Public Works Permits

APPLY ONLINE:

Permit Portal (Accela)

INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS:

Encroachment Permit Instructions

Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement

Insurance Agreement 

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 Instructions.
   
   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
   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, 25KB)

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 from 9AM to 5PM. 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 portable storage unit or POD delivered, what do I need?
   Portable storage units such as a POD 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 placed on a public street 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.

HANDOUTS AND FORMS

Please call us before you submit a complete application.

Sidewalk Vending Permit Application

Sidewalk Vendor Guide

What You Need to Know Handout(PDF, 203KB)

Thompson Ave - What you Need to Know(PDF, 206KB)

Permit Fee

$50

Permit Rules and Regulations

All sidewalk vendors are required to follow the requirements of the Alameda Municipal Code Section 6.62. All Sidewalk Vending Permit Rules and Regulations are on pages 2-3 of the Sidewalk Vending Permit Application.

Highlights of Key Permit Rules and Regulations:

• Separate Sidewalk Vending Permits are required for each sidewalk vending facility
• Operating Hours
  • Residential Zones:  8AM or sunrise, whichever is later through 8PM or sunset, whichever is earlier, stationary vendors only
  • Commercial Zones: 7AM-10PM
  • Thompson Ave in December: No sidewalk vending Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and December 18-25. Roaming vendors allowed Mondays-Thursdays 9AM-4PM.
• Insurance and a business license is required
• City's Sidewalk Vending Permit and Alameda County Mobile Food Facility Permit must be displayed
• 48" minimum unobstructed sidewalk is required at all times; roaming vendors can allow 24" wide path and relocate if pedestrians cannot pass
• Foodware Ordinance requires compostable fiber based foodwares
• Straws and condiments by request only
• Sanitary conditions required. Vendors must maintain cleanliness, provide waste receptacles, promptly clean up after any spills and remove all trash. Vendors cannot dispose in public trash cans.
• Vendors cannot block access to businesses, residents or public facilities
• Electrical cords prohibited
• No flashing lights or electronic signs
• Vending in Public Parks: Park hours apply. Vendors cannot approach people to sell. Vending only allowed on paved areas.

Prohibited Locations

Sidewalk vending is prohibited in the following locations:

1. City property that is not a right-of-way or public park. Sidewalk vending is prohibited in City-owned parking lots and City owned property at Alameda Point.
2. Anywhere outside of a sidewalk or pedestrian path. Sidewalk vending is prohibited on any street, parking areas, medians, bicycle lanes, or shared bicycle-pedestrian paths.
3. On any sidewalk or pedestrian path that results in an obstructed path of travel. A 48” minimum wide path of travel shall be maintained.
4. Within 25 feet of any crosswalk or intersection.
5. In any area that blocks traffic signals or signs.
6. In any driveway or parking lot access, or within 3 feet of any driveway/parking lot access.
7. Within 25 feet of any fire hydrant, fire call box, fire department connection, post indicator valves, or utility cabinets or equipment.
8. Next to police station, fire station, or hospital with an emergency room, including within 10 feet of any vehicular access.
9. Within 50 feet of any construction.
10. Within 10 feet of a trash can, public art installation, bike rack or electrical vehicle charging station.
11. Within 10 feet of a bus stop.
12. Within 10 feet of an outdoor dining area for a restaurant during the business hours of the restaurant.
13. Within 10 feet from the entrance or exit doorway to any building or an ATM machine.
14. Within 200 feet any school drop off/pick up areas.
15. Within 100 feet of any school campus while classes are in session, except during lunchtime when authorized by the school administrator.
16. Within 200 feet of any farmers market or special event.
17. Within Corica Park Golf Course.
18. Thompson Avenue between High Street and Fernside Boulevard, on High Street and Fernside Boulevard between Garfield Avenue and Fairview Avenue, during the month of December on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and from December 18 through December 25, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Hours of Operations - Commercial Zones

No sidewalk vendor shall operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Commercial Zone means all zoning districts except R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5, and R-6.

Hours of Operations - Residential Zones

Roaming Vendors only. No Stationary vendors.

No roaming vendor after 8:00 p.m., or sunset, whichever is earlier, and before 8:00 a.m., or sunrise, whichever is later.

Residential Zone means the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5, and R-6 districts of the Zoning Map.

Prohibited Sales

Sale of any of the following is prohibited and unlawful:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Adult-oriented material
• Tobacco, tobacco products, or electronic smoking devices
• Cannabis or cannabis products
• Weapons, including knives, guns, or explosives devices
• Items that are not for immediate sale
• Selling or offering to sell services, or engage in or offer to engage in any type of rental activity, including the rental of any goods or services
• Pharmaceuticals
• Any other merchandise prohibited by federal, state, or local law

Required Submittals

1. Completed and signed Application Form
2. Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement
3. Sidewalk Vending Permit Insurance Agreement
4. Insurance Documents including:
   • Certificate of Insurance
   • Endorsements naming the City of Alameda as additional insured
   • See Sample Insurance Documents
5. City of Alameda Business License
6. Copy of California driver’s license or identification number, an individual taxpayer identification number, social security number, or other state-issued identification card.
7. A copy of a valid California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Seller’s Permit
8. For food vendors, a copy of a valid Mobile Food Facility Permit issued by Alameda County Department of Environmental Health.
9. Stationary Vendors: Provide a detailed site plan/map for your vending location
10. Mobile vendors: Provide your planned vending route.

Enforcement

Violation of permit rules and regulations and or vending without a valid sidewalk vending permit is subject to the following fines:

• $100 for the first violation
• $200 for the second violation within 1 year of the first violation
• $500 for the third and subsequent violations within 1 year of the first violation

Permits may be suspended or revoked for violations; unsafe or abandoned setups may be removed.

Program Overview

In 2018, the State of California passed Senate Bill 946, Government Code Section 51036 allowing sidewalk vending. In 2025, City of Alameda adopted the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance No 3391(PDF, 2MB). The Sidewalk Vending Ordinance is effective as of December 4, 2025 and allows the City to establish permit procedures, operational requirements, location restrictions and hours of operations. A Sidewalk Vending Permit is required for anyone who wants to sell food or merchandise on the sidewalk. 

Benefits of a Permit

• Legally operate your vending business in Alameda.
• Access clearly defined locations and rules.
• Support the local community with safe and orderly vending.

Resources & Websites

Sidewalk Vending Ordinance

Sample Insurance Documents

City of Alameda Business License

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Seller's Permit

Alameda County Mobile Food Facility Permit

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 plan on building in the floodplain. For more information, please visit our Floodplain page.

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 Commercial Usage Conditions

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)

Visit the Commercials Streets Program webpage to learn more about the history of our parklet and outdoor dining programs.

Private Sewer Laterals

Small Cell Wireless Guidelines(PDF, 4MB)

Property Line Setback Distances from Street Curbs