Seeking Public Comment: Procedures and Regulations for Permit Activities

By May 11, 2021Articles

In the spring of 2021, the Washtenaw County Board of County Road Commissioners sought feedback on proposed changes to the Procedures and Regulations for Permit Activities and the Permits Fee Schedule. The final revisions were developed after consulting staff and legal counsel, reviewing existing practices, and surveying other road agencies.

Click here to learn more about WCRC’s Permits Section.

Background

It is the duty of every county road agency to set the “rules of the road” for working within the public road right-of-way. Over the past 100 years, WCRC has published various rules and procedures setting these rules. In 2003, staff undertook a major overhaul and combined all regulations into the Procedures and Regulations for Permit Activities. This overhaul process included a robust community engagement process prior to adoption. The document was again modified in 2006.

As is good practice, WCRC staff performed another review of the document in 2020 and 2021 to ensure WCRC’s procedures reflected the latest legal changes and current best practices. Changes to this policy require approval by the Washtenaw County Board of County Road Commissioners.

Staff and legal counsel have drafted a revised document for public review and comment. Much of the document is similar to the 2006 version but some changes have been made, including new subsections to clarify regulations for:

  • Non-motorized facilities
  • Small cell wireless communication facilities
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Low-volume, local roads pertaining to driveway sight distance

Staff also reorganized Section 3- Driveway Standards to make it easier for the general public to understand.

In addition, staff have also drafted a revised fee schedule for review. By law, permit fees collected by a county road agency can only cover WCRC staff costs to review an application. WCRC’s fees were last adjusted by the Board in 2007 (took effect in 2008).

March 24 Public Hearing

WCRC staff held a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 to receive public comment regarding the proposed changes.

February 16 Working Session

WCRC staff discussed the proposed changes to the policy and fee schedule with the Board at the February 16, 2021 Working Session.