Skip to main content
Building on a state highway

Building on a state highway

Did you know that state laws require a permit whenever construction or work extends into the state’s right‑of‑way? Getting the right permits ensures your project meets safety standards, protects public infrastructure, and avoids fines or even removal of your improvements.

To obtain construction, outdoor advertising and transport permits, or for assistance with MDOT project utility coordination, contact MDOT personnel at the locations listed in on the MDOT permit contacts webpage.

Are you building on a state highway and do you need a permit?

  • Michigan state laws require permission from the governmental unit having jurisdiction of the street or highway to construct inside of the right of way line.

  • A trunkline is any highway or road under the jurisdiction of MDOT. State trunkline highways typically carry I, M or US designations.

    If you are not sure, contact the nearest region or Transportation Service Center (TSC).

  • Businesses or private parties and utility companies wishing to use the highway right of way for operations other than normal vehicular or pedestrian travel are required to obtain a permit from MDOT.

  • Your driveway or other facility may be removed by the department, or you may be faced with possible legal action by Michigan's Attorney General.

  • The permit form is entitled Individual Application and Permit (Form 2205). This form is used for all routine requests for construction and/or occupying state trunkline highways by individuals and corporations for residential and commercial driveways, tree trimming, drainage, landscaping, grading, utilities, and other similar uses. These forms may be obtained by contacting the department’s appropriate region and/or TSC maintenance garages. They are also available at most county road commission offices.

  • In most instances there is a fee for each permit. The exact amount will be determined upon receipt of the application or may be obtained in advance by calling the appropriate region and/or TSC office. The permit fee is non-refundable.

  • The annual appropriations bill for MDOT allows the department to recover its cost for reviewing and issuing a permit.

  • Each driveway represents a point of conflict with the through traffic on the trunkline highway. Therefore, it must be constructed in an appropriate manner and location to afford both you and other motorists the greatest possible safety.

  • Yes. The permit application must have a drawing or plan of your proposed driveway with its location, dimensions, and type of surface indicated.

  • Yes. Drainage design is an integral part of your site plan and driveway design and must be addressed before the driveway permit is issued.

  • Yes. The standard details of the driveway requirements for your location may be obtained from the appropriate region and/or TSC.

  • Yes. State law requires that a bond accompany a permit application for a commercial driveway. Your contractor can furnish the bond if you sign a certificate of agency giving the contractor the responsibility, as your agent, for completing the work satisfactorily. If you are applying for a residential driveway permit, a bond is not required.

  • Yes. If you are accessing a state trunkline highway you will need a driveway permit from the department, in addition to a building permit for your new building from your local governmental agency. If you are upgrading your driveway or only building a new driveway, a driveway permit may be all that is necessary.

  • Right-of-way occupancy agreements are required when you are constructing something other than a driveway (i.e., a private sanitary sewer or water line crossing within the right of way). Contact the appropriate region and/or TSC office before starting plans for any work within the trunkline right of way.

  • No. A permit is not required for a mailbox if the mailbox meets the Postmaster Generals criteria. Some ornamental boxes would not be allowed.

  • All specific information pertaining to your particular permit will be provided by the appropriate region and/or TSC responsible for your area of work.