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Public Works

Show All Answers

1. Do my property taxes go towards road construction funding?

No, they do not. Road funding comes from gas tax, which you pay every time you fill up at the pump. However, a portion of your property taxes does help fund bridge projects.

2. Who decides which roads are paved each year, and how do they decide?

Public Works uses and maintains a Pavement Management System to inventory length, width, pavement condition, traffic volume, etc. for each road. Every year Public Works makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for their consideration and approval of the annual Paving Program.

3. How do I request a Stop, Speed Limit, Street ID or other sign on my road?

Contact Public Works to perform a traffic study or engineering assessment to determine whether a revision or sign is necessary. If a sign is determined to be appropriate, a request will be sent to the Board of Commissioners for consideration and approval. Once approved, a member of the Highway Division will complete the installation.

A traffic ordinance, approved by the Board of Commissioners, is required for all Regulatory signs (Stop and Speed Limits). Public Works may approve and arrange the installation of all other types of signs (Street ID, Warning, Informational, etc.)

4. How do I determine if my property is in the County, City, or Town?

All County addresses are five digits (ex. 12345 Main Street). Two, three and four digit addresses correspond to a City or Town.

5. How and where do I get a "Children at Play" sign?

St. Joseph County does not install "Children at Play" signs within the Right-of-Way, as we do not encourage or recommend that children play in, along, or near any roadway. Residents may purchase and install these signs on their own property, outside of the Right-of-Way.

6. Do I need a permit to construct or repave my driveway?

Any work completed within the Right-of-Way requires a permit. This includes driveway construction for a new home and any work performed on an existing driveway. For more information visit the online driveway permit application.

Permits

7. How do I request a street light?

St. Joseph County does not install street lights, except as part of a Public Works project. Residents may coordinate the installation of an individual street light with their electric provider.

8. When do I need a Utility Permit?

Utility permits cover any construction work performed in the Right-of-Way, that isn’t for driveway construction. This may include utility work, ditching, installing yard drains, signs, etc. For more information call 574-235-7800.

Permits

9. Do I need a permit to build a fence?

If you reside in unincorporated St. Joseph County (5-digit address), a permit is required to install a fence ($50.00 fee). Fences must be installed outside the Right-of-Way, on private property. To properly determine the location of the Right-of-Way and/or your property lines, we recommend you hire a Licensed Surveyor.

10. What permits do I need to build or renovate a home?

Any new construction or renovation to an existing residence must get a permit from the Building Department. Additional permits may be required including, but not limited to: Septic permit from the Health Department and Driveway permit from Public Works. For more information visit our permits and forms center

Permits

11. What is Right-of-Way?

Right-of-Way is a section of land that contains the road, shoulder area, utility and drainage easements, designated for construction and maintenance of these uses. The Right-of-Way varies for each road and can be determined by contacting Public Works.

12. What is the Chip and Seal Program?

"Chip and Seal" is a necessary and cost effective preventative maintenance tool, that protects the roads from confined water and freeze/thaw cycles. Annually, our Highway Division chip and seals various roads. Similar to the Paving Program, Public Works makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners to select these roads annually. For more information visit our Chip and Seal Program page.

Chip and Seal Program

13. Where can I get a copy of the St. Joseph County Design Standards?

St. Joseph County Department of Public Works Design & Construction Standards

Design Standards Page

14. What is the Leaf Removal/Pick-Up Program?

St. Joseph County hires an independent contractor to pickup leaves one time in the Spring and three times in the Fall. This is done to help reduce the amount of leaves residents burn or send to the landfills. For further information:  Leaf Collection Information Program

SJCLP.com

15. How would I hook up to city sewer and/or water?

Please contact the City of South Bend or City of Mishawaka for information regarding connection to sewer and/or water. The St. Joseph County Regional Water and Sewer District does serve a few areas in the County with sewer.  

Regional Water and Sewer District

16. What is the Sidewalk Program?

The City of South Bend and the City of Mishawaka continue to provide this program for city residents. Contact the City of South Bend or the City of Mishawaka for more information. Unfortunately county residents are not eligible for this program.

17. How do I get a County Map?

To purchase or view County Maps contact our GIS Staff or use the Online Data Request form.

GIS Department

18. May I install a outside basketball hoop in a Cul-de-Sac?

No, any permanent structure or object may not be placed within or overhanging the Right-of-Way.

19. Who do I contact about installing a decorative brick mailbox?

St. Joseph County does not allow brick mailboxes within the Right-of-Way, as it is a permanent structure. Residents may contact Public Works to help them determine where a brick mailbox may be safely installed.

20. What are the requirements for a block party, parade, or special event?

The Board of Commissioners will consider and approve all special event requests. Insurance is required. For more information and to submit a request, please call 574-235-7800.

Permits

21. Can I fill in my roadside swale or ditch?

No, roadside swales are necessary to maintain the transportation of water from the roadway to established drainage channels. In some cases, it is possible for residents to install a pipe to lessen the slope of a ditch. Public Works must approve the pipe installation. Residents must follow Public Works guidelines, and obtain a utility permit prior to performing the work.

22. Are there requirements for Over-sized Loads traveling in St. Joseph County?

Yes, over-sized loads require advance notice, and may require special assistance and/or bonding. For more information contact the Public Works Department:  574-235-7800.  

Permits

23. Who do I contact about water ponding by the road?

You may contact Public Works at 574-235-7800 and a staff member will be assigned to investigate the problem or you can fill out a Report a Concern.

24. Who do I call to report a pothole?

For potholes on city streets or county roads, you may contact the proper city or county maintenance department. The Highway Division maintains all county roads in unincorporated St. Joseph County and can be reached at 574-235-7800 or by filling out a Report a Concern.  State Roads, Interstates and U.S. Highways are maintained by INDOT.

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

25. What is the difference between a bridge and a culvert?

A bridge is a structure which span (distance over another facility) is greater than 20 feet. A culvert is a structure which span is less than or equal to 20 feet. Both bridges and culverts can vary in shape and material, which is determined by the most suitable condition.

26. Who do I contact about damaged sprinkler heads?

Sprinkler heads shall not be installed within the Right-of-Way. If damage has occurred, it is the responsibility of the owner to repair at their expense. The Right-of-Way varies for each road and can be determined by contacting Public Works at 574-235-7800.  

27. Who do I contact to get my driveway culvert replaced?

It is the responsibility of the home owner to maintain their driveway, including the culvert. A private contractor may be hired to complete this work. Any work completed within the Right-of-Way requires a permit and can be obtained through the Public Works Department.  

Permit

28. Who do I contact to remove a dead animal from the road?

You may contact the Highway Division to remove and properly dispose of a dead animal within the Right-of-Way at 574-235-7800, or fill out the report a concern form.

Report a Concern

29. How do I request additional snow plowing on my road?

The Highway Division makes every effort to provide the same level of service to all residents. If you believe additional snow plowing is required, you may contact the Highway Division or fill out the

Report a concern form.

Report a Concern

30. Who do I contact about mowing along the road?

The Highway Division is responsible for all mowing along County roads within the Right-of-Way. To request mowing along your road please contact the Highway Division or fill out the Report a concern form.

Report a Concern

31. How do I request a dead tree be removed?

The Highway Division can remove any tree, which is deemed unsafe to the traveling public, within the Right-of-Way. The Right-of-Way varies for each road and can be determined by contacting Public Works at 574-235-7800. If the tree is outside the Right-of-Way and on private property it is the responsibility of the home owner. To request someone to investigate, you may contact the Highway Division or fill out the Report a Concern form.

Report a Concern

32. What is a HAWK signal?

A HAWK signal stands for High-intensity Activated crossWalK. The signal is designed to aid pedestrians and bicyclist when crossing a street with high traffic volumes by alerting drivers to stop. 

DriveSafeMichiana.com

33. How do I drive in a roundabout?

As you approach a roundabout slow down and yield to pedestrians, bicyclist and vehicles. If there is no traffic in the roundabout you don't have to stop. If traffic is present, stop, wait for an opening and then enter. Proceed with care at your exit. If you happen to miss your exit, simply continue around. Please remember the vehicles circulating in the roundabout have the right-of-way.

DriveSafeMichiana.com