Right-of-Way and Lane Closure Permits

Right-of-Way Permit Requirements

A Right-of-Way Permit is required for any construction work within the public right-of-way, including work performed on public sidewalks. Once approved, the permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

If work within the right-of-way will impact or interfere with traffic, a Traffic Control Permit Application is also required.

The Traffic Control Permit Application may be submitted at any time during the one-year validity period of the approved Right-of-Way Permit. However, the following advance notice requirements apply:

Standard traffic control requests: Submit the application to the Engineering Department at least 72 hours before the proposed work begins.
Full lane or road closures that require a posted detour route for one direction of traffic: Submit the application to the Engineering Department at least 10 business days before the proposed work begins.

Applicants are encouraged to submit traffic control requests as early as possible to allow adequate time for review and approval.

Traffic control permit applications

Traffic control permit applications help ensure that proper work zone safety procedures are followed when working in the right-of-way. All proposed work zone traffic control plans must conform to the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD) Part VI, Construction and Maintenance. Copies of the MMUTCD Part VI are available from Engineering.

Permit applications must include:

Date and Times of Work
Location and Type of Work
Description of the necessary Traffic Control detours
Applicant's Name, Address, and Phone Number (24-hour emergency contact)
Right-of-Way Permit Number

There are also step-by-step instructions (PDF) for those who might be new to the permitting system.

Traffic control permit applications are typically required when a contractor must cut into the street, which is often necessary when making underground utility repairs. When cuts are needed, contractors must make arrangements with the right-of-way/street-cut inspectors for approval of their work.