If you have a project that touches a public-owned asset such as a sidewalk, you will need an encroachment permit. An encroachment permit requires the A-General Engineering License, which we have. Only a General Engineering license holder can work on public assets (aka Public Works) such as a city-owned street or sidewalk.
The need for an encroachment permit extends a project timeline significantly. The contractor doing the work is required to provide additional insurance documents, sometimes performance bonds, construction plans, traffic control plans, and often notices to impacted neighbors. The authority that issues the permit essentially grants the right to work on public assets. They do a detailed construction plan review and provide an inspector who will ensure the work is done to their specifications. A city will often take 3-4 weeks to review and approve an encroachment permit.
The costs of a permit vary based on the specifics of the project. Some Public Works departments publish cost guidelines for projects. If you are connecting a new water or sewer line to a main, the permit fee may also include the connection fee and would be more.
Major Steps in any project that requires an Encroachment Permit
- Hire a A-General Engineering Licensed contractor such as Freedom Underground.
- File for the required permit–usually with the local Public Works Department of your City or County.
- If necessary, also file for a building permit. Most of the time an encroachment permit is required, the project also has a private property aspect which is where the building permit comes in.
- Underground Service Alert, aka USA 811.
Underground Service Alert, a.k.a. USA 811
Before digging, we create a USA 811 ticket which triggers local utilities with underground lines in the area to come out and mark their lines. This service greatly reduces any chance we accidentally hit an existing utility line.
Pre-Construction meeting with the Public works inspector
With permits in hand, a “pre-con” meeting with the utility and the City/County is scheduled to meet at the project site. At these pre-con meetings, we will discuss the specifics of the project and gain approval from the inspectors to start.
