City of Jackson

Department FAQ

• Can I get a stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal installed at a particular intersection?
  Call the Department at 517-788-4170 (Engineering Assistant) and tell us the specific intersection and why you believe traffic control is needed. It will be investigated and you will receive a response. Some intersections are on Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) streets. If this is the case, your request will be forwarded to MDOT. Any change in intersection traffic control needs to be approved by City Council.
   
• When is an oversized vehicle permit required and where can I obtain the permit?
  Vehicles exceeding one or more of the following are required to obtain a permit:
  • Maximum height of 13'-6"
  • Single vehicle length of 40'
  • Width of 8'
  For travel on local streets, a permit must be obtained from the City of Jackson Department of Public Works (Traffic Manager), 517-788-4170. For travel on State of Michigan trunklines within the City, a permit must be obtained from the MDOT. The phone number for the Transportation Service Center is 780-7540. For more information, read this document provided by MDOT.
   
• What are the seasonal weight limits within the City of Jackson?
  The City follows the same seasonal weight limits as Jackson County.
   
• Who is responsible for sewer problems at a residence?
  The property owner is responsible for all sewer problems up to the connection to the City sewer main.
   
• Does the City water grass seed planted after construction projects?
  The City places topsoil and seed to replace grass removed during construction. Watering is the responsibility of the property owner.
   
• Can people park in their driveway during street construction?
  Yes, most of the time. Access is provided for local traffic to get to their homes or businesses and get into their driveways. When a curb is reconstructed, access to drives is not possible for several days while the concrete hardens.
   
• During leaf pickup season, can people rake their leaves into the street if construction is in progress on that street?
  No. Rake the leaves between the sidewalk and the road. The leaves will still be picked up by the Department of Public Works.
   
• How do I get parking regulations changed on my street?
  A written request should be sent to the Department of Public Works, Parking Manager, at 521 Water St, Jackson, MI 49203. Explain the circumstances of your request and provide a daytime telephone number and/or fax number so a member of the staff can contact you. If the requested change would not prevent emergency equipment from safely maneuvering the street, a questionnaire will be mailed to the residents of the block impacted. Based on the returned responses, a recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for their consideration.
   
• Why are flags sometimes attached to signs?
  Orange flags are used to call your attention to some kind of change, such as speed limit raised or lowered, a new traffic signal installed, angle parking changed to parallel parking, etc.
   
• Sometimes, I pull up to a traffic signal and the light does not change to green. Why?
  More and more intersections with traffic signals are being installed with vehicle detection loops. These loops are installed in the pavement behind the stop bar in left turn lanes and through lanes. When a vehicle stops on top of one of these loops, the controller receives an indication that a car is waiting for a green light. The controller then begins to complete its current function so it can give a green light to the waiting vehicle.
  
  The stop bar is located at intersections so that a driver stopped at that spot has the best view of the traffic signals. The loops are placed behind the large white stop bar at the intersection. If a vehicle stops too soon, pulls up too far or even creeps up slowly past the stop bar, then the loop does not give an indication that someone is waiting to receive a green light. If the controller does not receive such indication, it will not give a green light to that car until another vehicle pulls up behind the first one and actuates the loop. A sign that says, "stop here on red" usually indicates that there is a loop in the pavement. There isn't always a sign. Stop at the stop bar for the best view of the traffic signal, to actuate a loop if one is there and for the safety of everyone.
   
• Who do I contact to have my street reconstructed, paved or curb and gutter added?
  Contact the Department of Engineering. We can tell you if the street is scheduled for construction within the next few years. If it is not scheduled for reconstruction, the resident can obtain a petition from the City Clerk's Office (161 W. Michigan, first floor). According to City Ordinance, petitions signed by at least 50% of property owners can initiate public improvements, like street construction. If ordered for construction, property owners would be assessed for their share of the construction cost.
   
• Can I get the alley paved next to my property?
  If the alley belongs to the City, there is the possibility that it can be paved. The resident must obtain a petition from the City Clerk's office (161 W. Michigan Ave., first floor). According to City Ordinance, public improvements — like street construction — can be initiated by petitions signed by at least 50% of property owners. If ordered for construction, property owners would be assessed for their share of the construction cost.
   
• Our organization would like to hang a banner over the street to announce an upcoming event. How do I get this done?
   The City of Jackson is no longer placing banners across Michigan Avenue.  If you have any questions please contact the department at 788-4170.
   
• I'd like to put a fence, bench, planter and/or garden in the space between the sidewalk and the street. Can this be done?
  Construction in the right-of-way that could present a hazard to traffic or interfere with maintenance or construction activities is not permitted. A revocable license may be issued for pre-existing or unusual conditions. If you wish to put anything permanent in this right-of-way, contact the Inspection Department at 788-4012.
   
• What does the Department of Engineering do with old signs when taken down?
  Metal signs are sold for scrap. Most removed signs are available to City residents at no charge. Stop and yield signs are not available. Call the Department of Public Works at 788-4170 to request a sign. If an City employee is seen taking down or putting up signs, feel free to ask them about signs.
   
• Whom do I contact if I wish to dispute a parking ticket?
  Go to the Clerk's Office, located on the first floor of City Hall, to fill out an appeal for or mail a letter of explanation to the City Clerk's office at the address noted on the ticket. Your appeal will be sent to the Parking Manager. He will review your dispute and provide a response in writing.
   
• How much will it cost to get a permit to work in the City right-of-way and where do I obtain one?
  The city right-of-way is generally the area from the home side of the sidewalk to the street. A permit is required to have any work performed in this area. Permits are free and can be obtained at the Department of Engineering. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the form. A form is available online for those who wish to fill in the information before arriving at the office. An Engineering Technician will review the permit and complete the form as necessary.
   
• Can I park in the parking decks?
  At this time a very few permits are still available.  Please call the City Clerk's Office at 517-788-4025.  However, permits only pertain to parking between the hours of 8:00 a.m.and 3:00 p.m.  After 3:00 p.m., the arms of the decks are up and visitor parking is allowed.
   
• I have heard that the notorious "Meter Maids" are laying in wait to get me.
  Our Parking Enforcement staff is continuously circulating the downtown area and is not disguised as trees, bushes or street lamps. The intent of parking enforcement is to deter people from parking all day right in front of your favorite store or restaurant. For people unfamiliar with the downtown, these nice City employees will direct those who are a little confused to where a particular business is located.
   
• What should I do if I have business downtown that I know will take longer than the time limit in the City lots?
  (1) Park in a visitor area of any City lot. (2) Use the "Pay to Park" lot #3 off Cortland Street. Put $1.00 in the slot of the pay station that corresponds to the number of the parking spaces you are in. Park all day if you wish. (3) Visit the City Clerk's office on the first floor of City Hall and obtain a "Daily" permit. There is a $2.00 fee per day for this. Place the permit in the appropriate location in your vehicle and enjoy your day.
   
• I have noticed that there are time limits posted to park downtown. Why are these in place?
  If there was unlimited parking, downtown workers may repeatedly take the best spots and it would be less convenient for you to do your business downtown.
   
• Whom do I call if a traffic signal is not working properly?
  Call the Department of Public Works at 788-4170 and the signal technician will investigate.
   
• I've received a ticket and am ready to pay the fine. Where do I go to do this?
  If you wish to pay your fine while still in the downtown area during business hours, you can go to the City Clerk's office. If you wish to make a payment after hours, there is a drop box located near the entrance to City Hall on Michigan Avenue. If you choose, you can mail payment to the address noted on the ticket.
   
• I'd like to have a handicapped parking sign installed. Who do I call?
  Handicapped parking is not put on the roadways because of the extra width required for the handicapped parking space. Handicapped parking in parking lots is the responsibility of the parking lot owner. If you need further information, call the Department of Public Works, and our Engineering Assistant will help you.
   
• What is the proper way to drive the roundabout at West and Fourth?
  All vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to traffic in the roundabout. All traffic flows to the right. Follow the circle until you reach the street of your choice. If that street is NOT the first "leg", use the left lane until you are approaching your street. Then merge to the right lane to proceed and that street. For more information, visit the roundabout page.
   
• I'd like to know how much traffic uses a specific street. Who do I call for the traffic count?
  Call 788-4170 and ask for our Engineering Assistant. He can provide the most recent information.
   
• There are political signs in the parkway. Is that allowed?
  Signs are not allowed in the City right of way.
   
• I'm renovating my building / house and need to put a dumpster in the right of way for the trash.
  A permit will be required. Call 788-4160 and ask for an engineering technician.
   
• I'd like to have a driveway added at my property.
  A technician will look at your property to determine if adequate space is available. A permit will be required. Criteria for drive locations are regulated by City Ordinance. If a curb cut is necessary, the technician can advise as to how to get this done.
   
• What is a block party and where do I obtain permission to close a street for such a party?
  A block party is an event for all of the residents of a street or neighborhood. A request must be made to the Department of Public Works two weeks prior to the event. A form will be sent for you to provide details of your planned party. This form is also available online. When the form is received, your request will be reviewed by staff and returned indicating if the party is approved or denied and where to pick up barricades (no charge) to block the street for the block party.  Call 788-4170 for further information.
   
• How do I find visitor parking?
  You may park free on the downtown streets. Most parking is two-hour. Other time limits are clearly marked with signs. All non-permit parking in the parking lots is clearly marked with time-limit signs. In like fashion, the permit parking in parking lots is marked with signs.