Flint, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permission required from
- Flint City Council
- Covers
- Streets, lanes, alleys
- Bond required
- Yes, per § 42-6
- Code section
- § 42-5
Summary
Placing stone, timber, rubbish or any other material in a Flint street, lane or alley requires City Council permission before it's set down or left in place.
No person shall place or cause to be placed any stone, brick, timber, lumber, rubbish, material or other obstruction in or upon any street, lane or alley within the City, nor permit any such incumbrance or obstruction to remain in any streets, lanes or alleys without the permission of the City Council.
(b) Definitions.
(1) For the purpose of this section PERSON shall not include the State or a political subdivision of the State operating within the scope of its duties.
(2) For the purpose of this section SAFETY VISION means an unobstructed line of sign enabling a driver to travel upon, enter or exist a roadway in a safe manner.
(c) A person shall not remove, or cause to be removed, snow, ice or slush onto or across a roadway or the shoulder of the roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle other than off- road vehicles.
(d) A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice or slush onto or across the roadway or the shoulder of the roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle.
(e) A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice or slush on any roadway, highway or sidewalk. (Ord. 100, passed 8-3-1909; Ord. 2702, passed 3-26-1979)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2016 Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 3821, passed 3-1-2012).
Full Breakdown
Section 42-5 of the City of Flint code prohibits placing stone, brick, timber, lumber, rubbish, material or any other obstruction in or upon a street, lane or alley, or letting one remain there, without City Council permission. A related section, § 42-6, requires a bond in an amount the Council sets before any building material or obstruction is placed in a street, lane, alley, sidewalk or gutter, to protect the City against damage claims.
Violations & Fines
Placing an unpermitted obstruction has no separate penalty listed in this section, so it falls under the Code's general penalty in § 1-7: a fine up to $500.00, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to place materials in a Flint street or alley?
Is a bond required for right-of-way obstructions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
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