Warren, MI Driveway, Approach & Sidewalk Concrete

We pour concrete in Warren, MI for driveways, approaches, city sidewalks, garage slabs and commercial flatwork, from the dense ranch neighborhoods to the industrial corridors along Mound Road and Van Dyke. In Warren, replacing the concrete driveway itself does not require a permit, but replacing the city sidewalk or the driveway approach does. Work in the city right-of-way needs a separate permit taken out by a cement contractor holding a City of Warren license. Call (248) 453-1088 to talk through your project.

Warren homes and lots

Warren is Macomb County's largest city, with neighborhoods of 1940s through 1960s ranches and bungalows on modest lots along 12, 13 and 14 Mile, Hoover and Schoenherr. Most homes have single drives to a detached or attached garage, with the approach and city sidewalk close to the street. Approaches and sidewalks take a beating from plows and heavy vehicles, and many are due for replacement.

Warren permits and right-of-way rules

Warren's 311 answers explain the basics:

• Permits are required to replace the city sidewalk and the driveway approach.
• No permit is required to replace the concrete driveway itself on private property.
• Broken concrete should not be stored in the right-of-way.

The city's Engineering Division construction requirements add that public sidewalk, drive approach or roadway work in the city right-of-way needs a separate permit taken out by a cement contractor holding a City of Warren license. New-development approaches are a minimum of 8 inches thick, and sidewalks are 5 feet wide. Questions can go to the Warren Building Division at 586-574-4504.

Sidewalks and approaches in Warren

Approach and sidewalk replacement is the most common residential job we see in Warren. Because that work is in the right-of-way, it requires the city permit and must be done by a contractor registered with the city. We confirm the current registration and permit requirements with Warren before scheduling. Learn more about sidewalks and walkways in Warren and how public walks differ from private walks.

Garage slabs and driveways

Detached garages behind Warren homes often have cracked, heaved slabs and broken aprons. We replace slabs and aprons together for a clean transition to the driveway. See garage floors and slabs. Since the driveway itself does not need a permit, private-side replacement can move quickly once the approach is permitted.

Commercial and industrial flatwork

Warren's industrial and retail corridors along Mound Road, Van Dyke and near I-696 bring steady commercial work: sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, loading areas and approaches. Van Dyke is a state trunkline, so work in its right-of-way needs an MDOT permit. Read more about commercial concrete.

Places we work around Warren

We work across the city, including the neighborhoods near the GM Technical Center, a National Historic Landmark on Mound Road, and the residential areas around Halmich Park and the Warren Community Center shown on the city's parks and facilities map.

Single drives and narrow lots

Most Warren homes have a single-lane driveway beside the house to a detached or attached garage, often with little room on either side. We plan tear-out in sections, protect the house and the neighbor's side, and use a sequence that keeps the truck off fresh concrete. Single drives usually take a short time to pour once the base is ready, and the approach can be poured at the same time once the permit is approved.

Heavy vehicles and approaches

Many Warren streets see heavy trucks, buses and plows, and approaches take the brunt of that traffic. The city's thicker approach standard for new development reflects those loads. Even on replacement work, we pay close attention to the base under the approach and the joint between the approach and the street, since that is where water gets in and failures begin.

We also check the curb where the approach meets the street. A broken or low curb lets water run behind the approach, so if the curb needs work, we include it in the permit scope.

Garage slabs in older neighborhoods

Detached garages in Warren's older neighborhoods often sit on thin slabs that have settled or cracked. When the garage structure is sound, replacing the slab and apron can extend its life considerably. We check the condition of the garage walls and the sill plate before quoting, since a new slab needs a sound structure around it.

If the garage is being rebuilt, we coordinate with the builder so the slab, apron and any footing work are poured in the right order and inspected when required.

Nearby cities

Warren borders Madison Heights to the west, where a city concrete permit applies to private flatwork too. See concrete work in Madison Heights or browse all service areas.

Planning a Warren approach job

Approach replacements go fastest when the scope is clear. Tell us whether the city sidewalk, the approach and the driveway are all included, and whether the curb needs work. We confirm the permit requirements, schedule the inspection and plan the pour so you lose access to your driveway for as short a time as possible. Driveway and approach work is often done in one visit.