Pasadena Utility Excavation Permit - Steps

Utilities and Infrastructure California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of California

In Pasadena, California, excavations that affect public streets, sidewalks, or utilities typically require a city excavation or encroachment permit before work begins. This guide explains who enforces those rules, how to apply, coordination with utility locators, inspection obligations, and common pitfalls to avoid when digging within Pasadena public rights-of-way.

Always confirm permit scopes with Pasadena Public Works before mobilizing equipment.

What is a utility excavation permit?

A utility excavation permit authorizes trenching, boring, or other excavation work that affects public rights-of-way, sidewalks, streets, alleys, or city-owned utilities. Permits ensure work meets standards for traffic control, backfill, pavement restoration, and utility coordination.

Who enforces permits and rules

  • Enforcer: City of Pasadena Public Works and Building & Safety divisions handle permitting and inspections; complaints route through the Public Works permit desk or Code Enforcement.Pasadena Public Works - Encroachment Permits[1]
  • Utility coordination: all contractors must contact the regional one-call utility locator (Call 811) before excavation to identify underground facilities.Call 811[2]

When do you need a permit

  • Any excavation within the public right-of-way or within 5 feet of a public utility vault or structure.
  • Work that removes or alters curb, gutter, sidewalk, pavement, or traffic lanes.
  • Scheduled lane closures, street cuts, or long-duration open trenches.

Penalties & Enforcement

Specific monetary fines and daily penalties for unauthorized excavation or failing to obtain required permits are not specified on the cited city permit page; enforcement actions are described but numeric fines or schedules are not listed on that page.Pasadena Public Works - Encroachment Permits[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures and tiers are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, requirement to restore public property to city standards, liability for repair costs, and referral to administrative or judicial proceedings.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: contact Pasadena Public Works permit desk or file a service request via the department page.Pasadena Public Works - Encroachment Permits[1]
  • Appeals/review: specific appeal timelines and hearing procedures are not specified on the cited permit page; contact the enforcing department for appeal instructions.
  • Defences/discretion: emergency repairs typically require post-notification and retroactive permits; permit variances or encroachment agreements may be available at the department's discretion.
If you find unmarked utilities, stop work immediately and contact utility owners and 811 before proceeding.

Applications & Forms

The City of Pasadena publishes encroachment permit information and application instructions on the Public Works encroachment permits page; specific form names, form numbers, and fee schedules may appear on that page or by contacting the permit desk. Where fees or form numbers are not visible on the cited page, they are not specified there.Pasadena Public Works - Encroachment Permits[1]

How to prepare before you apply

  • Plan: prepare site plans, traffic control plans, and restoration details showing limits of excavation and method.
  • Contact locators: call 811 to have underground utilities marked before digging.Call 811[2]
  • Insurance and bonding: verify insurance and bond requirements with the permit office during application.
Keep digital copies of all utility-marking tickets and permit approvals on site during work.

FAQ

Do I always need an encroachment permit to excavate?
Generally yes for work in the public right-of-way or affecting city utilities; small or private property digs may not require a city encroachment permit but may require other approvals.
How long does permit review take?
Review times vary by scope and workload; the Public Works page gives contact details for scheduling and review time estimates are not specified on that page.Pasadena Public Works - Encroachment Permits[1]
Who do I call if I hit a utility?
Stop work, call 911 if there is an immediate danger, and contact the utility owner and Call 811 for coordination and incident reporting.

How-To

  1. Confirm scope: determine if the excavation affects public right-of-way or city utilities and assemble plans and traffic control measures.
  2. Contact locators: call 811 at least 48 hours before non-emergency excavation to have underground utilities located and marked.Call 811[2]
  3. Apply: submit the encroachment/excavation permit application to Pasadena Public Works with required attachments and insurance; use the department permit page to find forms and submission instructions.Pasadena Public Works - Encroachment Permits[1]
  4. Schedule inspection: arrange pre-construction and final inspections with Public Works; keep permit and locator tickets on site.
  5. Restore: perform backfill and pavement restoration per permit conditions; pay any required fees or restoration costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain an encroachment/utility excavation permit before digging in Pasadena public rights-of-way.
  • Always contact 811 before excavation for utility locating.
  • Keep permits, insurance, and locator tickets on site and schedule required inspections.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Pasadena - Encroachment Permits
  2. [2] Call811 - One Call Center

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