Article 1. General Provisions of California Streets And Highways Code >> Division 1. >> Chapter 3. >> Article 1.

As used in this chapter:
  (a) "Highway" includes all, or any part, of the entire width of the right-of-way of a state highway, whether or not the entire area is actually used for highway purposes.
  (b) "Encroachment" includes any tower, pole, pole line, pipe, pipe line, fence, billboard, stand or building, or any structure, object of any kind or character not particularly mentioned in this section, or special event, which is in, under, or over any portion of the highway. "Special event" means any street festival, sidewalk sale, community-sponsored activity, or community-approved activity.

In addition to persons, public corporations, and districts specified in this chapter, this chapter shall apply to all private corporations authorized by law to establish or maintain any works or facilities in, under or over any public highway. This chapter shall not limit the powers and duties vested by law in the Public Utilities Commission of this State, and in the event of any conflict with regard to the powers and duties given the department in this chapter, those of the Public Utilities Commission shall prevail.