Any work performed in the public right-of-way (off-site) or in a public utility easement (P.U.E.) requires an Encroachment Permit, including work for various utility companies (PG&E, SBC, Comcast, California Water Company), fiber optics, and monitoring wells. Please refer to Sunnyvale Municipal Code Title 13, Chapter 13.08 for right-of-way encroachment procedures and regulations.
Permit Application
Use Encroachment Permit Requirements (PDF) as a check list for submitting an Encroachment Permit package. Complete an Encroachment Permit Application (PDF) and submit permit application package to Public Works Department/Engineering Division. Application can be mailed or submitted at the One-Stop Permit Center, City Hall, between the hours of 8 am – 12 noon and 1 pm to 5 pm Monday through Friday. City Hall is located at 456 W. Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.
Permit Fee
The Encroachment Permit Fee is 10% of the total estimated off-site construction costs (including 20% contingency) with a $250 minimum charge for construction of 50 feet in length or less, etc.
Contractor’s License and Certificate of Insurance
Individuals performing work permitted through an Encroachment Permit must be licensed contractors with Class A General Engineering license from the State of California. Other license classifications may be acceptable depending upon type and scope of work. Please refer to State Contractor’s License Board for license classifications
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/licensing/classifications.asp
and for license status check,
http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/CSLB_LIBRARY/license+request.asp including worker’s compensation insurance.
Contractor shall provide Certificate of Insurance with general liability insurance of single coverage of $1,000,000.00 minimum. Said policy shall name the City of Sunnyvale as an additional insured (A separate endorsement sheet is required with the insurance policy, and the location and job description must be included on the policy). Refer to the Insurance Certificate Sample (PDF) for specific information needed.
Cash Deposit/Surety Bond
Depending upon the type and scope of the work being performed in the public right-of-way, surety bonds and/or cash deposit may be required to guarantee completion of quality work and to provide one-year warranty. Please refer to Faithful Performance Bond Sample (PDF), Labor and Materials Bond Sample (PDF), Maintenance Bond Sample (PDF) for specific information needed.
Permit Conditions
Encroachment Permit will be issued with standard conditions (PDF) and/or special conditions. Traffic control plan may be required (depending upon location, hour and/or nature of work) and it shall be approved by City’s traffic engineer. Permit from other agencies may also be required (e.g., Caltrans, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Santa Clara County, etc.).
Permit Inspection
Inspections are required for all encroachment permits issued. Inspections may be scheduled by calling (408) 730-7605 at least one business day prior to the date the inspection is needed.
Encroachment permits must be present at the job site at all times. Un-inspected work will be rejected.
If you have any questions, please call the Public Works Department Land Development Section at (408) 730-7415 between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., or e-mail us at pubworks@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us.