Building & Zoning

You can but past history has proven it is better to look at the City web site or call the Building Department to find out. 517.663.8118 ext. 8160

Yes, as long as it is your principal residence you can perform work on it without being licensed.You will still need to obtain a permit and have inspections performed.

Yes, in existing structures a minimum of one on every level and in the vicinity of the bedrooms.If you have a building permit for work you will be required to install them in the bedrooms also.

If you have a building permit, carbon monoxide detectors will be required in any home that has an attached garage and/or fuel fired appliances. They shall be placed adjacent to the bedrooms, adjacent to the garage entrance and adjacent to fuel fired appliances.

The address is required to be posted on the house visible from the street (not obstructed by trees or bushes) with a minimum of 4-inch-high numbers (contrasting in color from the house).If the house/business is not visible from the street then the numbers shall be posted on a post by the driveway to the building.

Fences less than 7 feet require a Zoning permit on any property and shall comply with ArticleXVIII, section 18.40. Fences over 7 feet will require a building permit. This includes replacement of an existing fence. All fences need an application and site plan showing the location of the fence to be installed submitted.

Yes, any structure under 200 square feet requires a Zoning permit and any structure above 200 square feet a Building permit. This includes all styles of buildings, permanent, vinyl covered structures, buildings brought in on a truck and metal buildings. There are ordinances on setbacks from the house, other buildings and lot lines that need to be complied with. A site plan showing the size of the building and the setbacks shall be submitted with the permit application in order to issue the permit. See Article XVIII, section 18.20 for the requirements.

Yes, the installation and roof deck (tear off) need to be inspected for compliance with the code. A maximum of two layers of roofing is permitted.

Yes, the Building code has many requirements for the installation of windows such as areas that need safety glazing in hazardous areas and egress requirements for bedrooms and basements.If you are creating anew opening or enlarging an existing opening then the new header will need to be inspected.

Yes, the siding/residing of buildings on the property has to comply with the building code requirements and has to be inspected when the job is complete.

Any pool with more than 24 inches of water in it is required to have a permit and comply with the building code and zoning ordinance for pools. The code also requires these pools to have a 48-inch barrier around it. The barrier is required for new and existing pools.

Yes, all of the framing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical will need to be inspected. If the basement does not contain an egress window then one will have to be installed.

If the work cost $600.00 or more for labor and materials then State Law requires your contractor to be licensed and insured. It is the contractor’s responsibility to obtain the permit(s).

Yes, the public sidewalk and driveway approaches have to meet the City specifications for width and thickness of the concrete. Driveway approaches shall be made of concrete and 6 inches thick; they cannot be asphalt.

Yes, signs have to comply with the Zoning ordinance for size, number of, location and height. They also have to comply with the Building code.

Yes, the proposed business is evaluated for Zoning district, parking, signage and various other items in the zoning ordinance. An inspection will be completed before the business opens to ensure compliance with the Building and Fire codes.

No, occupying a recreational vehicle is not allowed.

Yes, the new installation has to comply with the mechanical code.

Yes, the new installation has to comply with the plumbing code.

Only if it is in a fully enclosed building.

The ordinance allows two trailers on properties and only one of each type.

No, the ordinance only allows tractors on agricultural property.

No, the ordinance does not allow for these types of animals.

Two, the ordinance allows two dogs maximum.

They may be placed at the curb 6:00 pm the day before collection and removed by sunset the day of collection. They shall be stored 20 feet from the edge of the street or against the house whichever is less.

Yes, any structural items that are replaced will need to be permitted and inspected. If you are replacing only the top deck boards then no permit is needed.

Yes, only EGLE (State of Michigan) can approve construction in a flood zone. Once approved a building permit has to be issued and the project constructed to the code for flood zones.

Yes, the Health Department has to give approval before a building permit may be issued for a new structure.

Yes, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to call for all inspections.

No, no items can be placed in the City right of way without the City’s permission. The hoops also cause problems with the snow plows in the winter.