Driveway Approach and Encroachment Permits in San Diego
A city standard driveway approach in San Diego can go through Minor Right of Way Rapid Review, while a custom approach, a commercial driveway or a wall at the street must be submitted with plans.
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What Rapid Review Covers
Information Bulletin 165 lets these jobs use Rapid Review is the City of San Diego fast track for standard street work like a city standard driveway approach..
A city standard residential driveway, new or remove and replace. Removing and replacing existing curb, gutter and sidewalk up to 150 linear feet. Up to three Rapid Review items can be combined in one set of plans.
What Needs Full Plans
Non city standard residential driveways. Commercial driveways. Curb outlets and sidewalk underdrains. Concrete alley aprons. Retaining walls in the right of way of not more than 3 feet. Curb, gutter and sidewalk work over 150 linear feet.
Public improvement work tied to a building permit or a discretionary permit does not qualify for Rapid Review either.
Rules Every Approach Follows
All improvements in the right of way need review and approval. A separate traffic control permit may be needed. Work must follow the San Diego Regional Standard Drawings and the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction. Fees are paid when the permit is issued.
Encroachments Are Different
Information Bulletin 576 defines an encroachment as any privately owned and maintained improvement in the public right of way or a public easement. Non standard parkway improvements, private storm drains tied to public drains and planter boxes count.
Standard driveways, standard water, sewer and fire services and sidewalk underdrains do not. A standard driveway follows IB-165 and is not an encroachment.
Which License Fits Street Work
The CSLB says an A general engineering contractor may do concrete work that is part of fixed works like roads. Some cities ask for an A license for work in the street. Ask the City of San Diego which license your approach job needs, and check the license before you sign.
Questions People Ask
Is a new driveway approach an encroachment in San Diego?
Not when it is a standard driveway. IB-576 says standard driveways are not encroachments. They follow the IB-165 right of way permit.
Can I combine my approach and sidewalk repair in one permit?
Up to three Rapid Review items can be combined in one set of plans under IB-165, as long as each one qualifies.
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