Yes, you usually need a permit to replace a public sidewalk or driveway approach in Troy, MI. Chapter 34 of the city code requires a Sidewalk and Approach Permit from Troy Engineering for work in the public right-of-way, unless the area is under 50 square feet. The forms and base are inspected before the pour. Public sidewalks are 4 inches thick, 6 inches where a driveway crosses, and approaches are 6 inches. Work inside your property line, like your driveway or front walk, does not need this permit.
What the permit covers
The right-of-way is the strip of public land between the street and your property line. In most Troy neighborhoods it includes the tree lawn, the public sidewalk and the driveway approach. The city controls that strip so walks and approaches are consistent, safe and built to last. The Troy Sidewalk and Approach Permit page explains the application process, which runs through the city's online permit system.
Common work that needs the permit:
- Replacing public sidewalk flags, including flags the city has marked.
- Replacing or widening a driveway approach.
- Adding a new approach or curb cut.
Work that does not need this permit:
- Replacing your private driveway beyond the right-of-way.
- Replacing your private front walk or patio.
- Repairs under 50 square feet in the right-of-way, which are exempt from the permit but still must meet city standards.
Green and orange paint marks
Troy inspects sidewalks and marks damaged flags. The Troy sidewalk program page explains the colors. Orange paint means the city will pay for the repair, for example where right-of-way trees caused the damage. Green paint means the owner is responsible, for trip hazards and cracked, spalled or settled flags. Owners can use the city's contractor or hire their own, as long as the work is permitted.
The inspection and thickness rules
After the forms are set and the base is prepared, the city inspects before concrete is placed. The inspector checks dimensions, thickness and base. Unpermitted or uninspected work can be ordered removed at the owner's expense, which makes skipping the permit an expensive gamble.
- Public sidewalk: 4 inches thick.
- Public sidewalk crossing a driveway: 6 inches thick.
- Driveway approach: 6 inches thick.
Insurance and paperwork
The permit application includes a certificate of insurance that lists the City of Troy. Your contractor should provide it and handle the application. Ask for a copy of the approved permit before work begins. Troy Engineering can be reached at 248-524-3383 with questions about a specific address.
Can sunken flags be leveled?
Yes, in some cases. Troy allows leveling of flags that have settled but are not cracked or spalled. That can be cheaper than replacement. Cracked or flaking flags must be replaced. Our guide to concrete leveling vs replacement explains how mudjacking and foam lifting work.
Planning the work
If you received a notice, start early so the permit is approved before the city's contractor arrives on your street. It often makes sense to replace the approach and any tired private walks at the same time. We handle sidewalks and walkways and driveway approaches together under one permit.
Around Troy
Older neighborhoods near Troy Historic Village and the civic center on Big Beaver see a lot of marked flags, often heaved by street trees. Newer subdivisions in the north end of town tend to see more approach damage from plows and heavy vehicles than tree damage.
Before hiring anyone for right-of-way work, check their credentials. Our guide on checking a Michigan concrete contractor license shows how to look up a contractor with the state.
Common questions
What happens if I replace my sidewalk without a permit in Troy?
Troy can require unpermitted right-of-way work to be removed and redone at the owner's expense, because the city cannot confirm thickness or base without the pre-pour inspection. Since that inspection only happens before concrete is placed, there is no way to fix it afterward. Pulling the permit protects both you and the contractor.
Does the 50-square-foot exemption apply to my repair?
It applies to small right-of-way repairs under 50 square feet in total. A typical sidewalk flag is around 25 square feet, so replacing one or two flags may fall under it. The work still must meet city standards for thickness and finish. For larger repairs or any approach replacement, plan on getting the permit.
Who pays when a city tree damages my sidewalk?
In Troy, flags marked with orange paint are the city's responsibility, which typically includes damage caused by right-of-way trees. Flags marked green are the owner's responsibility. If you think a flag was marked incorrectly, contact the city before work begins, since the color determines who pays.