The Who, What and Where’s of Encroachment Permits

An encroachment permit authorizes the applicant to perform work within the City’s right of way, construct approved facilities, or conduct specified activities. The encroachment permit is not a property right like an easement, nor does it confer a property right. Therefore, it does not transfer with the sale of real personal property.

Individuals, companies, contractors, corporations, utilities and other agencies proposing to conduct any activity within, under, or over the city’s right of way are required to obtain an encroachment permit.

Examples of work requiring a construction encroachment permit are excavations, sign, post, and fence installations, equipment/structures placed upon the street and/or sidewalk, vegetation planting/trimming, driveway or sidewalk installation/replacement, and utility work.

Examples of events requiring non-construction encroachment permits are neighborhood block events, walkathons/marathons, marching band review, and material placed upon the street and/or sidewalk.

The Downtown Encroachment Permit Application is for Special Events or non-construction work in the downtown area. The downtown area encompasses Church, School, and Sacramento Streets from Lodi Avenue to Locust Street, Walnut, Oak, Pine, Elm and Locust (south side) Streets from Church Street to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Encroachment permits are available online at www.lodi.gov under the Public Works department tab. Once the application has been filled out drop it off at the Public Works Department, 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (except the last Friday of the month due to Furloughs). Submitting an application does not constitute encroachment permit approval. The permit application fee to initiate the application process is $38 and is non-refundable. Please contact the Public Works Department at (209) 333-6706 for fee and insurance details.