Not sure who is responsible for the sidewalk in front of your Holt home, or what you can do in the public right of way? You are not alone. Sidewalks and rights of way touch safety, liability, and permits, which makes clear answers important for daily life and resale value. In this guide, you will learn who maintains what, how snow and trip hazards are handled, and the steps to stay compliant in Delhi Charter Township. Let’s dive in.
What counts as the right of way in Holt
In Holt, most streets fall under Delhi Charter Township, Ingham County Road Commission, or the State of Michigan. The roadway agency and the sidewalk duty are not always the same. Local municipalities commonly retain sidewalk responsibility even along county or state roads. You can review local jurisdiction context in Delhi’s code resources and confirm which agency controls your street segment. Review the local code reference.
Who maintains sidewalks in Delhi Charter Township
Delhi Charter Township treats sidewalk installation and maintenance as primarily the adjacent property owner’s responsibility. The township enforces a sidewalk ordinance, requires sidewalks with new development, and has used limited funds for targeted repairs and ADA ramp upgrades. See the township’s owner‑responsibility summary.
Installation and repair programs
Delhi has historically offered opt‑in, limited 50-50 cost share programs when funding was available. These programs help owners complete repairs or replacements on a scheduled basis. Program details and timelines change, so contact the township for current nomination forms and guidance. Check the township’s program notice and contacts.
Snow and ice removal expectations
Property owners or occupants are expected to clear adjacent sidewalks after snowfall. Township materials and local reporting reference a defined removal window, and the township may clear and bill owners if sidewalks remain uncleared under enforcement procedures. Always confirm the current deadline and penalties in the ordinance or with staff. Review the township communication and local snow responsibility overview.
Township, county, and state roads: what changes
- Township streets: Delhi often manages the roadway, while sidewalk duty remains with adjacent owners under local ordinance.
- County roads: The Ingham County Road Commission controls the roadway. Sidewalks along county roads are commonly still a local or owner duty. Permits are required for work in the county right of way.
- State trunklines: MDOT maintains the roadway, but MDOT agreements usually exclude sidewalks from routine snow removal and maintenance unless a special agreement exists. See an example of MDOT’s sidewalk exclusion. Confirm sidewalk responsibility with Delhi if you live along a state route.
For legal definitions and the authority local governments use to assign sidewalk duties, see Michigan statute resources. Read the state definitions and framework.
Permits and standards before you repair
Permits for work in the right of way
Replacing, repairing, or building a sidewalk that touches the public right of way typically requires a township permit. If your sidewalk fronts a county road or a state trunkline, you may also need a permit from the road agency. State guidance outlines how counties manage permit fees and conditions for work in the right of way. Review the state permit analysis.
Accessibility and ADA basics
When you replace or regrade, plan for accessibility. Federal guidance for public rights of way sets minimum clear widths and curb ramp standards that local governments use as a baseline. You should aim for a minimum 36-inch clear walking surface and follow curb ramp, slope, and detectable warning requirements. Many communities recommend 48 to 60 inches where feasible for comfortable passing. Use Delhi’s specs as the final word for your project. Read PROWAG and ADA guidance.
Common issues and who pays
Tree roots and freeze-thaw cycles often cause heaving or cracking. Many Michigan municipalities, including Delhi, make the adjacent owner responsible for maintenance even when street trees contribute to damage. Delhi has used opt‑in cost share programs and separate budgets for ADA ramp upgrades to reduce owner costs, but eligibility varies. See Delhi’s program overview.
If the township orders a repair and you do not act, local procedures allow the township to complete the work and recover costs, often through billing or special assessment. Review Michigan’s municipal assessment authority.
A quick Holt homeowner checklist
- Identify your road type and who maintains the roadway. If unsure, call Delhi Township Public Works to confirm jurisdiction.
- Read the township’s sidewalk information and ask about current cost share programs or schedules.
- Document any defect with photos and location. Report it to Delhi Township to create a record.
- Confirm permits before hiring a contractor, especially if your sidewalk touches a county or state road.
- Clear snow and ice within the township’s current timeline. Report uncleared sidewalks to code enforcement if needed.
- Upgrade curb ramps and crossings to ADA standards when you repair for safety and potential program eligibility.
Buying or selling in Holt: what to watch
Sidewalks affect both safety and value. As a buyer, look for trip hazards, ponding, or steep driveway approaches that may require repair or permits. As a seller, bring sidewalks and curb ramps up to standard to avoid last-minute issues and improve curb appeal. If the property fronts a county road or state trunkline, build a little extra time into your plan for any needed permits.
If you are planning a renovation, addition, or new build, factor sidewalk work into your timeline and budget. A construction‑aware agent can help you coordinate specs, permits, and vendors so your sale or purchase stays on track.
Ready to talk through your property plan in Holt? Reach out to Nicole Giguere for construction‑informed guidance on building, buying, or selling in Greater Lansing.
FAQs
Who clears snow from sidewalks in Holt, Michigan?
- Property owners or occupants are expected to clear adjacent sidewalks, and the township can clear and bill if sidewalks remain uncleared under enforcement procedures. See the township summary and local overview.
Are sidewalks along state highways in Holt maintained by MDOT?
- Usually no, because MDOT agreements commonly exclude sidewalks from routine snow removal and maintenance unless a special agreement exists, so confirm with Delhi Township for sidewalks along trunklines. Review the MDOT exclusion example.
Do I need a permit to replace my sidewalk in Holt?
- Yes, you typically need a township permit, and if the sidewalk touches a county or state road you may also need a right‑of‑way permit from the road agency. See state guidance on county ROW permits.
What sidewalk width meets accessibility guidance when I replace panels?
- Federal guidance uses a 36-inch clear minimum, with 48 to 60 inches recommended where feasible, plus required curb ramp slopes and detectable warnings as specified. Read PROWAG basics.
Who pays if tree roots lift my sidewalk in Holt?
- Many Michigan communities still place maintenance on the adjacent property owner, and Delhi has used opt‑in cost share programs when funding allows, so check current program rules with the township. See Delhi’s program information.
