Daly City Encroachment Permits & Abandoned Vehicle Removal

Transportation California 4 Minutes Read ยท published March 01, 2026 Flag of California

Daly City, California maintains rules for work in public rights-of-way and for removal of abandoned vehicles. This guide explains when an encroachment permit is needed, who enforces the rules, how to report an abandoned vehicle, and the basic steps to apply, appeal, or request removal. It summarizes official sources, lists common violations, and points to the departmental contacts you will use to submit forms or complaints.

Start by confirming permit requirements with Public Works before work begins.

Encroachment Permits: When and How

An encroachment permit is required for any construction, excavation, temporary storage, or permanent obstruction that occupies or alters the public right-of-way, sidewalk, curb, gutter, street lanes, or public easements. Typical examples include driveway work, utility trenches, fencing, scaffolding, and temporary construction staging.

  • Who issues permits: Daly City Public Works/Engineering administers encroachment permits; follow the application and submittal steps described on the city permit page. Encroachment Permit details[1]
  • Timing: apply well before planned construction; review times vary by project complexity and traffic control needs.
  • Typical conditions: traffic control plans, protection of adjacent infrastructure, insurance and bonding may be required.
Permits often require a traffic control plan for any work that reduces travel lanes.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Daly City departments according to the municipal code and departmental procedures. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not consistently listed on a single city page; where a numeric penalty or fee is not posted on the cited official page this guide notes that fact and points to the enforcing office for details.

  • Enforcer: Public Works/Engineering enforces encroachment and right-of-way violations; Daly City Police Department handles abandoned-vehicle removals and initial investigations for vehicles on public property. Daly City Municipal Code[2]
  • Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page; see the enforcing department for current penalty schedules or fee tables.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page and are administered per code or department policy.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal or restoration orders, seizure or tow of vehicles, permit suspension, and referral to administrative or superior court may apply.
  • Complaints and inspections: report abandoned vehicles or right-of-way violations to the Police non-emergency line or Public Works; the city investigates and documents violations for enforcement action. See the abandoned vehicle reporting page for how to submit a complaint. Report abandoned vehicles[3]
If your work might affect traffic or sidewalks, obtain a permit first to avoid enforcement action.

Applications & Forms

Where published, the city provides an encroachment permit application and checklist on the Public Works/Engineering page. Fee amounts, insurance and bonding requirements, and submittal instructions are listed on the official permit page or in the permitting packet. If no specific form is posted online, contact Public Works for the application and procedural steps.[1]

How to Report and Request Removal

For abandoned vehicles on public property the Police Department or designated city abatement program investigates, tags vehicles, and, if criteria are met, arranges towing and disposal according to state and local procedures. The Police or Parking Enforcement typically documents location, ownership (if available), and time on-site before initiating removal.

  • Evidence: photo the vehicle, note license, location and time, and provide this information when you file a report.
  • Contact: use the Police non-emergency number or the online reporting link on the city police page to start an investigation.
The city follows state abandoned vehicle procedures together with local code enforcement steps.

FAQ

How do I apply for an encroachment permit?
Start at the Daly City Public Works/Engineering encroachment permit page, follow the application checklist, submit plans, fees, and insurance documentation as required, and await review and approval.[1]
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
Report it to Daly City Police via the abandoned-vehicle reporting page or non-emergency line; provide photos, location, and any identifying information to help the investigation.[3]
What penalties apply for unpermitted work or abandoned vehicles?
Penalties can include fines, stop-work or removal orders, towing, and restoration costs; exact fine amounts and escalation policies are not specified on a single cited city page and should be confirmed with the enforcing department.[2]

How-To

  1. Determine if your work affects the public right-of-way and review encroachment permit requirements on the Public Works page.
  2. Prepare plans, traffic control, insurance, and fee payment as required by the application checklist.
  3. Submit the application to Public Works/Engineering and schedule any required inspections or traffic control approvals.
  4. If you find an abandoned vehicle, report it to Police with photos and location; document the vehicle until the city responds.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check with Daly City Public Works before starting work in the right-of-way to avoid penalties.
  • Report abandoned vehicles promptly to the Police Department with clear evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Daly City Public Works: Encroachment Permit details
  2. [2] Daly City Municipal Code
  3. [3] Daly City Police: Abandoned vehicle reporting

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