Short answer
Work in the public right-of-way, such as a driveway approach, curb or city sidewalk, needs an encroachment permit in every city Tim covers. Exeter issues them only to state-licensed contractors, Hanford charges a published $365 fee, and Visalia requires the permit before any work in its right-of-way. Outside city limits, the county issues them.
Key facts
- Visalia: an encroachment permit is required before work in the city right-of-way (City of Visalia)
- Exeter: permits only to state-licensed contractors, obtained at least 24 hours before a cut (Exeter Municipal Code 12.04)
- Hanford: all right-of-way work needs a permit; $365 fee (City of Hanford)
- Tulare County: work on a county right-of-way needs an encroachment permit (Tulare County RMA)
City by city
Each city’s own rules and office, from its website:
| City | Office | What the city says |
|---|---|---|
| Exeter | City of Exeter Public Works, 350 W. Firebaugh Ave.(559) 592-3318 | Exeter’s municipal code requires a written permit before anyone cuts the surface of a city street, alley or sidewalk, or digs in the public right-of-way, and the permit has to be in hand at least 24 hours before the cut (Exeter Municipal Code 12.04.010). Source |
| Visalia | City of Visalia Encroachment Permit Office559-713-4339 | The City of Visalia says an encroachment permit must be obtained before performing work within the city’s right-of-way, and lists sidewalks, curbs and gutters among the infrastructure the permit protects. Source |
| Tulare | City of Tulare Engineering Division(559) 684-4213 (inspection line) | The City of Tulare’s Engineering Division issues encroachment permits for work in the city right-of-way. Source |
| Lindsay | City of Lindsay City Services Department, 150 N. Mirage(559) 562-7102 ext. 4 | Lindsay uses one Encroachment/Excavation Permit Application, and driveways and sidewalks are listed on it as work types. Source |
| Woodlake | City of Woodlake Public Works559-564-8055 | Woodlake Public Works maintains city streets and rights-of-way, including curb, gutter and sidewalks. Source |
| Hanford | City of Hanford Utilities and Engineering Department, 900 South 10th Avenue559-585-2500 | Hanford states that all work in the city right-of-way requires an encroachment permit. Source |
| Lemoore | City of Lemoore Public Works, 711 W. Cinnamon Drive(559) 924-6744 ext. 744 | Lemoore’s Public Works encroachment permit covers work in the city road right-of-way and asks for the contractor’s state license number. Source |
Outside city limits
Homes on county roads deal with the county. Tulare County’s Resource Management Agency says work on a county right-of-way needs an encroachment permit. In Kings County, the County Engineer processes right-of-way encroachment permits.
Work on your own lot
These permits cover the public right-of-way. Work entirely on private property can fall under different rules. Ask the city’s building or public works office about your address.
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