Permits

NOTICE: The Department of Public Works office at 14 W. Forest Ave. is closed to the public until further notice. Permit applications may be submitted via email to rowpermits@cityofypsilanti.com or by calling (734) 483.1421, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to schedule an appointment. 


The City of Ypsilanti requires permit applications be submitted for all work performed in the right of way. Applications must be submitted at least 3 business days in advance of any work in the public right-of-way.   The right-of-way generally includes the area between the sidewalk and the street, as well as both the sidewalk and the street.   Alleys are considered rights-of-way. Inspections must be scheduled 3 business days in advance and are only performed Tue through Thu.

For all other permits, including Building and Zoning permits, please visit the Permit Center. 

Note that we do not permit footing drains to be directly connected to the storm sewer;  further, all new connections to the storm sewer require engineering review.  

Irrigation, raised garden beds, paver stones, landscaping rocks, and other similar obstructions are not permitted in the ROW and may be removed by the City or utility contractors at any time.  Constructed slopes (i.e., for a garden bed) of greater than 4:12 are not permitted. If you are interested in planting, removing, or trimming a street tree, please visit cityofypsilanti.com/trees.  Any tree, even those planted with approval,  may be removed at any time with no notice to the adjoining property owner. 

Applications and Information

  1. ROW Application Guide
  2. Sidewalk and Drive Approach Repair Standards
  3. Right-of-Way Permit Application
  4. Street Tree Permit Application