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

2 flatly prohibits excavating, filling or damaging any right-of-way in the city, and bars placing any article, thing or obstruction in the right-of-way, except under the conditions this chapter allows; it exempts only temporary obstructions incidental to moving items to and from abutting property and lawful parking in the traffic lanes. 3 then sets the permitting mechanism: applications go to the City Engineer on his prescribed forms, permit fees are set by City Council resolution, and the permit is revocable by the Engineer for noncompliance and valid only for the time endorsed on it.

Applying is itself treated as an agreement by the applicant to promptly finish the work, follow city law, repair any damage to the street surface and installations (including trees), and indemnify the City against claims arising from the work. Where a liability policy is required, the City Manager sets the coverage amount, and a certificate of insurance approved by the City Attorney must be filed with the City Clerk. Where a cash deposit is required, the City Engineer sets its amount to cover the City's costs from the permitted work; six months after the Engineer accepts the completed work, any unused balance is refunded, and if the deposit falls short the applicant pays the deficit.

4 separately requires a written or annual permit from the City Engineer before any construction, repair or maintenance operation in the right-of-way by a person, utility, franchisee or licensee, and that permit expires after 30 days if work has not begun.