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

Sec. 18-60 requires an application to the City Engineer's Office before any commercial, construction or recreational use temporarily occupies a City right-of-way: at least 48 hours' notice for partial occupancy, or at least seven days' notice for a full closure, though the City Engineer can waive those windows for emergencies. The application must describe the use, including the size, location, purpose and type of structure involved. Fees apply whenever an obstruction exceeds the 'typical obstruction allowance' already covered by an excavation or access permit, which the Code defines as five days or less for a non-traffic-lane obstruction, two hours or less where a collector road stays open to traffic, and one hour or less on an arterial road.

Approval is contingent on the applicant also securing any other required City permit, such as an excavation, access, oversize/overweight, public assembly, parade or block party permit, and the request is reviewed by City Police and the Department of Public Works before the City Engineer signs off. Sec. 18-61 lays out the permit conditions: the applicant must indemnify the City, covenant to restore the right-of-way to as-good-or-better condition, and use barricades and signs meeting the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 00 per week depending on street type, and fees are never waived. Sec. 18-62 additionally requires the applicant to file a bond and carry personal injury and property damage insurance.