Encroachment Permit

Applicants doing work in the Town right-of-way or seeking to do work on public property will need an Encroachment Permit. To assist applicants we have provided the forms below for your use and information. Applicants are encouraged to read through these documents prior to submitting an application for an encroachment permit. Processing generally takes 1 to 3 days depending on the project.

When do I need an encroachment permit?
An encroachment permit is needed anytime you wish to perform any work in the public right-of-way. This is the area outside your property that generally includes the sidewalk, curb and gutter, planting strip, driveway cut to your property and any work in the street.

Why do I need this permit?
An encroachment permit is generally required to ensure that any work on public streets and sidewalks are performed to current construction standards. An encroachment permit is the mechanism by which you gain permission to do work in the right-of-way, and assures that your work will be inspected to established standards and, upon acceptance, protects you from potential liability that may otherwise come about by substandard or unauthorized work.

Do I need any other permits for my work?
It depends on what work you plan to do. You should check with other public agencies to see whether they require permits for the proposed work (e.g., Marin Municipal Water District, Ross Valley Sanitary District).

Do I need this permit if I want a temporary dumpster?
Yes, if you place the dumpster/debris on the street, you will need an encroachment permit.

Fees
Fees are based on a combination of the impacts to the public, the impacts to vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and the amount of inspection or oversight required by Town staff.

Sample permit fees can range from $365 for a debris bin, to $535 for a water or sewer repair without cutting into the street, to $1,500 for a utility repair that requires traffic controls and repaving. Once we receive the permit application we can usually respond with fees within 1 day.

Indemnification Requirement (see Indemnification fact sheet)
Applicants are required to indemnify and hold harmless the Town.

Insurance Requirements (see Insurance fact sheet)
Applicants are required to have the following insurance:

  • $1M general liability combined single limit with endorsement to Town
  • Workers compensation insurance to meet required State mandated limits

What do I need before I submit a permit application?

  • Approved business license (contact the Building Department)
  • Permittee name, address and contact number
  • Copy of Town Building or Planning review (if required)
  • Evidence of Insurance coverage
  • Job site address and owner's name along with a contact number
  • An email address where we can send information, and a contact phone number
  • Projects that are within the street or sidewalk/pathway areas will also require a traffic control plan per the manual on uniform traffic control devices (MUTCD)

If you have any questions or need assistance preparing your application, contact the Public Works Department at (415) 453-1453, option 4, and staff will help you.

Where do I get an encroachment permit?
Encroachment permit applications can be downloaded from the Town website.  Applications should be submitted to the Public Works Department at:

Public Works Department
31 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Ross, CA  94957
(415) 453-1453, option 4

What do I need to do once I have this permit?
Once you have your permit, there are three (3) things you must do before you start any work:

1. Call USA Underground Alert at 800-227-2600, two business days before the start of work.

2. Call the Public Works Superintendent at least twenty-four (24) hours before the start of work. The Public Works Superintendent's name and telephone number is listed on the bottom of the permit.

3. Call the Ross Police Department and Ross Valley Fire Department (RVFD) prior to the start of work.

Who can do the work?
All construction work performed under an encroachment permit must be conducted by a California licensed contractor.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
Contact the Public Works Department at (415) 453-1453, option 4.