Driveway Approaches and Curb Cuts

Driveway Approaches

Did you know that in residential districts, parking on the lawn or other unpaved areas is not permitted on residential lots as stated in the City of Detroit Ordinances? The City Ordinance also states that for single-family or two-family dwellings, only one driveway is allowed for each residential dwelling. Therefore, when the City is replacing damaged sidewalks, if there is no paved driveway as defined by the Ordinance, the driveway approach will be removed and replaced with curb. If you want a second driveway or need additional information about the zoning requirements, select this link to the Zoning Permit Information.

In addition, City Ordinance states if an abandoned driveway exists on public property in front of or adjacent to any commercial property, the driveway approach will be removed and replaced with curb. Abandoning a driveway includes removing the parking lot, removing the paved driveway or constructing a fence across the driveway approach.

Curb Cuts

A permit is required to make a cuts in the curb for construction of or removal of a driveway approach. If the curb cuts are part of plans for new development or redevelopment of a site, the plans for curb cuts should be submitted with the building plans to Building, Safety, Engineering and Environmental. If the project consists only of activities which impact the right-of-way, the plans for curb cuts shoudl be submitted to DPW/City Engineering.

New Developments or Redevelopment

Submit plans to: City of Detroit Buildings, Safety, Engineering and Environmental Dept. 4th Floor Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 Ph: (313) 224-3173

Residential and Commercial Properties - Curb Cuts Only

Submit plans to: City of Detroit DPW City Engineering Division, Permits Section Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 642, Detroit, MI 48226 Ph: (313) 224-3924