Wayne County, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Encroachment permit fee
- $500.00 (Ch. 129, § 129-241)
- Compliance window before removal
- 30 days after order is served
- Related permit
- ROW excavation permit, $125.00
- Enforcing division
- Roads and Engineering Division, Dept. of Public Services
- Governing chapter
- Wayne County Code Ch. 247
Summary
Wayne County requires a $500 permit before placing anything in a county road right-of-way, and the road engineering division can order unauthorized encroachments removed within 30 days or bill the owner for removal.
Issue removal orders for any encroachment upon county road rights-of-way. If the owner or occupant does not comply with an order within 30 days of service, proceed to remove the encroachment in a manner of least cost or loss to the owner, and to collect the actual costs of removal from the person at fault. If that demand for payment is refused, proceed to file a verified copy of the statement with the appropriate official, to be assessed and levied upon the lands with which the encroachment is affiliated, pursuant to MCL 247.171, et seq.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
The Roads and Engineering Division administers the County Roads Ordinance (Wayne County Code Ch. 247) covering every county road right-of-way in the county, including inside cities and townships. Under § 247-4(22), the chief executive officer's designees can issue a removal order for any encroachment on a county road right-of-way; if the owner or occupant doesn't comply within 30 days, the county removes it and bills the responsible party, assessing unpaid costs against the land itself. The department's comprehensive fee ordinance (Ch. 129, § 129-241) lists a $500.00 encroachment permit alongside a $125.00 right-of-way excavation permit and a $175.00 road-widening permit.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remove an encroachment within the 30-day compliance window lets the county remove it directly, bill the owner or occupant for the actual cost, and place any unpaid balance as a lien against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to place something in a Wayne County road right-of-way?
What happens if I don't have a permit and the county finds an encroachment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wayne County
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