in-person interactions are currently being restricted.

Please submit all applications and associated documents via e-mail or fax to your local District Encroachment Permits Office or contact them with any questions or for additional details. Our staff will process your submittal and respond to your requests as soon as possible.

Payments should be mailed in (payable to "Caltrans" or "California Department of Transportation"). Please include on the memo line:

• the permit tracking number and/or
• the County, Route and Post Mile location of your proposed encroachment

Your local District Encroachment Permits Office can provide you the information needed to make credit card payments over the phone if needed.

 

What is an Encroachment?

An "encroachment" is defined in Section 660 of the California Streets and Highways Code as "any tower, pole, pole line, pipe, pipeline, fence, billboard, stand or building, or any structure, object of any kind or character not particularly mentioned in the section, or special event, which is in, under, or over any portion of the State highway rights of way. "Special event" means any street festival, sidewalk sale, community-sponsored activity, or community-approved activity."

When is an Encroachment Permit required?

An encroachment permit must be obtained for all proposed activities related to the placement of encroachments within, under, or over the State highway rights of way. Some examples of work requiring an encroachment permit are: utilities, excavations, encroachment renewals, advertisements (when allowed by statute), vegetation planting or trimming, surveys, mail boxes, driveways, installation or removal of tire chains for compensation, special events, and commercial filming activities.

How/where do I apply for an Encroachment Permit and what are the fees to process my application?

Applicants must complete a Standard Encroachment Permit Application (TR-0100), attach supporting documentation such as: plans, location map, environmental documentation, letter of authorization, surety bonds, liability insurance, any applicable fees, etc. and submit them to the appropriate District Encroachment Permits Office having jurisdictional authority over the proposed encroachment site.

• Applications & Forms
• District Encroachment Permits Offices' Contact Information

Fees vary depending on the type of encroachment and the amount of staff hours needed to review and inspect it. Typically a deposit is required when the application package is submitted. Please contact the appropriate District Encroachment Permits Office for details.

• Encroachment Permits Hourly Rate Adjustment.
• Encroachment Permits Hourly Rate Adjustment FAQs.

How long will it take to process my Encroachment Permit application?

Section 671.5 (a) of the California Streets and Highways Code requires that the Department either approves or denies an Encroachment Permit Application submittal within 60 calendar days, upon determination that the submittal is complete. This section grants the Department the authority in what constitutes a completed Encroachment Permit Application submittal. It also stipulates that an Encroachment Permit Application submittal is complete when all statutory requirements including but not limited to Storm Water, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) have been complied with. The term statutory requirement includes both federal and California statutes.

The actual time needed to review and approve your application will depend on the completeness of your submittal, scope, and complexity of the proposed work.

Effective January 1, 2022 Assembly Bill 955 (Quirk) amends Streets & Highways Code Section 671.5 by establishing additional procedures to the current process of reviewing encroachment permit applications for all broadband facilities by the California Department of Transportation. All broadband facility permit applications must comply with the additional procedures established by Assembly Bill 955.

Who do I contact if...

- I have questions regarding my Encroachment Permit Application?
- I need to submit additional information/documentation?
- I need a time extension (rider)?

• District Encroachment Permits Offices' Contact Information

- I need copies of as-built plans? Please contact the appropriate District Public Records Act Coordinator.

• District Public Records Act Coordinators