79-16 Encroachment Permit Policy Manual 7-31-25.pdf

City of Visalia

ENCROACHMENT PERMIT

POLICY MANUAL

Christopher Crawford City Engineer

July 31, 2025

Table of Contents

GENERAL

INTRODUCTION

AUTHORITY

ENCROACHMENT PERMITS

ENCROACHMENT PERMIT OFFICE AND APPLICATIONS

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1 - ENCROACHMENT PERMIT PROCESS

1.1 APPLICATION

1.2 ‘COUNTER COMPLETE’ REVIEW

1.3 ‘REVIEW READY’

1.4 ENGINEERING REVIEW (REVISIONS / APPROVAL):

1.5 PERMIT FEES

1.6 PERMIT ISSUANCE

SECTION 2 – APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

2.1 DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

2.2 DOCUMENTS IF APPLICABLE

SECTION 3 - UTILIZATION OF THE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT

3.1 NOTIFICATION

3.2 PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING

3.3 INSPECTION/OBSERVATION

3.4 ENCROACHMENT PERMIT ACCEPTANCE

3.5 PERMIT DENIAL, CANCELATION AND REFUNDS

SECTION 4 - GENERAL ENCROACHMENT PERMIT REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS

4.1 GENERAL REGULATIONS

4.2 STANDARDS

4.3 ACTIVITIES/MAINTENANCE

4.4 TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN CONTROL

4.5 EXCAVATION, BACKFILLING, SURFACE RESTORATIONS

SECTION 5 – CONSTRUCTION WORK HOURS

5.1 NOISE

5.2 VEHICULAR / PEDESTRIAN VOLUME

5.3 ROADWAYS

A. Critical Roadways B. All Other Roadways

5.4 MORATORIUMS

SECTION 6- COORDINATION & NOTIFICATION

6.1 NOTIFYING THE CITY

6.2 NOTIFYING PROPERTY OWNERS

6.3 NOTIFYING PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTORS:

Encroachment Permit Policy Manual - 2025 Edition

6.4 COORDINATION WITH OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, OR JURISDICTIONS

SECTION 7 – UTILITIES

7.1 NEW CONSTRUCTION

7.2 CITY WIDE PROJECTS

7.3 EMERGENCY

7.4 MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS

SECTION 8 - FINAL ACCEPTANCE AND CLOSING OF THE PERMIT

CONTACT INFORMATION

CITY OF VISALIA

UTILITY COMPANIES

OTHER AGENCIES

Appendix

A: List of Authorized Subcontractors

B: Notice to Start Work Form (NSW)

C: Overtime Inspection Request Form (OTR)

D: Utility Notification Sheet (UN)

E: Arterial and Collector Roadways List

F: Insurance Requirements

GENERAL

Introduction The purpose of this Encroachment Permit Policy is to establish basic standards and requirements that shall be complied with by anyone who wishes to perform work or restrict / close any mode of travel in the City of Visalia’s Right-Of-Way (ROW). These standards and requirements are in place to ensure the Permittee provides a safe and effective work area that warns, controls, and protects vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian movements.

Authority

Per the City of Visalia Municipal Code Chapter and Section 12.12.010; ‘An encroachment permit shall be obtained for all work performed in the public rights-of-way and utility easements in the city where the city has accepted the streets and easements for maintenance.’ Furthermore, under Chapter 10.04 The City Engineer or designee have centralized authority for reviewing, approving and prescribing proper traffic control and devices at work zones and shall have final determination in case of conflict on equipment required.

Encroachment Permits Encroachment Permits are required for ALL work or activities that encroach or utilize the City’s Right-Of-Way.

The intention is to minimize the impact to all modes of travel, protect the public and workers from hazardous conditions that may occur during construction activities, and ensure that existing infrastructure including but not limited to roadways, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, lighting, landscaping, utilities, etc. are protected.

Furthermore, the Encroachment Permit ensures that all work or activities performed within the City of Visalia ROW is done in a manner that is applicable to the current code, standards, and construction means.

Encroachment Permits are required for various types of work, including but not limited to grading, paving, trenching, installing, maintenance, surveying, special events, hauling, and/or working. If any activity is not considered under the brief list above, the City reserves the right to evaluate the associated work on a case by case basis.

Encroachment Permit Office and Applications Applications for an Encroachment Permit are available online at the City’s website: Encroachment Permit Application.

Or, a hard copy can be obtained at the Encroachment Permit Office located in City Hall East.

City Hall East Engineering & Building Department – Engineering Division 315 E. Acequia Avenue Visalia, CA 93291

If you have any questions or would like further information regarding the permitting process, please contact the Encroachment Permits Office via e-mail at: EPO@visalia.city or by phone at (559) 713-4339.

DEFINITIONS

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act Adjacent: Work zones are “adjacent” to an intersection when they are located within 300 ft. of the intersection Alley: Lanes or passageways for use as a means of access to the rear of lots or buildings Applicant: Any person, agency or company that applies for an Encroachment Permit Arterial Street: Any street that is classified as a Parkway, Major Arterial or a Minor Arterial in the 2030 Roadway Plan BFP: Backflow Preventer Business days: Monday through Friday excluding holidays observed by the City of Visalia Caltrans: California Department of Transportation CA MUTCD: California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Collector Street: Any non-residential street that is not classified in the 2030 Roadway Plan City, COV, or The City: City Of Visalia Emergency: When a break in a conduit, cable, pipeline or any other existing structure over or under the pavement presents a definite public hazard or serious interruption of service.

Entity: Any organization, business or governmental body EP: Encroachment Permit Excessive Violations: A recurrence of the same violation within a thirty-day period FDC: Fire Department Connection FH: Fire Hydrant Inspection: The act of observing work performed within the City of Visalia. Inspection/observation includes inspection of any public asset.

Jurisdiction: Any organization, business or governmental body Notice to Start Work Form, NSW: Form used to notify City 5 business days before starting work in ROW Ordinance Code, Municipal Code: City of Visalia Municipal Code.

Overtime Inspection Request Form, OTR: Form to request inspection outside of normal work hours Permittee: Any person, agency or company that receives an approved Encroachment Permit.

PCMS: Portable Changing Message Board/Sign Right of Way, ROW: All land in the City of Visalia dedicated and/or expressly reserved for the use of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and/or utilities.

Sidewalk: A pathway dedicated within the City of Visalia Right of Way for the exclusive travel of pedestrians.

This may consist of a pathway constructed of concrete, asphalt, or compacted gravel.

School District, VUSD: Visalia Unified School District Submittal Package: Associated documents required for an Encroachment Permit.

These documents include:

Completed Encroachment Permit Application Construction Plan(s) accepted by the City Traffic/Pedestrian Control Plan(s)

If applicable:

Detailed Project Schedule Approved Encroachment Permits from other agencies (i.e. Caltrans, County, Rail, etc.)

Permission to use Private Property Full list of all Contractors and Subcontractors (w/ certificates of insurance, business tax certificates)

Traffic Restrictions: Any reduction to the normal flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic in the public right of way or any reduction of vehicular and/or pedestrian access to the public right of way, including any act or item that causes said reductions.

The County: The County of Tulare TCP: Traffic Control Plan Utility Notification Sheet, UN: Form used by utility companies to notify of work within the ROW Vehicle Code: California Vehicle Code.

Work Days, WD: Monday through Friday excluding holidays observed by the City of Visalia Weekdays: The days of the week starting at 6 am Monday and ending at 10 pm Friday.

Weekends: The days of the week starting at 10 pm Friday and ending at 6 am on Monday.

SECTION 1 - ENCROACHMENT PERMIT PROCESS

The following process has been identified to make Applicants aware of the major steps in the permitting process. The City of Visalia reserves the right to request additional information to address issues or concerns that may arise once the application has been submitted. Furthermore, utility companies performing ‘emergency or maintenance operations’ under the ‘Annual Encroachment Permit’ will occur under a modified process explained in SECTION 7 – UTILITIES.

1.1 Application

The Applicant submits a completed ‘Encroachment Permit Application’ and provides the associated documents (Submittal Package) in order to obtain permission to encroach or work within the City of Visalia Rights-Of-Way or easements. The ‘Encroachment Permit Application’ shall be filled out completely, signed and dated to ensure the Applicant’s intent is well defined. If any boxes in the application form do not apply to the project enter ‘NA’ (Not Applicable) and be prepared to explain why a particular item does not apply to the project. The application can be obtained from the City website URL identified herein. All Submittal Packages for Encroachment Permits shall be completed, delivered, and submitted to the front counter of City Hall East located at:

315 E. Acequia Avenue Visalia, CA 93291

A complete Submittal Package may be submitted by email or in person to the Encroachment Permit Office.

No "over the counter" review or approval of permits will be allowed. Encroachment Permits cannot be issued the same day of application due to the review requirements to ensure both inter and intra city coordination is done, completeness and conformance to current municipal code and standards, and to ensure that safety for both the general public and the applicant is ensured.

1.2 ‘Counter Complete’ Review Front counter staff will conduct a completeness review of the Submittal Package known as ‘Counter Complete’ review. This ensures that the Submittal Package provided by the Applicant contains all the documents pertinent to perform a full review by engineering staff. ‘Counter Complete’ identifies the associated documents required within the Submittal Package to be present or not. In the event that all the documents are not present, the submittal is considered incomplete and not allowed to submit. It is immediately given back to the Applicant for resubmittal once the necessary documents are provided. If the Submittal Package is complete, the application is accepted and routed for review.

1.3 ‘Review Ready’ Prior to routing to Engineering for review, the Submittal Package is assigned a tracking number and is checked for compliance with the City of Visalia’s Business Tax Certificate and Certificates of Insurance requirements. This process will take one to two working days. If inadequate, the application is placed on hold for up to 5 business days until these items are completed or provided. After the 5 business days, if any one of the three required certificates or licenses have not been provided, the submittal package is rejected, and Applicant will be required to start the submittal process over from the beginning. If application is in compliance with City requirements, it is routed to Engineering for review.

1.4 Engineering Review (Revisions / Approval):

The Submittal Package is reviewed by the Encroachment Permits Office for compliance with the City’s Encroachment Permit Policy Manual, current standards, and all other applicable requirements such as the CA MUTCD. See SECTION 2 – APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS for more information.

If the Submittal Package requires corrections or more information is needed, the redlined plans and/or a list of corrections/additions are given back to the Applicant for revision.

If the Submittal Package is acceptable and the proposed scope of work and traffic/pedestrian control are in compliance with the City’s Permit Policy, an Encroachment Permit is approved.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and apply early for the Encroachment Permit by up to 45 calendar days in advance of start of work. If no revisions are needed, the Engineering review time in itself may take up to 10 business days to complete. If revisions are required, review may take longer depending on the responsiveness of the Applicant. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to coordinate all activities that directly affect the start date. In order to allow for the 10-business day review time, the Submittal Package must be submitted four (4) weeks prior to Applicant’s proposed beginning of work for a lane restriction, and six (6) weeks prior if proposing a road closure. Applicants also need to plan accordingly to allow for proper notification time.

Once all the documents within the Submittal Package have been reviewed, revised and approved, the permit is authorized for encroachment. The associated permit fees are determined and coordinated for payment by the Applicant.

1.5 Permit Fees

Once a Submittal Package is reviewed but prior to the issuance of an Encroachment Permit, the Applicant must pay all applicable Encroachment Permits Fees. The permitting fees and the cost of services provided by the City of Visalia depend on a number of variables based on the type and amount of work involved. Calculation of permit fees can only be done once the full scope of the project is determined. For more information on permit fee assessments, reference is made to the current Fee Schedule available on the City’s website. Some of these variables include, but are not limited to:

Scope of work and extent (driveway, curb & gutter, sidewalk, landscaping, fencing, signs, roadway widening, etc.)

Type of encroachment (sidewalk, shoulder, travel lanes, etc.)

Location of the proposed excavation work (inside or outside the paved portion of the road) Length of excavation.

Duration of work within the City’s Right-Of-Way Is a Plan Review by Engineering necessary?

Are “off-hour” inspection/observations requested?

Are other fees from other City departments applicable?

Is the Pavement Cut Maintenance Fee applicable?

Will a traffic technician be required to modify signal lights?

Will any other City personnel be required to provide fieldwork?

1.5.1 Payment of Permit Fees

Permit fees and performance bonds or deposits are to be paid after the permit has been reviewed/approved and before a final permit is issued. Do not fill in amounts on checks prior to permit approval/issuance.

Once the permit application is reviewed and approved, the City’s Front Counter will notify the Applicant. At this time the Applicant will also be notified of a total permit fee (permit and inspection fee plus any other applicable fees). All fees are collected by the City’s Front Counter personnel and in coordination with the Finance Department prior to the issuance of an Encroachment Permit. Any questions regarding permit fees and how these fees are collected shall be directed to the Front Counter personnel or the Finance Department.

1.6 Permit Issuance

Prior to issuing the approved Encroachment Permit, the associated permit fees due shall be provided.

Once the fees have been paid, the Applicant may pick up the approved Encroachment Permit. In the event that the individual picking up the permit is NOT the name submitted on the application, the Applicant shall provide the City a name authorized to pick up when the permit fee has been made available to the Applicant. No other arrangements will be allowed.

1.6.1 Permit Expiration

The Applicant has up to 30 calendar days after being notified by telephone that permit has been approved and ready for issuance to make payment and pick up the approved permit. In the event that the approved permit is not paid for and picked up within this time frame, the Applicant will be required to submit a new application and restart the application process. Permit expires fourteen (14) days from the date issued unless otherwise requested in advance by the Applicant per Section 12.12.020 of the City of Visalia Municipal Code. All applications not starting within 14 days of issuance may request a one-time extension for a maximum of 90 calendar days. Requests for extensions greater than 14 days need specific construction activity and schedule submitted with application explaining the additional time. After the allowed extension expires, the Applicant for any remaining work shall obtain a new permit with all the applicable fees

SECTION 2 – APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

An Encroachment Permit application is essential to provide the standard information about the request to use City of Visalia ROW or easement. The following are the minimum requirements and information needed when applying for an Encroachment Permit.

2.1 Documents Required

Completed Encroachment Permit application Construction or improvement plans and specifications officially accepted by the City Engineer or his designee. In the event 11" X 17" plan sheets are legible, submit only one (1) set.". If the plan sheets are larger than 11" x 17", submit one (1) set.

A traffic and/or pedestrian control plan (TCP), as applicable, with a vicinity map conforming to the latest edition of the CA MUTCD standards and this policy. Adequate provisions shall be made for the protection of vehicular traffic and pedestrians. The Traffic/Pedestrian Control Plan shall be legible, dimensioned and shall be submitted digitally or on 8.5” X 11” paper. In the event 8.5” X 11” plan sheets are illegible, 11’ X 17” or larger may be submitted. Submit one (1) set. All Traffic Control Plans shall be designed, installed, and maintained by a certified International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) or American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSAA) technician.

Digital PDF submittals are preferred, but not required.

2.2 Documents if Applicable

Depending on complexity of work being performed within the public ROW, the following additional documents may be required as part of the Submittal Package. This is not an all-inclusive list. The City reserves the right to require any additional documents it deems necessary through the encroachment permit process.

2.2.1 Permits by other Jurisdictions or Private Property

The approval of an Encroachment Permit is only for right of entry to work or perform activities in City of Visalia’s Right-Of-Way and does not authorize encroaching into areas under other jurisdictions or private property. It is the applicant's sole responsibility to obtain all the necessary permits and approvals prior to the start of work as listed below:

Building Permit is required for building projects. All required permits are to be obtained prior to project construction.

City of Visalia Encroachment Permit (in addition to the building permit), is required if the scope of work is within property lines, but proposed work requires either 1) a connection to an existing City SS main, or 2) scope of work includes offsite or onsite improvements for which the work or traffic control will encroach into the ROW.

City of Visalia Encroachment Permit is required if the entire scope of work is outside City limits and is

1) entirely within the Caltrans ROW (SR 63 - Mooney Blvd, Court & Locust, and Dinuba Blvd/), (SR 198), (SR 216 - Lovers Lane north of SR 198 and Houston east of Lovers Lane), or 2) within any of the Tulare County islands, and proposed work requires a connection to existing mains within the City limits.

In the event that the parcel is privately owned, written documentation shall be provided including the owner’s contact information.

For the installation of FHs, FDCs, BFPs and firewater services, Fire Department approval is required and must be obtained prior to the issuance of an Encroachment Permit.

County or Caltrans permits (if any) are to be obtained and coordinated prior to any construction.

Problems that occur during construction that are due to the lack of coordination with Caltrans or the County are the responsibility of the Permittee.

All environmental reports as required by the County, State or any other agency (if applicable) (i.e.

SWPPP, Air Quality, etc.).

Encroachment Permits are required from other agencies (i.e. Caltrans, County Of Tulare, Ditch Companies, Water or Irrigation Districts, Rail Road Company, etc.) if any project related activities encroach into (under, over or through) the railroad, waterways or any other jurisdiction’s ROW.

Urban Forestry (ph. 713-4564) approval is required to be submitted as part of the ‘Submittal Package’ for the removal, trimming, or working adjacent to a Valley Oak tree or any other City tree.

Excavation Permit is required from CALOSHA if any excavation is deeper than 5 feet. Applicant shall be responsible for obtaining the approved/issued permit and provide copies of the approved trench bracing or shoring plans upon request.

Please be advised that the list above includes some long lead procurement items and that the items are required prior to the start of work. The Permittee should be prepared to provide upon request the applicable documentation at any time during the life of the permit. By not providing proper documentation upon request, the Permittee would be required to cease all work, even work that has commenced under an issued permit.

2.2.2 Construction Schedules

At the discretion of the City Engineer, Encroachment Permits may require construction schedules depending on the duration and scope of work. If required, the application must be accompanied by a construction schedule that contains a detailed overall Construction Schedule (including all contractors and subcontractors). Schedules must show the Critical Path including dates for all phases of construction (mobilization, excavation, splicing, plating, backfilling, etc.) through permanent pavement replacement.

Any variance from the approved schedule shall be reviewed and reapproved by the City Engineer. In addition to the overall Work Schedule for projects longer than 30 Calendar Days, the Permittee shall submit copies of 2-week “look-aheads” as deemed necessary by the Public Works Inspector as the project progresses.

2.2.3 Contractors and Subcontractors List

In the event that the Permittee has a contractor or subcontractor performing work under their permit, the contractor or subcontractor must be submitted to the City as "approved/authorized" by attaching a “List of Authorized Subcontractors” form to the permit application. No party other than the named Permittee or contractor/subcontractor of the Permittee is authorized to work under these permits. See Appendix A for more information

2.2.4 Notification

Written notification shall be given to all property owners/businesses adjacent to the construction zone one

(1) week in advance of beginning work for a road closure and three (3) business days in advance of beginning work for a lane restriction. Applicant shall upon request provide a draft of the written notification letter for review and approval of the City. See the notification requirements under SECTION 6- COORDINATION & NOTIFICATION. For certain job locations and depending on the duration, complexity and scope of the project the Permittee may be required to notify the adjacent businesses/residents, and have them sign the ‘Good Neighbor Policy’ that acknowledges the adjacent business/resident is aware of the work. Submit copies of the signed policy to the Encroachment Permit Office prior to the permit issuance.

Failure to provide this information will result in denial of the encroachment permit application. Depending on the location of the permit, the City Engineer may require additional coordination to occur to ensure notification.

SECTION 3 - UTILIZATION OF THE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT

Once an Encroachment Permit is issued, the Applicant is referred to as Permittee and is responsible for obeying the rules and policies set forth within the approved Encroachment Permit. The approved Encroachment Permit shall be on site at all times and shown on demand to any City representative. The Permittee is responsible for the following items:

3.1 Notification

Prior to any work being performed all notifications shall be made in accordance with this document. See the notification requirements under SECTION 6- COORDINATION & NOTIFICATION.

3.2 Pre-Construction Meeting

Unless waived on the approved Encroachment Permit, a “Pre-Construction Meeting” is mandatory for all Encroachment Permits. The Permittee shall arrange a "Pre-Construction” meeting with the following representatives:

City Encroachment Permits Office Assigned City Project Manager and/or

Public Works Inspector

General Contractor Authorized Subcontractors Associated Utility Companies

The following items shall be discussed at the Pre-Construction Meeting:

Construction Schedule Work Activities (excavation, backfill, compaction requirements, etc.)

Work Hours Notifications Known Conflicts (utilities, landscaping, etc.)

Responsible Contact (Foreman) Encroachment Permit Conditions Traffic Control (per approved plan) Inspection Requests and Requirements (including afterhours inspections) Timely Repair and Restoration of any public or private infrastructure within 10 business days.

3.3 Inspection/Observation

All work within the City of Visalia Right-Of-Way shall be subject to inspection/observations and acceptance by the City. Public Works Inspectors are assigned as required for permitted work, but other City representatives may perform inspection/observations as deemed necessary by the City Engineer.

Permittee shall be responsible for notifying assigned inspector a minimum of two (2) working days prior to start of work. Failure to notify the Public Works Inspector may result in suspension of the Encroachment Permit and from future work in the City’s Right-Of-Way.

3.3.1 Inspection Overtime Request

Typically, it is expected that the normal Encroachment Permit shall occur during normal business hours (7 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday). Weekend/holiday or "off-hour" work is not permitted without prior approval by the City of Visalia. The fees for any inspections requested to be performed at off-hours, during weekends and or holidays will be assessed as overtime. Permittee shall submit an “Overtime Inspection Request” form one (1) week in advance for review/approval by the Engineering Division. See Appendix C for more information.

3.4 Encroachment Permit Acceptance

The Permittee shall contact the assigned Public Works Inspector immediately upon completion of the permitted work to schedule a Final Walk to ensure all work completed and any repair or restoration has been done per the approved plans and the City of Visalia standards.

3.5 Permit Denial, Cancelation and Refunds

3.5.1 Denial

The City of Visalia reserves the right to deny any Encroachment Permit at any time. Included but not limited herein are typical reasons a permit may be denied:

The Applicant has not complied with the provisions or conditions of prior permits.

The Applicant is delinquent with payment on prior permits.

A permit has not been approved, for the project, by any local, state or federal agencies as applicable regardless if work has commenced or not.

The safety of the Permittee, pedestrians or traveling public is adversely affected by the encroachment permit operations.

The permit operations adversely affect the capacity or structural integrity of any of the City’s roadways.

The environmental effects are significant and cannot be mitigated or mitigation is unfeasible Additional information is needed but not furnished within the specified time limit.

3.5.2 Cancelation

It is the Applicant’s responsibility to contact the Encroachment Permits Office to cancel or withdraw any permit applications that have already been reviewed, approved and issued.

3.5.3 Refunds

Any fee collected by the City of Visalia is nonrefundable.

SECTION 4 - GENERAL ENCROACHMENT PERMIT REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS

4.1 General Regulations

A. In order to perform any work in the City’s Right-Of-Way (ROW) you must have an active/current

Encroachment Permit per Section 12.12.010 of the City of Visalia Ordinance Code. Failure to have a valid permit and associated fees paid in full shall constitute a violation of the ordinance.

B. An Encroachment Permit shall be issued only to a licensed contractor in the correct field, (i.e. Class A, C-8, etc.) or utility company operating under the California Public Utility Commission. NO party other than the named Permittee or Contractor of the Permittee is authorized to work under the permit.

C. The requirements specified in this policy manual are applicable to all contractors, developers and utility companies performing work on or near the City’s Right-Of-Way.

D. The Applicant is ultimately responsible for guaranteeing completion of any work started.

E. The Encroachment Permit or a copy thereof shall be kept at the site of the work and must be shown to any representative of the City or any law enforcement office on demand. WORK SHALL BE

SUSPENDED IF PERMIT IS NOT AT JOB SITE AS PROVIDED.

F. Failure to have a valid permit and fees paid in full shall constitute a violation of the City of Visalia Ordinance Code and shall be punishable by 1) a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the first violation; 2) a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the second violation within one (1) year; 3) a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) for each additional violation within one (1) year.

G. Permit expires fourteen (14) days from the date issued unless otherwise requested in advance by the Applicant per Section 12.12.020 of the City of Visalia Ordinance Code. All applications requesting greater than 14 days need specific construction activity and schedule submitted with application explaining the additional time. A one-time extension may be granted for a maximum of 90 calendar days. After the allowed extension expires, the Applicant for any remaining work shall obtain a new permit with all the applicable fees.

H. Prior to construction work, Permittee shall obtain an ‘Underground Service Alert’ ticket number per Section 12.12.100 of the City of Visalia Ordinance Code.

I. Unless otherwise stated on the permit or separate written agreement, all costs incurred for work within the City ROW pursuant to an Encroachment Permit shall be borne by the Permittee. Permittee hereby waives all claims for indemnification or contribution from the City for such work.

4.2 Standards

A. The approval of an Encroachment Permit does not allow the violation of any section of any of the current Municipal or Building Codes nor any federal, state, or local regulation. All work within the City of Visalia Rights-of-Way or easements shall conform to recognized standards of construction and comply with current Caltrans Standard Specifications, City of Visalia Standards Plans and Specifications, the City’s latest edition of the Encroachment Permit Policy Manual, and the Federal "Americans with Disabilities Act" (ADA). All traffic and pedestrian control shall be done in accordance with the latest edition of the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD).

4.3 Activities/Maintenance

A. No construction material shall be stored, or equipment parked, within ten (10) feet of the edge of pavement or traveled way without written consent of the City. Utilities are subject to the provisions of Section 22512 of the California Vehicle Code.

B. AII project areas must be cleaned up and barricades removed within 3 days of the completion of work and left in as presentable a condition as existed before work started.

C. All work shall be subject to City inspection/observation and acceptance by the City.

Inspection/observation requests shall be made as required herein.

D. Maintenance: Upon issuance of any permit by the City, the Permittee agrees to properly maintain the identified encroached area and periodically perform site reviews to identify any potential damage to any portion of the City ROW or any possible injury to the traveling public.

E. Preservation and protection of oak trees within the City of Visalia shall be in accordance with Chapters

12.20 and 12.24 of the City of Visalia Municipal Code.

F. Relocation of underground, at grade, or overhead structures or facilities may be required at the Permittee’s expense to accommodate future City improvements.

G. All underground structures or facilities to be abandoned shall be completely removed and backfilled by the Permittee. Proposed backfill method shall be per the current City of Visalia Engineering Standards under normal construction methods.

H. In the event the work performed under the permit requires extra work, time extension, or delays to the City of Visalia, the Permittee shall bear those costs.

I. Any damage to any existing City of Visalia roadway, appurtenance or other permitted facility, including, but not limited to pavement, concrete, traffic signal equipment, communication equipment, lighting equipment, etc., will be the responsibility of the Permittee to return the damaged item to the pre-existing condition at no expense to the City.

J. Any damage to private property including landscaping will be the responsibility of the Permittee to rectify to the pre-existing condition.

K. The roadway shall be cleaned at the end of each workday. Permittee shall implement and maintain Best Management Practices to prevent worksite debris and/or contaminants from entering the City’s drainage or waterway systems.

L. The Encroachment Permit may be suspended or canceled if conditions are deemed unsafe as directed by the City Engineer or designee.

M. If a prior encroachment conflicts with the proposed work, the new Permittee must arrange for any necessary removal or relocation with the prior Permittee. Any such removal or relocation will be at no expense to the City.

4.4 Traffic and Pedestrian Control

A. All traffic and pedestrian control shall be in accordance with the latest edition of the California MUTCD.

B. All field personnel setting up and maintaining traffic control shall be properly trained.

C. All traffic control flaggers shall be properly trained and certified, and shall carry proof of training with them at all times. Flaggers shall use “STOP / SLOW” paddles to control traffic; orange construction flags are not permitted.

D. All arterial and collector status roadways require Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) one

(1) week prior to a road closure and 3 (three) business days prior to a lane restriction.

E. On local/residential streets that require notification for road closure or lane restrictions, SC6-4 MOD Signs are acceptable so long as the correct information is given. If dates or times change, signs must be updated.

F. “NO PARKING” signs, if needed, shall be installed 48 hours minimum prior to beginning of work. Signs shall list the dates and times of when parking will be affected.

G. Construction operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to cause as little inconvenience as possible to adjacent businesses or property owners.

H. Block off work areas with cones or barricades as needed.

I. If the contractor’s operation requires the closure of one accessible pedestrian facility, provide a travel path that replicates, if possible, the most desirable characteristics of the existing walk way. The contractor should maintain a continuous unobstructed path connecting all existing accessible elements (parking lots, bus stops) through the project. Submit a TCP with a pedestrian path, parallel to the existing sidewalk, which complies with all the CA MUTCD and ADA requirements.

J. Exact location and type of construction signs shall conform to CA MUTCD.

K. The Contractor shall have all signs, delineators, barricades, etc. properly installed prior to commencing construction.

L. All traffic control devices (signs, barricades, delineators, cones, etc.) used at night shall be retro reflective with a material that has a smooth, sealed outer surface and illuminated to show the same shape and similar color both day and night to conform to CA MUTCD.

M. Flashing yellow beacons, type "B ", shall be used on all advance warning signs and on all barricades guarding the work area overnight.

N. All tubular delineators and cones shall be 28" minimum height, retro-reflective, and maintained erect in the indicated position at all times, and shall be repaired, replaced, or cleaned as necessary to preserve their appearance and continuity, and shall include a 12" high-intensity retro-reflective sleeve.

O. Taper and buffer lengths shall conform to CA MUTCD.

P. Traffic control may be subject to change based upon field conditions or as directed by the City of

Visalia. Additional traffic controls, traffic signs, or barricading may be required in the field. The contractor shall be responsible for the placement of any additional devices necessary to assure safety to the public at all times during construction.

Q. Based upon proposed phasing of work, field conditions or as directed by the City of Visalia, Portable Changing Message Signs (PCMS) may be required in the field. The contractor shall be responsible for the placement of any PCMSs and all other devices necessary as required by CA MUTCD to assure safety to the public at all times during construction. See comments on the approved traffic control plan.

R. The contractor shall maintain, on a continuous basis, all signs, delineators, barricades, etc. to ensure proper flow and safety of traffic during construction.

S. Work hour traffic control on arterial and collector roads shall be during the off-peak period 9am to 3pm, or as otherwise authorized by the City Engineer.

T. The full width of the traveled way(s) shall be opened for use by public traffic on Saturdays, Sundays, after 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, designated legal holidays, on the last workday preceding designated legal holidays, and when construction operations are not actively in progress. Any exception to this requirement shall be included within the permit.

U. Remove barricades, delineators, cones and other devices from travel lane during non-working hours.

V. All cross streets and drive accesses shall be open and available for use at all times.

W. Earth moving equipment shall give the right of way to vehicular traffic. Earth moving equipment shall only cross the roadway when traffic is stopped by the flagmen in each direction. Earth-moving equipment must stop before crossing the roadway and when safe.

X. Earth moving equipment shall abide by California Vehicle Code within the public Right-Of-Way.

Y. The contractor shall maintain dust control measures during the entire operation associated with this encroachment permit.

Z. Contractor shall immediately notify the City of Visalia if there are any changes to the approved traffic control plan.

AA. The Contractor shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that traffic signals are not placed into a flashing mode during any phase of construction. Under no circumstances shall any traffic signal be placed into a flashing red mode without the prior written approval of the City Engineer.

4.5 Excavation, Backfilling, Surface Restorations

A. Caution should be exercised when boring and/or trenching in areas of sewer, and all other utilities servicing residential lots and any other facilities. If disturbed, the repair and/or replacement of these services shall be made to the satisfaction of the property owner and the City of Visalia, all at the expense of the Permittee.

B. All new and replacement conduit installations shall be bored utilizing directional drilling methods approved by the City Engineer. Open trench excavation is not permitted unless specifically reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. All proposals for open trenches must be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer prior to applying for Encroachment Permits.

C. All utilities shall be installed with a minimum of 36” of cover in local and collector streets. All utilities shall be installed with a minimum of 42” of cover in arterial streets.

D. All trenches and utility potholes shall be backfilled to conform to City of Visalia Improvement Standard E-1 thru E-4. The City requires compaction testing at Permittee’s expense. A City of Visalia Public Works inspector shall be present to witness and direct all compaction testing. Coordinate with the City of Visalia Public Works inspector for compaction requirements. Submit copies of all compaction testing results to City of Visalia.

E. All AC paving shall comply with the City of Visalia Engineering Standard Specifications and City Standard E–1. (Pay special attention to Note No.1, seamless AC joints required for pavement 8 years or newer via the heater re-mix process). Coordinate with the City of Visalia Public Works inspector.

F. OPEN EXCAVATIONS: No excavation shall be left open after daylight hours unless specifically authorized and adequate protection for traffic and pedestrians is provided in accordance with the Encroachment Permit Policy. Should trench plates be used the plates must be pinned to the pavement surface and tacked together to prevent movement. A minimum of 1’ overlap onto existing stable material is required. (See City Standard E-3 or as approved by City Engineer.)

G. At the City Engineers discretion, trench plates recessed to the existing pavement may be required depending on impacts to pedestrians or high-speed roadways.

H. Restoration and repair of any public or private infrastructure shall be completed within 10 business days of construction completion.

I. The Permittee shall meet with the Inspector prior to performing any final trench/surface restoration repairs and shall verify the limits of the repairs. Permittee shall clearly mark out the restoration limits for the inspector to accept.

J. Where the distance between the edge of a proposed trench cut and any existing concrete improvement, edge of pavement, or adjacent trench or pavement repair is less than four (4) feet, the Permittee shall be required to fully remove and replace the pavement between these elements. This removal and replacement shall be performed in such a manner as to result in a single, continuous, and consistent pavement repair (Reference shall be made to Note No. 12 of the Visalia Engineering Standard Specification E-1 for additional guidance). In the event of a conflict between this requirement and other applicable City Standards, the standard or requirement that results in the highest level of improvement, as determined by the City, shall prevail.

K. Where multiple existing trench patches are present within the vicinity of the new trench work, the City Inspector shall determine the extent and limits of the asphalt pavement to be removed and replaced.

In certain cases, existing pavement patches may be required to be removed and replaced in conjunction with the new trench repair to ensure a cohesive and durable surface restoration.

L. If the Permittee’s work results in multiple potholes in a roadway the City reserves the right to require the Permittee to perform surface sealing and/or asphalt replacement over a portion of, or the entire, affected roadway, as determined necessary by the City. This requirement may be imposed either during the permit application review process or at any point during the execution of the work, based on conditions observed in the field.

M. All asphalt and/or concrete restorations shall be subject to a water test which must be conducted in the presence of the assigned City Inspector. The Permittee shall be solely responsible for performing the water test as directed by the Inspector. Any deficiencies identified during the inspection shall be promptly corrected by the Permittee to the satisfaction of the City. This may include removal and replacement of the entire restoration area.

N. All new and restored surfaces shall be smooth when a straight edge is placed on the surface and shall not retain water in the new improvement areas or in areas adjacent to the new improvements.

O. If Full Depth Reclamation with Cement (FDR-C) or Cemented Treated Base (CTB) base materials are present in the existing roadway section the permittee will be required to replace these sections with a 3-sack sand-cement slurry acceptable to the City of Visalia. The thickness of the 3-sack sand-cement slurry shall be 2” greater than the thickness of the existing FDR-C or CTB section. The permittee shall provide a submittal for the sand slurry mix to the City and shall gain approval of the submittal prior to construction.

SECTION 5 – CONSTRUCTION WORK HOURS

Work hours depend heavily on the scope of work, duration, and geographical location of where the work will be performed as it relates to the volume of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. In accordance with Chapter 8.36, ‘Noise’ of the Municipal Code and in consideration as to not adversely affect the general public by impeding the traveling public utilizing the public rights of way, work hours are established. Both are discussed herein and the Permittee shall conform.

5.1 Noise

Generally the Municipal Code, Chapter 8.36.050 allows work to occur on weekdays between the hours of 6 AM and 7 PM, and weekends between the hours of 9 AM and 7 PM. These time constraints are dependent on the decibel levels of the work. If work is to occur outside of these hours, it is the Applicants sole responsibility to inform the City of Visalia during the application process to allow mitigation measures to be agreed upon that are in compliance with the Municipal Code. This mutual agreement needs to be done prior to permit issuance. Variances are discussed in Chapter 8.36.090.

5.2 Vehicular / Pedestrian Volume

The City of Visalia transportation network is critical to keeping commerce open and to the moving of people and goods throughout the City. Due to the performance of work within the traveled path (roadway, sidewalk, trail, bike lane, etc.), careful consideration to the existing modes of travel needs to be evaluated prior to the approval of the Encroachment Permit.

5.2.1 Vehicular (Vehicle or Bike Lane)

Generally, peak travel times within the City of Visalia differ between roadways and direction of travel.

Typically, the AM peak hour occurs between 7:30 to 9:00 AM and the PM peak hour occurs between 4:30 to 6:00 PM. Work during the peak hours is strictly prohibited without prior approval by the City Engineer or designee. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with the City of Visalia Engineering to determine if the prohibited hours stated herein can be relaxed based on the demand of the specific location being encroached upon.

5.2.3 Pedestrian (Sidewalk or Trails)

Special care shall be taken to ensure that all walkways or trails are properly maintained and free of obstruction per the applicable federal, state, and local laws. Due to the limited remedy to maintain pedestrian access, restricting or closing sidewalks or trails will be permitted on a case-by-case scenario as approved by the City Engineer or designee. Applicants do have the option to detour this mode of travel via an approved route, or temporarily construct a compliant path. The Applicant should give special attention and consideration to high pedestrian or bike volumes on paths such as a trailhead, as well as work locations such as downtown Visalia.

5.3 Roadways

In order to determine the work hours for a specific roadway, the City of Visalia established the following two categories using the information provided in this section to help Applicants. Typically, it is expected that the normal Encroachment Permit shall occur during normal business hours (7 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday). Weekend/holiday or "off-hour" work is not permitted without prior approval by the City of Visalia. See the Inspection Overtime Request requirements under SECTION 3 – UTILIZATION OF THE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT. It is expected that all Encroachment Permits fall within one of these two areas:

A. Critical Roadways

Critical roadways have the highest volumes of traffic in the peak period, are typically arterial and collector status roadways, are located in commercial corridors, or are the only access point for areas within Visalia that are limited due to geometrical (natural or manmade) barriers. Roadways adjacent to a school are also considered critical. Encroachment Permits issued on these critical roadways require early coordination and additional notification. Work hours are limited to the non-peak period of 9 AM to 3 PM. These roadways include, but are not limited to, Main Street and the surrounding area in Downtown Visalia, any roadways in the immediate vicinity adjacent to State Route 198, and all arterial and collector status roadways. See Appendix D for the list of arterial and collector status roadways in the City of Visalia. When applying for an Encroachment Permit within this category and if requesting to deviate from the non-peak period, the Applicant needs to provide documentation stating why permission should be allowed. Reasons that will be considered need to state the hardship, along with but not limited to, public safety, construction exposure on the existing roadway system, construction costs, or construction duration.

B. All Other Roadways Work performed on all other roadways (residential and non-critical roadways as previously defined) shall conform to the noise ordinance and this policy at a minimum. Work hours are typically from 7 AM to 4 PM.

5.4 Moratoriums

A. Specific times throughout the year, a moratorium shall be placed on approval of an Encroachment Permit.

Moratoriums include but are not limited to commercial areas during peak shopping periods, special events, or areas around schools or City of Visalia parks. The City of Visalia reserves the right to limit and prohibit activities identified herein in order to avoid conflicts. Each will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approved by the City Engineer. Yearly known moratoriums are listed, but not limited to:

Within a commercial or business district and their adjacent streets (specifically along Mooney Blvd or the Downtown Visalia Area) starting the week of the Thanksgiving holiday through the week of New Year’s Day.

When a project is adjacent to a school or a church, work hours are prohibited while the school or church is in session, unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer.

B. Streets that have been paved within the past eight (8) years shall be subject to a pavement moratorium.

During this moratorium period, such streets shall not be trenched, potholed, or…