What is an Encroachment Permit?

An Encroachment Permit is required for any work performed in the public right of way, as specified in Chapter 12.08 of the City of Livermore Municipal Code.  The City right of way typically encompasses the street and sidewalks on both sides of the street.  

Types of Encroachment Permits:

Typical work requiring an encroachment permit includes, but not limited to:

• Working on utilities (boring / trenching) in the City’s right of way (sewer, water, electrical, cable, telephone, etc.)
• Construction (new construction / repairing / replacing) of the sidewalk, curb & gutter, driveway approach, driveway widening (including curb-through drain installs and repairs)
• Adding / removing concrete or hard-scape within the City’s right of way
• Closure of residential streets for a block party
• Any other excavating / trenching or constructing within the City’s right of way
• Placing temporary storage container (i.e POD) are not allowed and it must be stored on private property

The permittee shall begin work as authorized under the Encroachment Permit within 45 days from the date of issuance.  The permit is valid for a term of 6 months from the date of issuance.  All work within the public Right‐of‐Way must be completed by a licensed contractor who has a current City of Livermore business license.

Saturday and Holiday work are not allowed unless authorized by the Construction Section Supervisor. 

Encroachment Permit Process:

1. Download and complete the Encroachment Permit Application Form
2. Follow the sample applications and describe the project
3. Check the Street Moratorium List for any work to be done on the street surface (Cut, bore, trench, potholes, bore pits, etc).  If a moratorium is in place, no work shall be allowed on the street surface unless an agreement is in place to restore the pavement back to its original condition
4. For Utility companies working in the City’s right of way, review the City’s checklist against the permit application to verify all information are included
5. Submit the completed application and all supporting documents to: epermitrequest@LivermoreCA.gov 

Once the application is submitted, please allow up to 3 weeks for processing. In case of an emergency, please contact (925) 960-4500. 

Permit Fees: 

Encroachment permit fees are updated annually.  Permit fees are calculated in the two categories below:

Standard / Residential

• The standard (minimum) permit fee is $687.00, which includes the following:
  • Application fee of $186.00
  • Two days of inspection fee of $501.00
• Each additional inspection fee is $400.00 / day
• Additional inspection and plan check fee may be applied based on the complexity of the project, see Permit Fees for detailed breakdown

Telecommunication

• Minimum permit fee is $1589.00, which includes the following:
  • Application fee of $584.00
  • First 2 days of inspection fee of $186.00
  • Plan check fee of $819.00
• Each additional inspection fee is $400.00 / day
• Additional inspection and plan check fee may be applied based on the complexity of the project, see Permit Fees for detailed breakdown

You must notify the City of Livermore the day emergency work is to be done and submit a permit application within 5 business days after work is completed.

• Minor Construction / Residential: Minimum 5 business days (depending on how soon insurance information is received and approved).
• Major Construction / Utilities / Telecommunication: 5-15 business days (depending on how soon insurance information is received and approved).

1. Please call (925) 960-4500 at least 24 hours before you start work to schedule an inspection.
2. Please call (925) 960-4500 within 24 hours after project completion to schedule for a permit close-out.

 The City has two levels of insurance requirements depending on the complexity of the project: 

• MINOR CONSTRUCTION:  Sidewalk / driveway work, curb and gutter repair, any other work encroaching in the Public Right of Way.  Please see the Minor Construction insurance requirements. 

• MAJOR CONSTRUCTION:  Commercial hardscape work (>50 sq ft), boring, trenching, work on all Arterial or Collector Streets.  Please see the Major Construction insurance requirements. 

Insurance coverage is required when hiring a licensed contractor for sidewalk repair (Certificate of Insurance to be submitted by the Contractor).  Certificate of Insurance is not required when homeowner is performing a sidewalk repair project themselves.

Please contact (925) 960-4170 for insurance requirements questions.

Permit Questions and Contact:

Please call (925) 960-4500 or email: epermitrequest@LivermoreCA.gov for additional questions.

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