Encroachment Permit

Step 1.Read the Encroachment Permit Instructions

Before you apply, review the Encroachment Permit Instructions and gather all necessary submittal documents to include as part of your application.

Encroachment Permit Instructions

Step 2.Complete Agreements

The Applicant must sign and agree to the Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement and Insurance Agreement

Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement

Insurance Agreement

Step 3.Gather Submittal Documents

A complete application will contain the following items. Your application will NOT be accepted without all 5 items uploaded as part your application:

1. Traffic Control Plan
2. Site Plan
3. Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement
4. Insurance Agreement
5. Insurance Documents includes:

• Certificate of Liability Insurance
• Endorsement to the Policy – This is a separate page naming the City of Alameda as an additional insured.

See the Encroachment Permit Instructions for details on what to include as part of each submittal document.

Step 4.Obtain a City Business License

Contractors are required to have a current City of Alameda Business License. You can apply or renew online at the Finance Department Business License Page.

Step 1.Register for an Accela Permit Portal Account

Register for an account.

If you need assistance, we have step by step instructions on How to Register For An Account.

Step 2.Apply for a Public Works Encroachment Permit

a. Sign in to the Accela Permit Portal.

b. Click the Public Works tab.

c. Create your application and upload all required submittals.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS: A complete application will contain the following 5 items. Your application will be deemed incomplete and not be accepted without all required submittal documents:

1. Traffic Control Plan
2. Site Plan
3. Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement
4. Insurance Agreement
5. Insurance Documents: Insurance requirements are found in the Insurance Agreement. A complete submittal for Insurance Documents will include:

• Certificate of Liability Insurance
• Endorsement to the Policy – This is a separate page naming the City of Alameda as an additional insured.

If any of the above required submittal items do not apply to your encroachment application, upload a file with the reason why the document is not required.

See the Encroachment Permit Instructions for detailed requirements for each submittal document and samples.

Step 3.Application Confirmation

The applicant will receive an email confirmation with the permit application number. You can always check the status of your permit on the Permit Portal.

Step 4.Pay Fees

A Public Works staff member will review your application for completeness and assess the permit fees. You will receive an email with instructions on how to pay your permit fees.

Application review begins upon receipt of fee payment and the application has been deemed complete.

Step 5.Permit Review Begins

The application review will begin upon receipt of fee payment and the application has been deemed complete.

Each review cycle is typically 10 business days. The number of review cycles needed will vary based on the quality of your application and submittals. Application for work at multiple locations or complex traffic control plans will require additional staff review time.

Step 6.Resubmittals

Applicants will receive an email notification of any resubmittal and/or corrections that are needed to the application. Resubmittals must be uploaded online to your permit application.

Step 7.Permit Approval

You will be notified by email of your permit approval. If you requested "No Parking" signs as part of your application, you must pick up the City issued signs at the Public Works Department at City Hall West, 950 W Mall Square, Room 110; from 9:00AM through 5:00PM, Monday through Thursdays only. 

Applicant is responsible for knowing and adhering to Encroachment Permit Rules and Regulations and Conditions of Approval that are shown on your permit.

You must have a copy of your Encroachment Permit and City approved traffic control plan on site.

Notify the Public Works Inspector at least 2 business days prior to beginning any work in the City's right of way.