Potholes & Encroachment Permits - Farmington Hills Ordinances

Transportation Michigan 3 Minutes Read ยท published March 08, 2026 Flag of Michigan

Farmington Hills, Michigan maintains rules and permitting for work in public rights-of-way and handles roadway maintenance such as pothole repairs. This guide explains how residents and contractors report potholes, when an encroachment permit is required for work or installations that intrude on the public right-of-way, and which city offices manage enforcement and permits. It also summarizes enforcement, common violations, and practical action steps to report hazards or apply for permission to work in streets, sidewalks, and parkway areas.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces rights-of-way, obstruction, and permit rules through municipal code provisions and administrative permit programs. Specific monetary fines and escalating penalties are not specified on the cited city pages; see the municipal code and permit pages for authoritative text and enforcement contacts.[3]

  • Enforcer: City of Farmington Hills Public Works / Engineering administers encroachment permits and inspects work in the right-of-way.
  • To report unsafe potholes or roadway hazards use the city reporting portal or Public Works contact page. Report a concern[1]
  • Permit control: permits for work in the public right-of-way (encroachments, driveway work, utility cuts) require an application and city approval; see the permits page for requirements and submittal instructions. Encroachment & permit info[2]
  • Fines/penalties: exact fine amounts and daily escalation are not specified on the cited pages; consult the municipal code or contact the enforcing office for current penalty schedules.[3]
Contact Public Works promptly for hazards or permit questions.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit requirements and application procedures on its Engineering/Permits page; available forms or application PDFs are provided there when required. If a downloadable encroachment application is not visible, the cited permit page directs applicants how to request the application or submit an online permit inquiry.[2]

  • Deadlines and processing times: not specified on the cited permit page; processing times may vary by project complexity and seasonal workload.[2]
  • Typical submittal: site plan, contractor information, insurance certificates, and location sketches - check the permit page for checklist details.[2]
  • Submission: follow the Engineering/Permits page instructions or contact Public Works for electronic or in-person submission directions.[2]

Common Violations and Practical Steps

Typical violations affecting potholes and encroachment issues include unpermitted work in the street, failure to repair or protect trenches, obstructions on sidewalks, and failure to obtain required permits for private improvements that extend into public space.

  • Unpermitted encroachment or installations into the right-of-way.
  • Contractor or resident excavation without an approved permit or restoration plan.
  • Dangerous potholes or pavement failures not reported or not marked for public safety.
Report hazards promptly to reduce liability and speed repairs.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Farmington Hills?
Use the City of Farmington Hills Public Works report portal or contact Public Works via the city reporting page to submit location details and photos.[1]
When is an encroachment permit required?
An encroachment permit is required for work, installations, or improvements that extend into or affect the public right-of-way; consult the city permits page for specific triggers and examples.[2]
How much is the fine for failing to get a permit?
Fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited pages; check the municipal code or contact the enforcing department for exact penalties.[3]

How-To

  1. Document the issue: take photos, note exact location, and record time and any immediate hazard.
  2. Report potholes via the city's Public Works reporting page and include photos and location details.[1]
  3. If planning work that affects the right-of-way, review the Engineering/Permits page and start the encroachment permit application process.[2]
  4. If cited or fined, request the enforcement notice details and follow appeal instructions on the citation or contact the enforcing department; timelines for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes quickly to Public Works to speed repairs and reduce risk.
  • Obtain an encroachment permit before working in the right-of-way to avoid enforcement and restoration costs.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Farmington Hills - Report a Concern / Public Works
  2. [2] City of Farmington Hills - Engineering Permits
  3. [3] Farmington Hills Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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