Encinitas Concrete Permit Guide
Encinitas spells out its concrete permits more clearly than most cities. Here is what the city's permit list and fee sheet say, in plain words.
Hardscape and Drainage Permit
Encinitas requires a Hardscape and Drainage Permit for new, or removed and replaced, hardscape over 500 square feet. That covers driveways, patios, paths and pads.
Grading Permit
A Grading Permit is required for earth movement, drainage changes and the creation of new impervious surface areas, unless exempt under Municipal Code Section 23.24. Ask the city whether your job is exempt.
Retaining Wall Permit
A Retaining Wall Permit is required for a wall over four feet tall from the bottom of the footing to the top, or for a wall that holds a surcharge.
More on retaining walls in Encinitas
Right of Way Permits
The city lists a Construction PROW Permit for construction in the public right of way. An Encroachment Permanent PROW Permit is needed for non standard works in the right of way or a public easement.
The July 2024 fee sheet lists $502 or $755 for the permanent permit, depending on scope, and fees are not refundable. The applicant must hold a current City of Encinitas business registration. Encinitas Engineering is at (760) 633-2706.
Coastal Lots
Encinitas is on the coast. Public Resources Code 30610 lets many improvements to an existing single family home go ahead without a coastal development permit, but the Coastal Commission lists some kinds of work that still need one. We could not read the city's coastal code, so ask the city to check your parcel.
Before Anyone Digs
State law says the person digging must notify the regional notice center at least two working days, and not more than 14 calendar days, before the dig. The notice day does not count. Call 811.
Questions and Answers
Do I need a permit for a 400 square foot patio in Encinitas?
The Hardscape and Drainage Permit applies over 500 square feet. Other rules may still apply, like grading for new impervious area, so ask the city.
Who do I call at the city about a driveway apron?
Encinitas Engineering handles right of way permits. The number on the city fee sheet is (760) 633-2706.