The Division of Engineering oversees the development, design, 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 all potential new or redevelopment 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.
Our Services
2020 Lamppost Lighting Program
2020 Lamppost Lighting Program Who is eligible for the Lamppost Lighting Program?Is there a deadline to participate in the program?Do…
Engineering General Concern
Engineering General Concern What type of concerns fall under the Division of Engineering? Basement backupConstruction relatedDrainage issueLamp Post ProgramLighting issue…
Downspout Disconnect Program
Downspout Disconnect Program Many older homes have downspouts, or pipes that direct rainwater from the roof of a building to…
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 the Prevailing & Supplemental Specifications for Public Works documents prior to bidding on City 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.
Small Cell Standards
View the COSB Small Cell Standards for guidance on installing small cell wireless infrastructure on City owned infrastructure or within City Right-of-Way.
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 at 574.235.9251 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. Refer to the Municipal Code for right-of-way occupancy guidelines.
Right-of-Way Forms
Excavation Request
Long Term Occupancy Application
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.
Schedule of Permit Fees
Permitting and Engineering Review Fees
Checks made payable to “City of South Bend”
All Forms Available
Consent to Annexation – for Properties OUTSIDE City Limits Connecting to City Utilities (As of 7/1/2020, the Witness Certification form must be completed at the time the Annexation is notarized and have the Notary’s stamp and signature. This is a new change to the Indiana Code that went into effect on July 1, 2020.)
Curb Cut Application
Excavation Request
In-Lieu of Disconnect Commercial Property Application
Long Term Occupancy Application
Project Approval Form – for work in the right-of-way
Stormwater Discharge Permit Application
Traffic Control and Occupancy Request
Trucking and Oversize Loads
Utility Verification Form – for new connection to City utilities
