What
is it?
All public roads are located within land which is referred
to as road right-of-way. Within a
typical road right-of-way, the following public facilities can be found: the
driving surface, roadside shoulders and ditch, public utilities, sidewalks, and
traffic signs to name a few. Road
right-of-way width is established by deed, statute, or through the platting
process. Regardless, lands within the road
right-of-way are reserved for use of the traveling public and maintenance of
the county road system. Public roadways
within Ingham County, other than limited access freeways, State trunklines and
roads within the incorporated boundaries of villages and cities, are the
jurisdiction of the Ingham County Road Commission. As the agency with jurisdiction over the county road system, the
Ingham County Road Commission has a duty to look after the health, safety, and
welfare of the public using county roads.
When do I need a permit?
Any type of work or activity that is to be performed within
the road right-of-way, other than lawn maintenance, requires a permit from the
Ingham County Road Commission. Common
types of work that require permits are: driveway installations, driveway
resurfacing, irrigation installation, ditch modifications, utility
installations, tree removals, banner installations, and parades.
What cannot be done within the road right-of-way?
Due to our duty to look after the health, safety, and
welfare of the public using county roads, the Ingham County Road Commission does
not allow, but is not limited to, the following installations or activities
within the road right-of-way: any
activity that creates an unsafe condition for those using the roadways,
installation of fences, planting of trees (unless the posted speed limit is 25
mph), filling of roadside ditches, installation of masonry mailboxes (unless
the posted speed limit is 25 mph) and installation of unauthorized signs.