Ann Arbor Excavation Permits & Storm Drain Rules
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, excavations that affect public right-of-way, sidewalks, streets, or storm drainage systems are regulated to protect infrastructure and water quality. This guide explains when you need a permit, which city offices enforce the rules, how storm drains and illicit discharges are managed, and the practical steps residents and contractors must follow to comply.
Who regulates excavation and storm drains
The City of Ann Arbor Engineering Division issues right-of-way and excavation permits and manages stormwater systems; stormwater program administration and policy details are maintained by the city's stormwater pages and municipal code. See the municipal code and city permit pages for official requirements City Code[1], Right-of-Way/Excavation Permits[2], and Stormwater program[3].
When a permit is required
Permits are typically required for any excavation in the public right-of-way, work that alters drainage patterns, or connections to municipal storm systems. Private property excavations that discharge to public storm drains can also trigger stormwater review under city rules and may require erosion control measures.
- Apply for a right-of-way/excavation permit when work affects sidewalks, curbs, roadway surfacing, or public utilities.
- Install erosion and sediment controls for exposed soil to prevent sediment entering storm drains.
- Prohibit discharges of wash water, concrete waste, or pollutants to storm drains; such discharges may be treated as illicit discharges under city rules.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is performed by the City of Ann Arbor departments identified on the municipal code and stormwater pages, with permit compliance overseen by Engineering. Specific monetary fines for excavation or stormwater violations are not listed on the cited pages and therefore are not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code and enforcement pages for up-to-date penalties.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures and amounts are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration orders, civil actions, and required corrective work may be issued by city authorities.
- Enforcers and inspections: Engineering Division and Stormwater program staff perform inspections and respond to complaints; official contacts are on city pages.
- Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; check the cited municipal code and permitting pages for appeal procedures.
Applications & Forms
The City publishes right-of-way/excavation permit application forms and guidance on the Engineering permits pages; specific form names, numbers, fees, and submittal instructions are on those official pages. If a fee or form number is not shown on the relevant page, it is not specified on the cited page.[2]
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Unpermitted excavation in the right-of-way — may lead to stop-work and restoration orders.
- Illicit discharge to a storm drain (concrete wash, sediment) — subject to cleanup orders and potential fines.
- Failure to install erosion controls — corrective actions and re-inspection required.
Action steps for property owners and contractors
- Confirm whether work affects public right-of-way; if it does, apply for a right-of-way/excavation permit via Engineering.[2]
- Schedule inspections as required and retain permit documentation on site.
- Install required erosion and sediment controls before starting work.
- Report spills or illicit discharges immediately through the city reporting/contact page linked in Resources.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to excavate on private property?
- If excavation affects the public right-of-way, street, sidewalk, or alters drainage to the municipal storm system, a right-of-way or stormwater review may be required; check the city permit and code pages for specifics.[2]
- How do I report a blocked or overflowing storm drain?
- Use the City of Ann Arbor stormwater/contact pages to report blockages and hazards; emergency pollution events should be reported immediately via the city's contact lines.
- What happens if I dig without a permit?
- City staff may issue stop-work orders, require restoration, and pursue civil penalties; monetary fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.
How-To
- Determine whether your work affects public right-of-way or storm infrastructure by reviewing the municipal code and Engineering permit pages.[1]
- Obtain and complete the right-of-way or excavation permit application from the Engineering Division and submit required plans and erosion-control details.[2]
- Pay any required fees listed on the permit page and schedule inspections per the permit.
- Install erosion and sediment controls, follow permit conditions during work, and call for inspections when required.
- After work, restore surfaces as required and keep final inspection and permit records.
Key Takeaways
- Permits are required for work in the public right-of-way and for activities that impact storm drains.
- Install and maintain erosion controls to avoid sediment entering storm systems.
- Contact the Engineering Division or Stormwater program for permit guidance and to report incidents.
Help and Support / Resources
- Engineering - Right-of-Way Permits
- Engineering - Stormwater Program
- Report a Concern / Public Works contact