Engineering

The Division of Engineering oversees the development, expansion, construction management and inspection for all public works and capital improvement projects. These projects range from renovations of current city facilities, construction of new fire stations, installation of utilities, road reconstruction, streets, sewers and water main extensions as well as park, trail and riverfront upgrades for the My SB Parks & Trails Master Plan. Engineering manages the permits for construction in the public right-of-way and reviews plans and specifications for site plan development projects. The Division also establishes design and construction standards and specifications. Led by the City Engineer, the division is comprised of four assistant City engineers, director of long-term control plan, five project engineers, a construction manager, a permit manager, and three inspectors.

Downspout Disconnect Program

Downspout Disconnect Program Many older homes have downspouts, or pipes that direct rainwater from the roof of a building to…

2018 Lamppost Lighting Program

2018 Lamppost Lighting Program The City of South Bend’s Lamppost Lighting Program assists homeowners with lighting enhancements in their neighborhoods…

Sidewalk Concerns

Sidewalk Concerns Per Chapter 18, Article 3 of the South Bend Municipal Code, the maintanence and repair of curb and…

St. Joseph County Projects

St. Joseph County Projects Occasionally, construction projects occur within the City of South Bend that are not owned or overseen…

Design & Construction Standards & Prevailing Specifications for Public Works

View the Design & Construction Standards and Prevailing Specifications for Public Works document prior to bidding on City public works projects.

These standards and specifications have been prepared to establish consistent design elements and requirements for developers, contractors, utilities, and other private parties as well as for providing guidance for work within or affecting the City’s Right-of-Way. The standards and specifications were recently updated and approved by the Board of Public Works at the regular meeting on June 26, 2018. These documents have been updated to more closely align with criteria similar to surrounding local municipalities.

Right of Way Permits

Per Municipal Code – Chapter 18, Article 7, no contractor or subcontractor shall perform any work affecting the right-of-way, any City-owned utility system, or any other work or occupancy in the City right-of-way, whether or not the work is performed for the City, without first obtaining a BOND with the Department of Public Works for Occupancy, Excavation or Sidewalk/Street construction before commencing any work. Contact the Permit Office for the appropriate Bond Form.

Any use, restriction or excavation of the City Right-of-Way, such as streets, alleys and sidewalk areas, requires a permit by the bonded contractor. Permits are required prior to excavations, construction or occupancy that exceeds typical use in the Right-of-Way. Traffic control is required for any work that restricts, redirects or impedes travel in the Right-of-Way. Refer to MUTCD for traffic control guidelines and map examples to submit with your occupancy requests.

Right of Way Forms

Excavation Request
Traffic Control and Occupancy Request

New Construction and System Development Charges

For any new construction connecting to the City of South Bend Municipal Water and Sewer Works, System Development Charges (SDCs) will be collected at the time when an application for service is filed. The Utility Verification Form shall be completed and signed by the owner of the property. Refer to the Code of Ordinance for a full explanation of SDCs. For more information, contact the Permit Office at 574.235.9251.