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

It shall be unlawful to construct or lay any pavement for any public street, sidewalk, alley, approach or to repair the same, to make any excavation within the right-of-way or to construct any improvement within the right-of-way without first having secured a permit from the city.

(B)   It shall be unlawful to install or place any vending machine, express mail machine, private mailbox, pick-up box or railing within the right-of-way or to erect, construct, place or maintain any bumps, fences, gates, chains, bars, pipes or other obstructions within the right-of-way.

(C)   It shall be unlawful to install, construct or place any earthen mound with a grade variance of more than six inches, boulders, shrubs, mailboxes that do not conform with applicable federal standards, landscape forms or sculptures exceeding six inches in height within the right-of-way.

(D)   It shall be unlawful to hang or suspend any object, including but not limited to signs (except those established and maintained by the city, county, state or federal governments), festoons, balloons or other inflatables above the public sidewalk or within any right-of-way area unless expressly authorized by this article or another applicable ordinance of the city.

(E)   It shall be unlawful to remove or alter any pavement, tree, street identification sign or marker, lawn, fire hydrant or other improvement placed in the right-of-way by the city without first obtaining a permit from the city.