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Engineering Division

Show All Answers

1. Can I get a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal installed at a particular intersection?

Call the Engineering Division at 517-788-4160 and tell the engineering assistant the specific intersection and why you believe traffic control is needed. The request 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.

2. When is an Oversized Vehicle Permit required and where can I obtain the permit?

Check out the Oversized Vehicle Permit page for more information about obtaining a permit.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. How do I get parking regulations changed on my street?

Learn how to submit a written request on the Requesting Parking Regulation Changes page.

7. 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, or angle parking changed to parallel parking.

8. Sometimes I pull up to a traffic signal and the light does not change to green. Why is this?

More and more intersections with traffic signals are being installed with vehicle detection loops. When you pull up to a traffic signal that has a vehicle detection loop, you must actuate the loop by stopping on the stop bar. To learn more, visit the Vehicle Detection Loops page.

9. Who do I contact to have my street reconstructed, paved, or to have a curb or gutter added?

Contact the Engineering Division at 517-788-4160 to see 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.

According to City Ordinance, petitions signed by at least 50% of property owners can initiate public improvements such as street construction. If ordered for construction, property owners would be assessed for their share of the construction cost.

10. 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.

According to City Ordinance, public improvements such as 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.

11. Our organization would like to hang a banner over the street to announce an upcoming event. What is the process for banner approvals?

The City of Jackson is no longer placing banners across Michigan Avenue. If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering Division at 517-788-4160.

12. 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. View the Right-of-Way Permit page for more information.

13. What does the Engineering Division do with old signs when they are 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 Public Works Department at 517-788-4170 to request a sign. If an city employee is seen taking down or putting up signs, feel free to ask them about signs.

14. Whom do I contact if I wish to dispute a parking ticket?

Go to the City's online parking ticket payment system, search for your citation and choose the option to Appeal. You can only appeal a citation within 7 days of receipt. Appealing a ticket will pause the escalation of any fees until a decision has been rendered by the Parking Manager.

15. 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 from the Engineering Division. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the form. An engineering technician will review the permit and complete the form as necessary. View the Right-of-Way Permit page for more information.

16. Can I park in the parking decks?

You must obtain a permit to park in the park deck between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., visitor parking is allowed. At this time, only a few permits are still available. Please see the Parking Permits and Rates page for more information.

17. What should I do if I have business to care of in the downtown area that will take longer than the time limit in the city lots?

• Use the "Pay to Park" lot #3 between W. Washington Avenue and W. Wesley Street. Put $2 in the slot of the pay station that corresponds to the number of the parking space you are in. Park all day if you wish.
• Park in a visitor area of any city lot. Visit the City Clerk’s Office on the 1st floor of City Hall or go online to the City's online parking payment system and obtain a daily permit. There is a $10 fee per day for this. Enjoy your day.

18. 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.

19. Whom do I call if a traffic signal is not working properly?

Call the Engineering Division at 517-788-4160 and the signal technician will investigate.

20. 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. Tickets may be paid online using the City's online parking ticket payment system, mailed to the address noted on the ticket, or there is a drop box located near the entrance to City Hall at: 161 W. Michigan Avenue Jackson, MI 49201.

21. 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 Engineering Division at 517-788-4160 and the engineering assistant will help you.

22. What is the proper way to drive the roundabout at West Street and 4th Street?

Visit the Roundabout page for instructions on traffic flow and merging.

23. I'd like to know how much traffic flows on a particular street. Who do I call for the traffic count?

Call 517-788-4160 and ask for our engineering assistant who will be able to provide the most recent traffic count information.

24. There are political signs in the parkway. Is that allowed?

Signs are not allowed in the city right-of-way.

25. I'm renovating my building or house and need to put a dumpster in the right-of-way for the trash. Is this possible?

A permit will be required. Call 517-788-4160 and ask for an engineering technician.

26. I'd like to have a driveway added at my property. How do I go about doing this?

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 will advise as to how to get this done.

27. 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. Call 517-788-4160 for further information or visit the Block Party page.

28. How do I find visitor parking?

You may park for free on downtown Jackson streets. Most parking spots have a 2-hour time limit. Other time limits are clearly marked with signs.

All non-permit parking in Jackson parking lots is clearly marked with time limit signs. The permit parking spots in parking lots are marked with signs.

All downtown parking options are mapped out on this Interactive Downtown Parking Map.