ALERT: In light of the directives on March 17th, 2020 from the County Public Health Official, all city public counters will be closed to the public for in person business until further notice after the close of business on March 18th, 2020. Online services may still be available during this time.
Projects may still be applicable for intake via email to DE@cityofsacramento.org.
Payments may still be available via our online portal at https://aca-prod.accela.com/SACRAMENTO/.
Engineering Services Permits
A permit is required to perform work within the public right-of-way (usually a sidewalk, street, alley or easement) or to use portions of a street for exclusive purposes per the City Code.
To determine whether the work you are proposing within the public right of way shall be done under a minor or major encroachment permit, please see the Major vs. Minor Encroachment Permit Guidelines at the following link: DE-501
The various types of major and minor encroachment permits, their requirements, costs, and review timelines are given in the following document: DE-500
Note: You can view the status of your permits online using our Citizen Permit Portal. For instructions on how to navigate this website, please see our Public Works Citizen Portal User Guide.
If your building construction project requires offsite improvements, you must submit the appropriate encroachment permit to Development Engineering no later than by the 2nd cycle building plan check submittal to continue your building plan review and approval process.
- Minor Encroachment Permits
- Construction Encroachment Permit – required when excavation takes place in the public right-of-way. Examples include replacing portions of the sidewalk along a property line, potholing in the street, or connecting a new service to a water main.
- Blanket/Maintenance Encroachment Permit – reserved for maintenance and emergency work for existing franchise utilities in the right-of-way. Must have a financial account with the City to utilize this application.
- Street Use Encroachment Permit – required when part of the sidewalk or street is being used or closed to the public. Examples include cranes swinging into the ROW, dumpster on the sidewalk or street, scaffolding over the sidewalk, temporary signs, and storage pods.
- Driveway Permit – required when a new driveway is being installed or when an existing driveway is being widened.
- Revocable Permit – permission to install an object above, on, or under the public right-of-way.
- Revocable Permit for Honorary Sign Topper - required to attach Honorary Sign Topper or Topper Sign on top of standard street sign identification. Placement of Honorary Sign Toppers in the City of Sacramento provides an avenue to recognize the distinguished contributions and service of selected Sacramento citizens, and historic or significant neighborhoods and districts.
- Revocable Permit for Monitoring Well – required to install monitoring well(s) in the public right-of-way.
- Revocable Permit for Street Banner - required to attach banner(s) to street-light poles in the public right-of-way. Banners can provide information about the community to its residents, visitors, and commuters; add life and color to the City’s streetscape; and promote events, activities and programs that benefit the City. It is not the intent of the City to create a traditional or designated public forum on the street-light poles. Banners may not be displayed for commercial advertising or for political or religious messages. The Street-Light Pole Banner Policy sets forth the rules and requirements for attaching banners to Street-Light Poles.
- Public Improvement Plans – required when major improvements are being constructed in the public right-of-way and when engineered plans are needed. See the links under the Engineering Services Permits heading to determine whether your proposed work will be processed as a minor or major encroachment permit. If you need more information about the encroachment permit application processes, please contact or visit:
Development Engineering Public Counter
300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 808-8300
DE@cityofsacramento.org
Transportation Permits are required within the City when a vehicle and/or vehicle load is larger than 8’6” in width, 14’ in height, 40’ in length (single unit) or 65’ in length (combo unit).
Transportation permits can be applied for on-line or can be submitted in person at:
Department of Public Works
915 I Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-6810
Learn more about Transportation Permit Restrictions and Conditions and how to apply for an Annual Blanket Permit or a Single Trip Permit.
Notices