Public Works Permits

APPLY BY EMAIL: 

Email your completed application and all required supporting documents to PWPermits@alamedaca.gov.

The maximum email size is 20 MB.

For large documents, contact us and we will provide instructions on how to upload.

INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS

Instructions for Encroachment Permit(PDF, 5MB)

Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement(PDF, 75KB)

Insurance Agreement(PDF, 108KB)

Encroachment Permit Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why do I need an encroachment permit?

Any work occurring in the public right of way requires an Encroachment Permit. Encroachment Permits provide the City oversight over the safe and orderly use, operation, construction or placement of objects in the public right of way.

Examples include but is not limited to:

• Installation or repair of sidewalk, driveway approach, curb and gutter
• Installation of sidewalk underdrain
• Installation or replacement of curb ramps
• Sewer lateral work
• Utility cuts in public streets
• Lane closures
• Any construction or staging that requires traffic control, including impacts to pedestrian and bikes
• Placement of scaffolding
  
  

2. What documents do I need to provide to obtain an encroachment permit?

Please carefully read the Encroachment Permit Application Instructions(PDF, 5MB).

You will need to provide all of the following items:

• Traffic Control Plan
• Site Plan
• Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement Form
• Insurance Agreement Form
• Insurance Documents including Certificate of Liability Insurance and Endorsements naming the City of Alameda as additional insured.
  
  

3. What are the permit fees?

Permit fees are determined based on the scope of work and are subject to the City’s Master Fee Schedule at the time of application. Permit fees are non-refundable.

Sample Fees for a residential encroachment permit may include:

• Encroachment - Residential
• City Attorney Filing Fee
• Technology Fee

Permit fees are non-refundable. Permits or permit applications with 1 year of inactivity will expire.

4. Who is the applicant?

The applicant for an encroachment permit is the entity performing the work in the right of way/entity providing insurance. This is generally the contractor.

INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS

Email completed applications to PWPermits@alamedaca.gov

Application for No Parking Sign Permit(PDF, 128KB)

Fees for No Parking Sign Permit(PDF, 127KB)

No Parking Signs Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How far in advance do I need to apply for a No Parking Sign?

No Parking Sign applications must be received at least 2 business days in advance of the needed time/date of when you intend to post for parking restrictions. Allow yourself time to pick up the signs from City Hall West, post the signs and have the Police Department verify your posting. It is generally recommended to apply for your signs at least 1.5 weeks in advance.

For instance, if you plan to have a moving truck on Friday at 8AM, your signs must be posted and police verified no later than Wednesday at 8AM. You will need to pick up the signs no later than Tuesday afternoon. Your application should be submitted no later than Thursday at 8AM the week prior to your scheduled move. Sign pickups are available from Mondays through Thursdays only. The Public Works office at City Hall West is closed to the public on Fridays. 

2. How many signs do I need?

You will need one sign for each parking meter or 18 feet of curb.

3. How do I put up my sign?

Applicant can use twine, masking tape or zip ties to attach signs to meters, poles or trees. It is prohibited to use duct tape, nails or staples to attach signs to public infrastructure. In locations where there are no meters, poles or trees, applicant shall provide their own means of posting.

An example of your own means of posting can include rental and placement of a barricade at your expense.

4. How do I pay for my signs?

A Public Works staff member will contact you with information on how to pay for your signs online.

5. I am getting a POD delivered, what do I need?

Portable storage units such as PODs will require both an encroachment permit and no parking sign permit.

6. I have a no parking sign, can I place my POD there?

Portable storage units such as PODs will require an encroachment permit. If you have obtained both an encroachment permit and No Parking Sign Permit, you can place your POD.

7. My moving company is telling me that I need a permit, do I need one?

It depends. The City does not have authority to enforce No Parking on private streets or on private property. If you are staging a moving truck in public parking spaces, then you should apply for a No Parking Sign Permit. Please call Public Works if you have questions about your particular situation.

8.  There is a "No Parking" sign placed in front of my house, is this sign valid?

Please observe signs that are placed on the street.

9. Can I use a No Parking Sign to reserve a parking spot for my car?

No, temporary “No Parking” signs are not intended to be used for parking of a personal vehicle.

Permit Fees 

Permit fees are non-refundable.

For fee information, please see the Master Fee Schedule on the Finance webpage.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Subdivision projects begin at the Planning Department. Contact a Planner by visiting the Planning webpage.

For entitled projects, email your completed PWD application to your Public Works engineer.

Public Works Development (PWD) Permit Application 

LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS

Lot Line Adjustment (LLA) Application

Lot Line Adjustment Information 

STORMWATER & PCBs

Stormwater Requirements Checklist for Development Projects

Stormwater Requirements Checklist for Small Projects

Stormwater Treatment Measure Design Criteria Certification Form

Building Demo PCB Application

Building Demo PCB Information

FLOODPLAIN

Contact the Public Works team if you are building in the floodplain. For more information, please visit our floodplain webpage.

PARKLETS

The Public Works Departments issues a limited number of permits for Parklets. Please contact us if you are interested in owning and operating a parklet.

Parklet Application

Parklet Design Guidelines and Requirements

OUTDOOR DINING & COMMERCIAL USE

A permit is required for outdoor commercial tables and chairs outside of the Downtown Alameda Business Association (DABA) and West Alameda Business Association Business Improvement Areas.

Tables and Chairs Permit Application

Outdoor Commercial Usage Conditions (for all sidewalk and parklet dining, services and retail use)

Private Sewer Lateral Certification

Small Cell Wireless Guidelines(PDF, 4MB)

Property Line Setback Distances from Street Curbs