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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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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
"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.
St. Joseph County Department of Public Works Design & Construction Standards
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
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.
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.
To purchase or view County Maps contact our GIS Staff or use the Online Data Request form.
No, any permanent structure or object may not be placed within or overhanging the Right-of-Way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
