Apply for Temporary Occupancy of Right-of-Way

Step 1.Create a Citizen Access account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for our Temporary Occupancy Permit applications. If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application.

Step 2.Make sure you have time to apply

This application will take about 20 minutes once you've gathered the required information identified in the steps below.  You will be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time.

Step 3.Review the Requirements

The Temporary Occupancy Permit is required whenever a person or company wants to use a part of the public right-of-way for short-term private use. This include uses like:

• Dumpsters
• POD units
• Use for construction, equipment or material staging
• Safety buffers for crew and public safety (e.g. window washing overhead)

For ongoing use of the public right-of-way please see our Encroachment Permit process.

Step 4.Make sure you have all the required information

Before you apply, please make sure to have the following documents prepared:

1. Proof of Insurance: You will need to attach a certificate of insurance that names the City of Grand Rapids as additionally insured. Contact your homeowners or liability insurance agent for detail. To process the application, the Engineering department will require a certificate of insurance with a minimum of $500,000 liability, that names the City of Grand Rapids as additionally insured and has the project location called out.
2. Traffic Control Plan: Safety for our right-of-way users and your team is very important to us. You will need to provide a traffic control plan that shows how you will protect your work zone. Please contact us if you have any questions or you can see the Michigan Manual for Uniform Traffic Control for details.
3. Parking Meter Reservation: If there are parking meters within your road closure or job site, they will need to be reserved and hooded through the Mobile GR online application. 

NOTE: Traffic Control Plans are NOT required for dumpster and POD requests.

Step 5.Have your credit/debit card ready

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

Step 6.Apply online

Once you are ready, you can follow the link to our Citizens Access site to complete your application.

Apply Online in English

Step 7.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Step 1.Review the Requirements

The Temporary Occupancy Permit is required whenever a person or company wants to use a part of the public right-of-way for short-term private use. This include uses like:

• Dumpsters
• POD units
• Use for construction, equipment or material staging
• Safety buffers for crew and public safety (e.g. window washing overhead)

For ongoing use of the public right-of-way please see our Encroachment Permit process.

Step 2.Make sure you have all the required information

Before you apply, please make sure to have the following documents prepared:

1. Proof of Insurance: You will need to attach a certificate of insurance that names the City of Grand Rapids as additionally insured. Contact your homeowners or liability insurance agent for detail. To process the application, the Engineering department will require a certificate of insurance with a minimum of $500,000 liability, that names the City of Grand Rapids as additionally insured and has the project location called out.
2. Traffic Control Plan: Safety for our right-of-way users and your team is very important to us. You will need to provide a traffic control plan that shows how you will protect your work zone. Please contact us if you have any questions or you can see the Michigan Manual for Uniform Traffic Control for details.

NOTE: Traffic Control Plans are NOT required for dumpster and POD requests.

Step 3.Have your payment ready

For in person payments, we accept cash, check or money order, and Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Step 4.Come to our office and fill out an application

You'll find our address in the Contact Us section of this page.

Step 5.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.