Sidewalks and Walkways in San Diego
A walkway in San Diego on your own lot rarely needs a permit, while the public sidewalk out front needs a city right of way permit even for a straight swap.
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Walkways on Your Own Lot
The city code exempts sidewalks 30 inches or less above grade from a building permit, as long as they are not over a basement and not part of an accessible route. Garden paths, side yard walks and front entry walks usually fit.
Ask for a broom finish or another texture so the walk grips when wet. Keep the slope gentle and send water off the side, not toward the house.
The Public Sidewalk Out Front
The sidewalk between your lot and the street is in the The public right of way is city land along the street. It often includes the parkway, the sidewalk, the curb and the driveway approach.. The city must review and approve all work there. Under IB-165, removing and replacing curb, gutter and sidewalk up to 150 linear feet qualifies for Rapid Review is the City of San Diego fast track for standard street work like a city standard driveway approach.. Over 150 linear feet must be submitted with plans.
Work tied to a building permit or a discretionary permit does not qualify for Rapid Review. It goes in with plans. Install must follow the San Diego Regional Standard Drawings.
Underdrains and Parkway Changes
Information Bulletin 576 says standard sidewalk underdrains and standard driveways are not encroachments. Non standard parkway improvements, planter boxes and private storm drains tied to public drains are. Those need an encroachment permit.
Before You Dig
California law says you must call the regional notification center at least two working days before you dig, and not more than 14 calendar days before, per Government Code 4216.2. Call 811. The day you call does not count.
Where This Job Comes Up in San Diego
These communities often call for this kind of work, based on their ground and the age of their homes.
- Barrio Logan Front walks and public sidewalk swaps along the street.
- City Heights Front walks and public sidewalk swaps.
- Golden Hill Front walks and public sidewalk swaps on older blocks.
- Linda Vista Walks and public sidewalk swaps.
- Mission Beach Walks along narrow lots and courts.
- Mission Valley Walks and private paths.
- Normal Heights Public sidewalk swaps along older blocks.
- North Park Front walks and public sidewalk swaps.
- Southeastern San Diego Front walks and public sidewalk swaps.
- Via de la Valle Steps and walks on slopes.
Questions People Ask
Can I replace the sidewalk in front of my house?
Yes, with city approval. Removing and replacing up to 150 linear feet of curb, gutter and sidewalk can use Rapid Review. Over 150 feet must be submitted with plans.
Is a sidewalk underdrain an encroachment?
Not when it is a standard underdrain. The city treats standard underdrains and driveways as normal street work under IB-165.
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