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    upstream pope-chaucer from south bank
    August 5, 2026
    Valley Water to continue the public hearing on proposed changes to the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program

    On August 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., the Valley Water Board will continue the public hearing from July 14, 2026, to receive public comment on proposed modifications to two projects within the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. 

    You can attend in person at Valley Water headquarters at 5700 Almaden Expressway in San Jose or via Zoom at https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/84454515597

    Read More
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    A look at Sierra Creek after the Stream Maintenance Program work was completed in the summer of 2026.
    A look at Sierra Creek after the Stream Maintenance Program work was completed in the summer of 2026.
    August 4, 2026
    Preparing our creeks for winter: Valley Water's Annual Stream Maintenance Program

    If you've seen Valley Water crews working along local creeks this summer, they're getting some of Santa Clara County's waterways ready for the rainy season. Their work is part of Valley Water's annual Stream Maintenance Program, an effort to reduce the risk of flooding and fire.

    While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in protecting homes, businesses, schools and other public infrastructure before the rainy season begins.

    Read More
    Image
    A look at the completed floodwall along William Street in San Jose, part of Valley Water’s first phase of flood risk reduction near Coyote Creek.
    A look at the completed floodwall along William Street in San Jose, part of Valley Water’s first phase of flood risk reduction near Coyote Creek.
    August 3, 2026
    Valley Water awards construction contract for the Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project

    Valley Water has taken another major step toward improving flood protection along Coyote Creek. On July 24, 2026, its Board of Directors awarded the construction contract for Phase 2 of the Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project. The project will help reduce flood risk along a nine-mile stretch of the creek between Montague Expressway and Tully Road in San José.

    Read More
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Permits for Working on Valley Water Land or Easement

Content

The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) manages 10 dams and reservoirs, three water treatment plants, three pump stations, 108 miles of levees, 140 miles of water transmission pipelines, approximately 350 miles of stream channels, and 393 acres of groundwater recharge facilities.

To protect these resources, Valley Water passed ordinances requiring permits for:

  • Any projects or activities on district-owned land and/or on Valley Water easement
  • Any activities that may impact Valley Water facilities
  • Work relating to wells

Learn more about the Water Resources Protection Ordinance (WRPO)

Encroachment Permits

Encroachment permits are required for any work that takes place on or near Valley Water land, easement, or facility. 

To protect these assets, the Community Projects Review Unit administers the Water Resources Protection Ordinance using the Water Resources Protection Manual, provides cost sharing for good neighbor fencing, facilitates land use transactions and joint use agreements, and offers technical assistance to other agencies on how to apply the Guidelines and Standards for Land Use Near Streams.

Apply for an Encroachment Permit or Apply to amend or extend an existing permit

Learn more about or apply for Good Neighbor fence cost sharing. To contact the Community Projects Review Unit, call us at (408) 630-2650 or email us at [email protected]

All correspondence and packages related to permitting should be sent to the appropriate mailing addresses below:

USPS mailing address
Community Projects Review Unit
Santa Clara Valley Water District
5750 Almaden Expy
San Jose, CA 95118-3686

Express mailing address
Community Projects Review Unit
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Winfield Warehouse
5905 Winfield Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95123-2428

How do I know what land Valley Water owns?

Please check our interactive web map to get a better understanding of Valley Water's land ownership relative to your work area.  Valley Water-owned property is shown in green, while Valley Water easements are shown in yellow. NOTE: In order to protect critical infrastructure locations, the web map does not show fee or easement that covers our pipelines. If you believe Valley Water fee, easement, or pipelines are in your project area, please submit a Public Records Request for plans and/or ownership information.

If you have any questions about your property line, your deed or the County’s Assessor’s Office can provide guidance:  https://www.sccassessor.org – Enter your address in “Property Record Search” then click “Print Assessor’s Parcel Map”

Beyond Valley Water Permits

Even if the land is not owned by Valley Waterm some creek activities may also require permits or approvals from local, state, or federal agencies, depending on the scope and location of the work. Before begining work near a creek, review our Permitting Information for Creek Maintenance FAQ Sheet to understand potential requirements and regulatory considerations.

All applications must be accompanied by the filing fee, unless exempt from fees—please see the current fee rate schedule for information on filing fees and exemptions.

According to the Water Resources Protection Ordinance (WRPO), permits must be obtained for projects or activities that:

  • Occur on Valley Water fee title property
  • Are within Valley Water easements, or
  • For any activities that may impact Valley Water facilities.

If you are:

  • Performing soil boring
  • Installing utilities
  • Grading
  • Building a fence near a Valley Water facility
  • Removing or trimming a tree
  • Constructing or repairing an outfall
  • Constructing or repairing a bridge
  • Landscaping
  • Building a trail
  • Repairing erosion
  • Would like vehicular or pedestrian access onto Valley Water property, or
  • Would like to request specific real estate services such as land exchanges, sales and/or dedications

     Please fill out the Encroachment Permit Application/Request for Real Estate Services form.

- If you would like to change the scope of work or the completion deadline for an existing permit, please fill out the Encroachment Permit Amendment/Extension Application form.

- If you are constructing or replacing a fence along a property line that you share with Valley Water and would like to request cost sharing, please fill out the Application for Cost Sharing of Good Neighbor Fencing form. 

- If you would like to clean up litter as part of Valley Water’s Adopt-A-Creek program, please click here. 

- If you would like to install, repair or destroy a well, or if your project requires boring to a depth of 45 feet or greater please click here. 

For applications submitted on or after August 1, 2025, the fee schedule will be in accordance with Resolution 2025-51.

The charges will vary based on the nature of the project.  Please click here to see our breakdown of standard costs.

Please allow at least 6 to 8 weeks for initial review of all permit requests. Review times will vary depending on the complexity of the project and available Valley Water staff resources.

If the application is incomplete or requires clarification, Valley Water staff will notify the Applicant to obtain the additional information necessary to process your application. If additional information or revisions are required, it may result in additional review time.

Click here to view a flowchart of the permitting process with approximate processing times.

Looking for additional guidance before beginning work on or near a creek?

  • Permitting Information for Creek Maintenance FAQ Sheet: Learn about common permitting requirements and approvals that may apply to creek maintenance projects. Some creek maintenance activities may require permits or approvals from local, state, or federal agencies.
  • Water Resources Protection Ordinance: Review Valley Water's permit requirements and regulations.
  • Valley Water Property & Easement Map: Determine whether your project is located on Valley Water property or within an easement.
  • Good Neighbor Fence Program: Determine whether if your creekside property qualifies for cost-sharing assistance to replace a shared fence with Valley Water.

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