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

Article VI of Chapter 44 governs private use of the public rights-of-way for utility and telecommunications infrastructure. Section 44-159 sets out the city's reasoning: it wants to limit unsightly, proliferating overhead lines, push new wiring underground where practical, and charge fair compensation for the fixed and variable costs of construction work in its streets. Section 44-160 then makes it unlawful to commence construction, install, maintain, operate, use, erect or lay any conduit, pole, tower, wire, conductor, manhole, pipe, cable or similar equipment for telephone, telegraph, voice, video, wireless or data service in, under or over a public right-of-way without first obtaining a nonexclusive permit from the department of public works; a project touching city park land needs the added written approval of the director of parks and recreation.

To get a permit, Section 44-161 requires a written application with detailed plans, maps and specifications, which the department can require the applicant to revise. Section 44-162 lets the city council set permit and inspection fees by resolution and reserves the right to require a separate franchise with its own fees for using the rights-of-way. Section 44-164 layers on technical duties: work must follow FCC, state and OSHA standards, avoid endangering people or property, follow the Miss Dig notification program before digging, and be restored to as-good-or-better condition, with the permittee monitoring that restoration for a full year.

Section 44-163 lets the city order equipment removed or relocated at the permittee's expense whenever the city changes a street grade or installs other public improvements.