Who inspects reported potholes and how fast will the city respond?

The Public Works or Street Maintenance team inspects reported potholes; response time varies by workload and severity and is set by department protocols.

Do I need a permit to fix a damaged driveway apron or sidewalk?

Yes. Work that alters the public right-of-way typically requires an encroachment permit from Engineering; check the permit page for specifics.

Are there penalties for unpermitted work in the right-of-way?

Yes. Penalties may include stop-work orders, restoration requirements, administrative fines, and civil enforcement; exact amounts are not specified on the cited page.

Pomona Pothole Reports & Encroachment Permits

Transportation California 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026

Pomona, California residents and contractors must follow city rules when reporting street hazards like potholes and when working in the public right-of-way. This guide explains how to report potholes, how to request an encroachment permit for work that affects sidewalks, curbs, gutters, or lanes, which city office enforces the rules, and practical steps to comply and appeal decisions. Use the official online report and permit pages to submit requests and track responses.

Report a pothole or street hazard online^[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Pomona enforces street and right-of-way rules through its Public Works and Engineering divisions; penalties and remedies vary by code section and case. When specific monetary fines, daily penalties, or escalation amounts are not stated on the controlling page, this guide notes that the amounts are not specified on the cited page and provides the enforcing office for complaints and inspections.

Enforcer: Public Works - Engineering and Street Maintenance divisions handle inspections, work permits, and violations.
Complaint pathway: submit a service request via the city report page or contact Public Works to request inspection; see the encroachment permit page for engineering contacts.
Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for general pothole or encroachment violations; consult the code or department for case-specific penalties.
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence distinctions are not specified on the cited page; enforcement may include administrative orders or referral to code compliance or the city attorney.
Non-monetary sanctions: work stops, corrective orders, required restoration of public property, and possible permit revocation or civil enforcement actions.
Appeals and review: appeals or permit review routes are handled by the department or specified hearing body; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with Engineering.

Contact Engineering promptly to preserve appeal rights and avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

Encroachment permits are required for work in the public right-of-way, including street cuts, driveway modifications, sidewalk replacements, and staging equipment. The city publishes application instructions and submittal requirements on its permit page; specific fees, form names, and submittal portals are listed there when available.

Permit name: Encroachment Permit (application and submittal requirements available from Engineering).
Fees: specific fee schedules are provided on the permit page or fee resolution; if a precise fee is not published on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.
Deadlines and lead time: permit processing time varies by scope; schedule and minimum notice are detailed on the encroachment permit page.
Submission method: online application or engineering counter submittal as specified on the permit page.

Do not begin work in the public right-of-way until an encroachment permit is issued.

Action Steps

To report a pothole: use the official online report page and include location, photos, and a contact number.^[1]
To apply for an encroachment permit: review submittal requirements on the encroachment permit page, prepare traffic control plans if needed, and submit application materials to Engineering.^[2]
Keep records: save application confirmations, permit numbers, and correspondence for appeals or dispute resolution.

FAQ

Who inspects reported potholes and how fast will the city respond?: The Public Works or Street Maintenance team inspects reported potholes; response time varies by workload and severity and is set by department protocols.
Do I need a permit to fix a damaged driveway apron or sidewalk?: Yes. Work that alters the public right-of-way typically requires an encroachment permit from Engineering; check the permit page for specifics.^[2]
Are there penalties for unpermitted work in the right-of-way?: Yes. Penalties may include stop-work orders, restoration requirements, administrative fines, and civil enforcement; exact amounts are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

Document the issue: take dated photos of the pothole or proposed work area and note the exact address or GPS coordinates.
Report the pothole: submit a report through the city report page and attach photos and contact details.^[1]
Check permit requirements: consult the encroachment permit page for required plans, traffic control, insurance, and fees.^[2]
Submit application: complete the encroachment permit application, pay required fees, and schedule inspections as directed.
Comply with conditions: perform work per permit conditions, maintain traffic control until final inspection, and retain records.

Key Takeaways

Always report potholes promptly using the city report tool to trigger inspection and repair.
Obtain an encroachment permit before any work in the public right-of-way to avoid enforcement actions.
Contact Public Works or Engineering for guidance on fees, timelines, and appeals.