Do You Need a Dumpster Permit in Saginaw, MI?
A city street use permit is generally not needed when the dumpster sits entirely on private property and outside the public right of way. Confirm the boundary if the spot is near the sidewalk or curb. If it goes in the street, an alley, or the grass strip by the curb, you need permission from the City of Saginaw first. A 2016 copy of the city code requires a written permit from the City Engineer to use a street or alley for temporary storage of materials. Call the Engineering Division at (989) 759 1410 before delivery.
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Driveway, Street, Alley, or Sidewalk: Quick Answer
| Where the dumpster sits | City permit needed? | What to do |
| Entirely on private property, outside the right of way | Generally no city street use permit | Confirm the boundary if near the sidewalk or curb; check landlord or neighborhood rules |
| Street in front of your home | Yes | Get a written permit from the City Engineer before delivery |
| Alley | Yes | Same permit; check width and overhead wires |
| Sidewalk or grass strip by the curb | City approval required | Placement may be restricted or refused to keep the sidewalk open for people walking |
| A state highway, such as M-13 or M-46 | Confirm with the road authority | Confirm the responsible road authority and required authorization before placement |
The City Rule, in Plain Words
Most residential streets in Saginaw have a public right of way 60 to 66 feet wide. It usually covers the street, curb, sidewalk, and the grass strip next to it. The city’s right of way guidance says no one may place objects in it or block access to it “without an encroachment permit or agreement from the City.”
A copy of the city code printed in 2016 spells out the street rule. Chapter 96, Section 96.04, says no one may use any part of a street or alley for the temporary storage of materials without a written permit from the City Engineer. A dumpster parked in the street to hold debris generally falls under that rule. That copy may not reflect current rules or fees, so the Engineering Division should confirm which permit applies to your address.
Residents also cannot claim private parking in the right of way, so a dumpster should never be used to save a parking spot.
How to Get a Street Permit in Saginaw
- Call the Engineering Division at (989) 759 1410, or the City Hall main line at (989) 399 1311, before you book delivery.
- Have your details ready: the address, where the dumpster will sit, its size (the 10 and 15 yard dumpsters are 12 to 14 feet long; the 20 yard and up are about 22 feet), and the delivery and pickup dates.
- Ask about the fee. The code copy we found lists a $25 fee for this permit, set in 2011. Confirm the current amount with the city.
- Ask how long the permit lasts and whether it can be extended if your project runs long.
- Keep the permit on hand until the dumpster is picked up.
Tell us your permit dates when you book, so delivery and pickup fall inside them. Delivery and pickup run Monday to Friday.
Barriers and Night Lights
The 2016 code copy states that barriers are required around materials stored in the right of way, and that yellow warning lights must be set out at evening twilight each day and kept lit overnight, following the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Confirm current permit conditions with the Engineering Division, and plan for cones or lights before the dumpster arrives.
State Highways Like M-13 and M-46
The city’s guidance says it controls the right of way on city streets but not on certain state highways, such as M-13 and M-46. State highways in Michigan are managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation. If your home or business sits on one of these roads, plan to keep the dumpster on your own lot. Confirm the responsible road authority and required authorization before placement.
Placement Tips That Skip the Street Permit
Dumpster Permit FAQs
Call to Plan Your Drop Spot
Not sure where your dumpster should go? Call (989) 831 9600. Tell us your address and your project, and we will help you pick a size that fits your driveway. See our dumpster prices and sizes guide and our residential dumpster rental page for more.