Vista Concrete Permit Guide

Most of Vista's concrete rules are about two places, the street edge of your lot and any wall that holds back soil. Here is what the city's own documents say.

Encroachment Permits

Vista Engineering issues encroachment permits for work in the public right of way. That covers the apron, the curb cut and the public sidewalk. The city's checklist asks for the following.

• A state contractor's license. For trenching only A, C-34, C-36 and C-42 are allowed. More types may be allowed for surface work.
• A City of Vista business license.
• Workers compensation and liability coverage that names the city.
• An Underground Service Alert number, taken out two working days before work.
• 48 hours notice before work starts and before inspection.

The inspection line in the city document is (760) 639-6113. The city may also ask for a cash deposit, so ask Engineering about the amount for your job.

Retaining Walls

A Vista bulletin says retaining walls need a building permit, except walls under four feet tall from the bottom of the footing to the top that hold up no surcharge. A grading permit is also needed if the work changes the drainage pattern or concentrates the flow. See the retaining wall page for more.

Flatwork on Your Lot

We did not find a Vista document that says when a patio or driveway slab on private land needs a building permit. Ask the city before you start, and write down who you spoke with.

Digging

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 to start.

Questions