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

City Code Chapter 650, § 650-7B lets the City of Royal Oak allow, under agreement, license or permit, above- and below-grade obstructions and improvements that deviate from City standards and encroach on the right-of-way, such as outdoor dining areas, sidewalk cafes, or sandwich board signage that the Community Development Department separately reviews. The umbrella mechanism for these encroachments is the right-of-way permit created by Article IV. Under § 650-12A(1), no person, including anyone who already holds a use permit, may direct or perform any activity causing disruption or blockage to a City right-of-way without prior approval evidenced by a permit issued by the City Engineer.

Section 650-12F(2) exempts temporary obstructions incidental to moving goods to and from abutting premises, lawful vehicle standing, and ordinary landscaping or repair work by adjoining owners, provided all other required City permits are obtained. To apply, § 650-12C requires filing with the City Engineer's office and paying a nonrefundable application fee set by City Commission resolution, plus an application review and processing fee sized to the City's cost of investigating and issuing the permit; § 650-12D and E add a permit fee covering the City's administrative, inspection and monitoring costs, with additional fees possible during construction.

Permittees must post as-built plans within 30 days of completion (§ 650-12F(6)) and comply with Act 53 utility-notification and Act 347 soil-erosion requirements (§ 650-12F(3)).