Wayne County, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice period
- 30 days to remove encroachment
- County remedy
- County removes it and bills owner
- Unpaid bill
- Becomes assessment lien on land
- Temporary blockages
- Require a division-issued permit
- Scope
- County road rights-of-way only
Summary
Wayne County can order removal of any encroachment on a county road right-of-way, including sidewalks along county roads, and bill the owner if the encroachment isn't cleared within 30 days.
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.
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
Under the County Roads Ordinance (Ch. 247), the roads and engineering division can issue a removal order for any encroachment, including obstructions of sidewalks and walkways built along county roadways, sitting on a county road right-of-way. If the owner or occupant doesn't clear it within 30 days of service, the county removes it directly and bills the actual cost to the person at fault; an unpaid bill becomes an assessment levied against the land itself. A separate permit process covers short-term blockages: temporary obstruction of a county roadway or right-of-way is allowed only under a division-issued permit, and only if it creates no unreasonable hazard to traffic or adjacent owners. This applies specifically to the county road system, not to city or township streets and sidewalks maintained by Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, or the county's other 40-plus municipalities.
Violations & Fines
Encroachment on a county road right-of-way not removed within 30 days of the county's order: the county removes it and bills the owner or occupant the actual cost of removal, which becomes a lien on the property if unpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Wayne County make me remove something blocking a county road right-of-way?
Does this cover sidewalks in Detroit or other cities in Wayne County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wayne County
Compare Wayne County to another location·View the Michigan sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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