Land Development Engineering Permits

LDE issues encroachment permits for all work performed in the City’s right-of-way. Examples include: curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveways, sewer lateral repair and installation, and others. Any contractor performing work in the public right-of-way must have proper workers’ compensation and liability insurance on file with the City of Modesto. If you have questions send us an email.

Document to submit:

• Engineering Standard Application

A grading permit is required on all new developments prior to grading or dicing. A Developer may seek a grading permit for grading prior to the approval of the improvement plans. Development Services must approve the grading plan prior to issuing a permit.

Examples 

A grading permit is necessary prior to performing most grading operations. Some activities that require a grading permit include: Excavation or “cut,” fill, clearing or grubbing, stockpiling.

Please Note 

For construction projects one acre or greater, a Notice of Intent (NOI) must be filed with the State, and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must also be submitted.

For construction projects less than one acre, an NOI is not required; however, the project must still prepare an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and implement appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent stormwater pollution.

Requirements: Modesto Municipal Code (MMC) 5-10.301.

Process Overview

Determine Special Requirements 

Certain projects will have special requirements and need specific actions before submitting building plans, e.g. along Dry Creek, the Tuolumne River or other sensitive areas.

Submit Civil/Grading Plans 

Civil and Grading Plans are reviewed to assure that construction meets basic life safety requirements and City of Modesto standards. Depending upon the type of project, and the complexity of construction, our staff will examine your plans for conformance to these requirements.  

Documents to submit:

• Engineering Standard Application
• Copy of the Notice of Intent (NOI) from the State of California
• Copy of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
• Copy of the complete civil engineering plans
• Engineer estimates

Note: For specific requirements, please see the City of MMC 5-10.303 and MMC 5-10.304.

Pay Fees 

Once your plans are approved, you will need to pay for any plan review costs, permits or other fees that may apply to your project. 

How much: Please visit our Fees page for current fees.

Get Permits 

When your plans are approved and at the time of paying your fees, the Development Services Division will issue the required permits for your project.

Application to install/abandon water, monitoring or emergency extraction well(s), or any other excavation(s) that may intersect groundwater within the City of Modesto: A permit is required for ANY excavation in the City limits that may intersect groundwater. This includes, but is not limited to installation or abandonment of monitoring wells, vapor extraction wells, private water wells, etc. Processing time for this type of permit is approximately 15 to 20 working days.

Document to submit:

• Monitoring Well Application

Per the City of Modesto’s ordinance 3407-C.S., an encroachment permit is required for all dining areas in the public right of way. Every owner business operator who desires to place chairs or tables in a public sidewalk, alley, court, or street must first submit an application for an outdoor dining permit.  

To obtain an Outdoor Dining Permit, fill out the required application and include all necessary information. To ensure the application will be processed in a timely manner, complete the entire application and provide all requested copies. No owner or operator of a business establishment shall occupy any portion of a public sidewalk, court, plaza, alley or street with tables and chairs for outdoor dining without first obtaining a revocable encroachment permit in accordance with the provisions of this article section 4-15.103. Failure to obtain an outdoor dining permit can result in penalties under the ordinance. Your establishment/business can be cited under Municipal Code 4-15.307.

Documents to submit:

• Outdoor Dining Application
• City of Modesto Business License
• Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) license and site map
• Detailed description of barrier materials, where applicable, including dimensions and specifications (photos or catalog pictures will be helpful in expediting your application).
• Liability Insurance Policy naming the City of Modesto as Certificate holder and a  separate Additional Insured Endorsement 

Vehicles exceeding the limits of a legal load (per the California Vehicle Code) traveling on City Streets must obtain a Transportation Permit through Land Development Engineering.

Applicants must complete the Transportation Permit Application and submit it using the e-TRAKiT portal link below.

A copy of the check, made payable to City of Modesto, for the appropriate fee shall be submitted with the transportation permit form, with the original check being mailed to:  City of Modesto, Attn:  Land Development Engineering, P.O. Box 642, Modesto, CA  95353

Transportation Permit Requests must be submitted in a timely manner.  Single Trip Permit requests will be review and returned 24 hours after their receipt.  Annual permits will be reviewed and returned within 5 days of their receipt.  

• Loads that exceed 14 feet high, require a pre-trip by company and notify the City of Modesto Forestry of any conflicts a minimum of 5 days prior to move.
• Loads that exceed 16 feet high require a minimum of 5 days notification.  

Fees:

• $15 Single Trip Permit
• $85 Annual Permit