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Engineering Permits

The permits listed in the table below are issued by the Department of Public Works - Engineering Division, unless otherwise noted. All forms require original signatures. Permit applications may be:

  • Dropped off in person at the Permit Center in City Hall
  • Mailed to: Department of Public Works - Engineering Division, 1500 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95050 or
  • E-mailed to engineering@santaclaraca.gov.

Additional Information 

For general engineering permit questions or inquiries, call 408-615-3000 or email engineering@santaclaraca.gov. 
For more in-depth questions related to the Department of Public Works permit process, schedule an appointment to meet with one of our Engineers via a virtual meeting or in-person at our Permit Center in City Hall at the address listed above. 

Beginning January 1, 2024, all encroachment permit applications and map review applications submitted will require fee payments at the initial submittal stage. City staff will determine the initial fees for payment once the application has been submitted. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this update, feel free to reach out to our department. Refer to the Engineering Fees, Rates and Charges Schedule (PDF) for the current engineering fees, rates, and charges. For the complete Municipal Fee Schedule for Department of Public Works, check the City's Finance webpage. The Encroachment Permit Application should include a completed application form (first page of the packet linked below) and a set of plans. 

Permits

Type of Permit Description
Encroachment Permit Application Form and Information Packet (PDF) Regulates all construction in public right-of-ways
Special Transportation Permit (PDF)

Allows wide loads to be transported on City streets. Email questions to truckroutepermit@santaclaraca.gov.
Minor Encroachment Permit (PDF) Allows temporary use of City streets for POD/refuse bins/other items. Please allow 3-7 days for processing. Email any questions to truckroutepermit@santaclaraca.gov
Right-of-Way Encroachment Agreement (PDF) Allows private improvements to be installed in the public right-of-way (public streets)
Easement Encroachment Agreement (PDF) Allows private improvements to be installed in public easements.
Street License Encroachment Agreement (PDF) Allows private underground facilities to be installed and maintained in public easements or right-of-ways.

Petition For Vacation (Abandonment) of Public Right-of-Way or Public Easement (PDF)

 Allows complete or partial abandonment or termination of the Public Right-of-Way or Public Easement.

Typical Traffic Control Plans

A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is required whenever construction, maintenance, or other activities impact public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, or any portion of the public-right-of-way. Its purpose is to ensure the safety of workers, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians while maintaining efficient and orderly traffic flow. All TCPs must conform to the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which sets standards for signs, signals, markings, and traffic control devices. 

Type   Description
Traffic Control Plan A - Application (PDF) This is for 2 to 3 lane streets.
Traffic Control Plan B - Application (PDF) This is for 4,5, or 6 lane streets.
Traffic Control Plan C - Application (PDF)

This is for complete street closures.
Traffic Control Plan D - Application (PDF)

This is for intersections.
Traffic Control Plan E - Application (PDF) This is for sidewalks.
Standard Operating Bike Lane Closures (PDF) This is for all roadways.

Related Links

Last Updated:
08-08-2025