Public Works Permits: Information & Standards

Public Works permits help ensure that work affecting streets, sidewalks, utilities, trees, and other public infrastructure is completed safely and in accordance with City requirements. Use this page to find Public Works permit information, current fees, inspection requirements, insurance standards, and construction specifications.

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Public Works Permit Applications Find current Public Works permit applications and submission requirements.

Current City Fee Schedule View the City's current adopted fees for Public Works permits, reviews, and inspections.

Public Works Inspections Review inspection information and scheduling requirements for permitted Public Works activities.

Do I Need a Public Works Permit?

Public Right-of-Way

Excavation, construction, equipment, materials, temporary containers, closures, or other activities affecting a public street, sidewalk, alley, curb, gutter, or parkway generally require Public Works review and may require an Excavation & Encroachment Permit.

Work on Private Property

Work entirely on private property may still require approval from another City department. Grading permits are administered by the Planning Department. Public Works review may still apply when work affects City utilities, protected trees, sewer connections, or the public right-of-way.

More Than One Approval

A project may require separate approvals from Public Works, Planning, Building & Safety, Fire, or another agency. A Public Works permit does not replace other permits that may apply to the project.

Not sure which permit applies? Contact the Public Works Department at (626) 355-7135 before beginning work.

Public Works administers several permit types depending on the activity being performed. The categories below describe the principal permits and requirements handled by the Department.

Excavation & Encroachment Excavation, construction, equipment, materials, temporary trash bins or storage containers, closures, and other activities affecting the public right-of-way.

Oversized Load Transportation of vehicles or loads exceeding applicable legal size or weight limits on City streets.

Protected Tree Work Removal, pruning, protection, or other work subject to the City's protected-tree requirements.

Fats, Oils & Grease Requirements applicable to food-service establishments and other businesses subject to the City's wastewater FOG-control program.

Grading permits: Grading permits are administered by the Planning Department and are not a Public Works permit category.

View Permit Applications

The City's Excavation & Encroachment Permit applies to qualifying excavation, construction, occupancy, placement of materials or equipment, and other activities affecting City streets, sidewalks, alleys, parkways, or other portions of the public right-of-way.

Common Examples

Utility excavation or trenching
Sidewalk, curb, gutter, or driveway-apron construction
Temporary placement of equipment or construction materials
Temporary trash bins or storage containers placed in the public right-of-way
Lane, sidewalk, parking, or driveway-access restrictions
Public improvements associated with private construction
Other temporary or permanent encroachments affecting City property

Supporting Materials

Depending on the proposed activity, supporting documents may include:

Site plan or exhibit showing the location and limits of work
Improvement plans or applicable standard details
Traffic-control information or plan
Property-owner authorization, when applicable
USA 811 / DigAlert information for excavation work
Related City or outside-agency approvals
Required insurance documentation

Permit required before work begins: Do not excavate, place equipment or containers, obstruct the right-of-way, or begin other permitted activity until the City has issued the required permit.

Excavation & Encroachment Permit Application

Insurance and contractor-documentation requirements depend on the type of permit, the work being performed, and the level of risk to the City. Applicants should follow the requirements contained in the applicable permit packet and any project-specific direction provided by City staff.

Excavation and Encroachment Work

The City's combined Excavation and Encroachment Permit requires insurance before work begins. The City assigns the final risk classification and determines the required limits based on the proposed work.

Typical Insurance Documentation

Certificate of Insurance
Required additional-insured endorsement
Primary and noncontributory endorsement
Waiver of subrogation endorsement
Workers' Compensation coverage when applicable
Other coverage or documentation required based on the risk and scope of work

Contractors: Confirm applicable City business-license, contractor-license, insurance, and permit requirements before beginning work. Requirements may differ depending on the permit and activity.

City Insurance Requirements

Public Works inspections are required for permitted work affecting City streets, sidewalks, utilities, drainage, and other public infrastructure. The required inspection sequence depends on the type and scope of work.

Typical Public Works Inspections

Encroachment and excavation
Sewer lateral and utility work
Grading and drainage
Lines and grades, when required
Intermediate construction inspections
Final inspection and acceptance

Inspection notice: Provide at least 24 hours advance notice for required Public Works inspections. Work subject to inspection must not be covered, paved, backfilled, or otherwise concealed before the required inspection approval.

Construction Standards

Permitted work must comply with the approved plans, applicable Sierra Madre Municipal Code requirements, current Public Works standards adopted by the City, permit conditions, and direction from the City. Applicable Greenbook standards and project-specific specifications may also govern the work.

Public Works Inspection Information Greenbook Standards

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