Lansing, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Chapter 1022 of the Lansing Codified Ordinances governs work and objects placed in City rights-of-way, which include sidewalks, curb strips, alleys and roadway shoulders. 01 requires everyone except the Board of Water and Light to obtain a City right-of-way permit from the Department of Public Service before any construction or maintenance activity in a right-of-way, expressly covering driveway openings, sidewalk repair, curb work, landscaping, excavation, tunneling, sewer work, pole installation and sprinkler-system work. That section also bars issuing a permit at all for signs (other than those specified in the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices), dumpster placement, pylons or other materials that could obstruct or endanger the public using the right-of-way.

06, titled Encroachments, is narrower and more absolute for anything placed and left in the right-of-way: no sign or material of any kind may be placed there without the Director of Public Service's prior written approval, full stop. 06 puts the removal cost on the property owner, not the City. 06 approval requirement. 03, are due at application, and are nonrefundable. 05 lets the Director bill inspection costs to the permit holder within 30 days of invoice, and require a cash deposit or bond up front for jobs with substantial inspection costs.