Southfield, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Southfield City Code § 4.27 sets a minimum 5-foot clear and clean sidewalk width that must be kept open for pedestrian passage whenever building operations or another obstruction encroaches on a sidewalk. If maintaining that 5 feet is impracticable given the building operations underway, the responsible party must instead provide a temporary plank sidewalk with substantial railings, or a sidewalk shelter, built to the standards in Chapter 102 of the Southfield Code (general building regulations). This clearance rule works alongside § 4.26, which requires a separate permit from the director of public service, plus a cash deposit and insurance policy under § 4.3, before anyone can occupy the street or sidewalk with construction materials or machinery in the first place.

Together the two sections mean a Southfield contractor cannot simply fence off a sidewalk during a project: the encroachment itself needs a permit, and whatever remains of the walkway must either stay at 5 feet of clear width or be replaced with an engineered temporary passage.