Encroachment Permits

An Encroachment permit is used to authorize placement, modification, or removal of any kind of permanent or temporary encroachments.  Common examples of work requiring encroachment permits include:

• Utility construction and relocation work which may be either underground or above ground
• Placement of traffic counters
• Hanging banners to advertise community functions

Blanket Encroachment permits are generally granted to utility companies for emergency repairs and routine maintenance only when the three following conditions apply:

• Many locations are involved
• It is not likely the activity will have a lasting impact on the right-of-way
• Follow-up inspections are not needed

View: Encoachment Violations

Street Use Permits

A Street Use Permit is used to authorize organized activities in the roadway such as parades, races, block parties, litter clean-up, and covering nonessential "No Parking" signs to allow parking for special events.  A street can be closed if it meets the following qualifications: 

• Subject street is a cul-de-sac, dead end or circle street OR
• The section being closed is less than a 1/2 mile in length and is intersected by two other residential streets

Streets cannot be closed if one of the following conditions exist:

• Speed limit on street is greater than 25 mph
• Street is an arterial street with more than two lanes

Movie Permits

When a Street Permit is used as a Filming or Movie Permit, the following conditions apply:

• The applicant must be referred to the County Treasurer's office to obtain a business license prior to applying for the street use permit
• The Transportation Department Chief should be consulted as to the use of any bridge
• A structural analysis must be made if the permittee requests any use of a bridge that might involve structural damage
• If County personnel are needed to assist the filming crew, a deposit and payment for the employee's time is required
• Public traffic is not allowed in the filming area if risks such as high speed car chases, or road flooding are possible; public safety and protection of the road and bridge system are of foremost importance
• Advertising filming can be more strictly regulated than regular filming, since it does not have the financial and community benefit of a regular film

Tree Trimming and Removal Permits

A Tree Pruning or Tree Removal Permit is required to prune or remove any public tree and certain private trees.  Public Trees are those that occur on any County owned land (parks, building grounds, etc.) and/or within Right-of-Way situations.  Privately owned trees also require a tree permit in accordance with Zoning Code Regulations and the County's Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance.

Typical examples requiring a Tree Permit include:

• Any trees that are located within parking lots and/or the landscaped areas that surround commercial buildings or apartment complexes
• Native oak trees (Heritage Trees) occurring anywhere, including on private residential properties
• Public trees adjacent to roadways (Street Trees) within the County Right-of-Way or on any County land/parkway
• Certain tree species that are especially prominent and stately are also considered as "Landmark" trees and receive special consideration for preservation during the Conditional Use Permit/Development Plan Review process through the Planning Department.