The Encroachments and Relocations Section is responsible for overseeing statewide policy and procedure for Encroachment Permit activities along the State Water Project.  Some of these activities are construction of road improvements over pipelines; utility work, above or below the ground surface; commercial filming; and, certain types of farming activities.

The use of any SWP right of way for nearly any purpose may require written authorization from the Department of Water Resources, regardless of whether the State owns fee title or easement only.  This requirement is to ensure that the SWP facility is adequately protected during construction of any other improvements, and to ensure that the State's property rights and ability to operate and maintain its facilities are not infringed upon without the State's consent and concurrence.  Requests for ingress into the right of way requires the completion of an Encroachment Permit Application.

It should also be noted that DWR must be notified of any pending subdivision of property within one mile of SWP facilities in accordance with Government Code 66455.1 to allow DWR the opportunity to evaluate potential effects of the proposed subdivision on SWP facilities, and to convey concerns to the local agency having jurisdiction for consideration in the tentative map approval process.  Even if your planned development does not fall within the requirements of  Government Code 66455.1,  but is within one mile of SWP facilities, it would be prudent to consider the potential effects of your project on SWP facilities and to consult with DWR if there appears to be even the slightest potential impact.

For your convenience, we have made available online the Encroachment Permit Application form and the Standard Provisions form that will be a part of every Encroachment Permit issued.   If you would like these documents mailed to you instead, or if you would like to talk to someone about whether or not your planned activity will require an Encroachment Permit for work within SWP right of way, please call the toll free number listed below.

For questions about encroachment permit guidelines please contact the Real Estate Branch by phone at (916) 653-5782.

Division of Engineering
CA Department of Water Resources
P.O. Box 942836
1416 9th Street, Room 425
Sacramento, California  94236-0001
PHONE (toll free): (800) 600-4397
FAX: (916) 654-0738

E. P. Guidelines (epguidelines.pdf; 354KB)

E. P. Application Form (33.pdf; 44KB)

E. P. Standard Provisions (33c.pdf; 34KB)

If you have a need to get an encroachment permit from the California Department of Transportation , go here http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/developserv/permits/.

 

UTILITY RELOCATIONS:

Our Section is also responsible for ensuring that the right of way for any State Water Project or Reclamation Board project is clear of utility facilities that would be in conflict with the proposed construction or subsequent operation of the facility.  We take care of that by working directly with the affected utility owners to have the utilities either removed entirely, or relocated to a suitable location to accommodate the project.  If removal/relocation is not possible, arrangements are made to protect the utility in place.