Contractor’s Permits
Contractors may obtain a permit application from the City Engineering Division (CED) of DPW – Permit Office, 65 Cadillac Square - Suite 701. The permit application shall include the locations and dimensions of the proposed openings and should be accompanied by three (3) copies of each right-of-way drawing. It shall identify the proposed structures to be placed therein. The application shall state the purpose of the proposed open cut or other excavation to be made; the type of pavement or surface to be disturbed; and a close estimate of the start and finish dates of the work. The approval of other departments may be required before a permit can be issued. The applicant must obtain stamped approval on the drawings from those departments. Drawings may be carried by hand, mailed, or faxed to CED. For information regarding faxing, contact the Permit Section at (313) 224-3935. Permit issuance requires advance payment of fees to cover estimated Inspection costs. After the permit is issued, the permit holder must contact the Inspection Bureau before starting any project work in the right-of-way.
Sidewalk Permits
Homeowners must present drawings of the sidewalk and/or driveway approach, with dimensions (length x width) of area to be replaced, to the permit counter at City Engineering. The Permit Clerk will review the drawings to determine square footage. The cost of the sidewalk permit is 50 cents per square foot. A minimum amount of $50 is charged for permits if the area is between 73-100 square feet. If the area to be replaced is less than 72 square feet, a permit is not required.
Sidewalk permits are only issued to homeowners from May 1 through November 1 of each year. If the proposed work is in violation of existing building codes, the homeowner will be referred to the Zoning Division of Buildings and Safety Engineering Department for a waiver approval before a permit can be issued.