Royal Oak Township, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Chapter 24, Article IV governs obstructions of the drainage channels beside Royal Oak Township streets, and its title says as much: Gutter, Drain or Drainage Ditch Obstructions. Section 24-144 makes it unlawful for any person to obstruct any gutter, drain or drainage ditch in or abutting upon any street, road or alley unless the person complies with the terms and provisions of the article.

The compliance path is the permission process in § 24-145. A person who wants a driveway or other obstruction applies to the township clerk, sets out the nature and size of the intended obstruction, and pays an amount, set by resolution of the Township Board, according to the width of the obstruction. The clerk then causes the proper culvert to be constructed and a proper crock or other suitable conduit to be installed at the place designated. Any crock or conduit must be not less than 12 inches in diameter.

Section 24-146 deals with obstructions already in place when the ordinance was passed. Anyone maintaining an improper driveway or other obstruction over or through any gutter, drain or drainage ditch in or abutting upon any street, road or alley must, within 20 days of receiving notice from the township clerk, pay the clerk the established cost per foot of width of the obstruction.

Other right-of-way obstructions are handled elsewhere in the same chapter. Under § 24-178, it is unlawful for residents and other persons occupying or maintaining a home, dwelling or other residence in the township to have portable or in ground basketball hoops in the streets, and portable hoops must be kept in the resident's driveway or yard. Section 24-177 makes a conviction a municipal civil infraction with a civil fine of an amount not to exceed $500.00, and the township reserves the right to confiscate the hoop.