Hammond, IN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

080, the first section of Chapter 101's Sidewalk Openings and Excavations subchapter, is Hammond's general right-of-way work permit: division (A) bars excavation of any character in a public street, sidewalk or alley without a special permit, and division (B) extends the same permit requirement to placing building material or any other material in those same public ways, whether or not any digging is involved. The Street Commissioner is the sole issuing official, and division (C) requires a written application on city-furnished forms stating the exact location of the proposed excavation or material placement, with the Street Commissioner keeping a permanent record of every permit issued.

Getting the permit is only the first step. 081's safety rules take over: the permit holder must refill the excavation or clear the material before dark the same day, or, if that is not possible, install platforms, bridges or safeguards for pedestrians and vehicles along with red warning lights and guards at night until the work is finished. When the site is filled or cleared, the permit holder must notify the Street Commissioner, who inspects the work and either releases the site or orders it corrected before signing off. 082.