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

City Code § 102-171(a) prohibits any person, other than a city official or employee acting within the scope of employment or under a city contract, from making, causing or permitting any excavation or opening in or under the surface or pavement of a street, alley, sidewalk or other public place within the City of Pontiac without first obtaining and holding an excavation permit. Subsection (b) allows emergency excavations outside office hours, at night, on Sundays or holidays, if the emergency is reported to the police department, which may authorize the work on condition that a formal application follows by noon of the next business day.

Section 102-172 sets the application requirements: the applicant files with the city engineer at least 24 hours before starting work, on a city form stating the applicant's name and address, the street or sidewalk involved and its pavement type, the purpose, size and location of the proposed opening, the name and address of the person benefiting from the work, and the time the opening will be needed, along with a plat or sketch when the engineer requires one. Section 102-174 requires a certificate of insurance covering at least $25,000.00 in negligence liability with a ten-day cancellation notice to the city, and § 102-175 requires a cash deposit sized to cover restoration of the street, sidewalk, curb and gutter, with any shortfall billed to the permittee and further permits withheld until it is paid. Public utilities may instead obtain an annual permit under § 102-173 by filing an annual bond and fee.