Hayward Pothole Reporting & Encroachment Permits

Hayward, California maintains public streets and rights of way through its Public Works and permitting processes. Residents and contractors should know how to report potholes for repair and how to obtain encroachment permits before performing work that affects sidewalks, curbs, gutters, or the public right of way. This guide summarizes the official reporting channels, permit application steps, enforcement approach, and where to find forms and contacts from the City of Hayward.

Reporting potholes and street defects

To request a repair for a pothole or hazardous street defect, use the City of Hayward reporting page or the Public Works service request system. Provide the exact location, description, and a photo if possible. After submission, the city typically inspects and schedules repairs according to priority and available funds; specific repair timelines are not guaranteed on the cited page. Report a pothole online^[1]

• Call Public Works for urgent hazards or where a defect presents an immediate danger to traffic or pedestrians.
• Provide precise location (nearest address and cross street) and whether the damage affects traffic flow.
• Include photos and the date the damage was first observed to help prioritization.

Encroachment permits and right-of-way work

Any work that occupies, obstructs, or alters the public right of way generally requires an encroachment permit from the City of Hayward Public Works or Engineering division. This covers construction, utility installations, driveways, sidewalk repairs, and temporary traffic control. Permit requirements, submittal instructions, and application forms are listed on the city's encroachment permit page. Encroachment permit information^[2]

• Apply for an encroachment permit before starting work that affects sidewalks, curbs, gutters, or the roadway.
• Approved permits often require specified traffic control and safety measures during the work.
• Permit fees and bonding requirements are published on the permit page or application form.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces right-of-way and encroachment rules through Public Works or the designated permitting office. Specific fine amounts and daily penalty rates for unpermitted encroachments or continuing violations are not specified on the cited encroachment permit page; consult the municipal code or contact the department for exact penalty schedules. Inspections may be conducted before, during, and after permitted work to verify compliance. Encroachment enforcement and permit rules^[2]

• Inspection and stop-work orders may be issued for noncompliant or unsafe work in the right of way.
• Unpermitted work can result in administrative citations, orders to restore public property, or referral to the city attorney for civil action; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
• Monetary penalties, if any, are set by ordinance or permit conditions and may include daily accrual for continuing violations; exact figures are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes an Encroachment Permit Application and related checklists on the permit information page; the application identifies required insurance, bonds, traffic control plans, and submittal methods. Fee amounts and filing deadlines are provided with the application materials when published. If no current form is posted, contact the Public Works permitting office to request the application and fee schedule. Encroachment application and requirements^[2]

• Encroachment Permit Application (name: Encroachment Permit Application); purpose: authorize work in the right of way; fee: see application or not specified on the cited page.
• Submission: as directed on the application page or by contacting Public Works.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Hayward?

Use the city's online pothole report form or call Public Works; include location, description, and photos when possible. Report a pothole online^[1]

Do I need a permit to repair my sidewalk?

Yes—repairs that affect the public right of way typically require an encroachment permit; check the encroachment permit page for forms and requirements. Encroachment permit information^[2]

What happens if someone digs into the street without a permit?

The city may issue stop-work orders, require restoration, and pursue administrative or civil penalties; specific fines are set by ordinance or permit conditions and are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

1. Identify the exact location of the pothole or right-of-way issue, noting nearest address and cross street.
2. Take clear photos showing the defect and any vehicle or pedestrian impacts.
3. Submit a service request using the city's online pothole report form or call Public Works to report urgent hazards. Report a pothole online^[1]
4. If planning work in the right of way, download and complete the Encroachment Permit Application and submit per instructions. Encroachment permit information^[2]
5. Implement required traffic control, insurance, and bond conditions from the permit and schedule inspections as required by the permit office.

Key Takeaways

• Report potholes promptly through the city's Public Works service request system to improve safety.
• Obtain an encroachment permit before doing any work in the public right of way to avoid stop-work orders and potential penalties.
• Contact Public Works for forms, fee schedules, and to confirm submission methods.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Hayward Public Works
• Encroachment permit information and application
• Hayward Municipal Code (Municode)
• City of Hayward Permits & Licensing

1. [1] City of Hayward - Report a pothole
2. [2] City of Hayward - Encroachment permit information