Do You Own Property Near a Kings River Levee?

A Shared Responsibility

Owning property near the Kings River offers natural beauty, open space, and a close connection to the river — and it also comes with shared responsibilities.

Any work being proposed (e.g. plants, fences, stairs, etc.) that will occur a minimum of 10 feet from the levee toe must be endorsed by KRCD (your local maintaining agency) first and then permitted by the Central Valley Flood Protection Board.

Whether you’re planning a small project, maintaining your property, or simply want to better understand how the levee system works, we are here to help you.

What Projects Need Approval?
Required Steps for Project Approval
Why Levees are Critical to Flood Protection

Activities & Projects That Require Review & Approval

Before starting any work near the levee, please contact KRCD. This list is a general guide — they do not replace project‑specific review. Avoid unintentional damage to the levee or river habitat as well as avoidable costs if projects need to be reversed. If you are unsure, ask KRCD first.

These Projects Need Review & Approval:

  • Planting trees or large shrubs
  • Installing fencing within 15 feet of the levee toe
  • Livestock grazing near levee slopes
  • Placing pipes through or on the levee
  • Installing pumps or wells
  • Piling debris or pruning clippings
  • Modifying a levee or levee easement

Helpful Activities:

  • Report erosion or damage to levee surfaces
  • Help monitor & report invasive species
  • Report illegal dumping to KRCD and law enforcement

Not Sure If You Need Approval?

Use this helpful decision tree to determine if reaching out to KRCD for review and approval is required based on location, type of activity, and potential impact on the river and levees.

Projects Start With An Encroachment Permit

When Is an Encroachment Permit Required?

An encroachment permit is generally required for any work:

  • In a regulated stream or designated floodway
  • On a federal flood control project levee
  • On levee slopes or within approximately 10 feet landward of the landside levee toe

These requirements are established under California regulations and apply to protect the integrity of the flood control system.

All applications require an endorsement from KRCD before proceeding because KRCD is your local maintaining agency for the Kings River Levees.

Who Reviews Encroachment Permits?

Encroachment applications for the Kings River are reviewed by KRCD and coordinated with the Central Valley Flood Protection Board and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

  • Kings River Conservation District (KRCD) – Local maintaining agency and first point of contact
  • Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) – State permitting authority
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Federal review and approval

All encroachment applications are routed through KRCD and require District review before being forwarded for state and federal consideration.

Permit Process

KRCD staff can guide you through this process and help you understand what information will be needed. While each project is unique, the process typically includes:

Step 1

Contact KRCD to share your proposed project with us for review.

Step 2

KRCD reviews your application for completeness and acceptability.

Step 3

KRCD provides endorsement for, or declines to endorse, an encroachment permit.

Step 4

KRCD forwards the application to CVFPB (if endorsement provided).

Step 5

CVFPB and USACE conduct their technical and environmental reviews.

Step 6

Approval, approval with conditions, or request for revisions are provided.

Why the Kings River Levees Matter

The Kings River levee system plays a critical role in protecting:

  • Homes and communities
  • Farms and agricultural lands
  • Roads, utilities, and public infrastructure
  • Drinking water wells, septic systems, and wastewater facilities
  • River habitat and water quality