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BUILDING DEPARTMENT SERVICES

General Information | Permits | Permit FAQ's | Inspections

 

General Information
The primary responsibility of the Building Department is the enforcement of construction codes relating to building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work. The City has adopted the State of Michigan Construction Code.

The enforcement of the Construction Code is carried out to protect the safety and welfare of the public. The City, by enforcing these codes, is acting to assure safe construction.

Permits are required for just about any type of alteration, addition and new work. If you're not sure if you need a permit, call and we will help you! Examples would be renovations, demolitions, roof repairs or replacements, decks, swimming pools, sheds, fences, business signs and awnings, commercial occupancies and other related activities.

Inspectors are part-time. Inspections are normally done as follows:

With the exception of the Building Inspector, our inspectors do not have office hours. All inspection requests are taken by the building clerk and scheduled for the appropriate inspector. Questions are also forwarded to the appropriate inspector.

Whenever there is a change of ownership of a business, or a change of occupants, an Occupancy permit is required. It is the responsibility of the property owner or tenant of the property to obtain this permit prior to occupying the building and opening a business.

Building codes have been around since the Babylonian Empire around the year 2,000 B.C. The Roman Empire also realized the importance of building codes for public places after the collapse of an amphitheater that killed or injured approximately 50,000 people in 27 A.D. Unfortunately for the Romans, only 37 years later Rome burned down. Cause of the fire has created many historical debates, but the poorly constructed buildings were probably part of the problem.

In 1189, London, England's mayor promoted the use of building codes that regulated the method of building party walls with stone and their use. This type of wall acted as fireproof material. Unfortunately, it is unknown as to what degree these codes were followed. In 1212, a fire broke out in London that caused partial destruction to the city. And in 1666, there was the great fire that burned out of control for five days and caused partial destruction to some 15,000 buildings. Because of the fire another building code was written but was out of date as soon as it was written. By the time Parliament acted on this code, London was already under reconstruction which went unregulated as there was no effective enforcement of any codes.

In the United States, there was the Chicago fire of 1871 which lasted almost two days, killed 250 people, destroyed 17,000 buildings and left 100,000 people homeless. The city enacted a building code and fire prevention code in 1875.

Throughout history, the adoption of building codes came as a last step instead of the first. That is why it is so important for the enforcement of building codes to avoid tragedies like those in the past.

 

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Permit Process

Call or Visit your local building department.
Be prepared. You will be asked what you are planning to do, the address, and how the work is to be done. These answers will determine what type and kind of application will be used. This should also provide you with the information needed to make your project a success and to avoid potential problems which could cost you time and money. An application checklist will be provided to assist you in filling out the application.

Submit an Application and Site Plan.
The application provides the building department information about the construction project you are doing. You will need to provide WHO will perform the work, WHAT work will be done, WHERE the work will be done, HOW the work will be done, WHEN the work will be done and a list of supplies that will be used. Drawings, plans or sketches of the proposed work will have to be submitted for review.

Review Time.
The majority of applications submitted are processed in a day. Building permits may take longer - 7 to 10 days - as they must be reviewed by the Building Official and the Zoning Official. Some plans may need to be reviewed by the City's Planners and/or Engineers and Planning Commission. The time frame for this review will be discussed when the application is submitted.

Issuing a Permit.
No work may be started until a permit is issued. This rule is for your protection as well as to ensure the City that the work complies with applicable city ordinances. Fees and/or bonds will be paid at the time of the issuance of the permit. Additional fees for hook-ups to water and sewer lines will also be paid at the time of issuance of a permit.

Posting the Permit.
You are required to post your building permit in a window or other prominent place at the construction site. All lots under construction must be clearly marked with the lot number and the address of the property before any inspections will be made. Addresses can be posted on the lot (not in the City's right of way), or on the building. You are also required to keep a copy of the building plans at the site and notify the Building Department of any proposed changes. Changes may require a review and approval the same as the original application.

Inspections.
The City requires certain phases of construction to be inspected by the City Inspectors to make sure the work conforms to the codes adopted by the City. This is explained more fully in the INSPECTIONS section.

Certificate of Occupancy.
When all inspections have been approved and finaled by each of the City Inspectors, you will be issued a certificate of occupancy for new homes or new businesses. This certificate marks the completion of your construction project and gives you permission to occupy the building. If a building bond had been paid with the permit, it would be refunded at this time.

For further information, please contact the building department at 586-727-7571.102, or email buildingclerk@comcast.net.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's
Do I Need a Permit...?

If I am having a new roof put on?
We advise those with this question to file an application. If a permit is not needed, no fee will be charged.

If I am having new windows and doors installed?
As long as the windows or doors are replacement with no changes made to the opening, then no.

To put up one of those wood/aluminum sheds I bought at the lumber yard?
Yes, our ordinance requires a rat wall and cement floor.

To move into the store I just leased?
Yes, an application must be filed for the use to be approved prior to any occupancy inspections performed by the inspectors.

For the electrical wiring I want to do in my house or attached garage?
Yes, electrical inspections are needed to make sure the work is safe.

For minor repairs in my home?
Depends on the kind of repairs. Call for additional information.

To put up a fence?
Yes. Any type of fencing, no matter how long, needs a permit.

To repair the rotted wood on my porch?
Probably not, as long as no structure changes or additions are being made.

To put in a new bathroom?
Yes, plumbing and electrical inspections are needed to ensure safety.

To put a light or garage door opener in my detached garage?
Yes, wires going in a trench need to be inspected prior to filling in the trench. Any electricity to the garage/shed must meet code for your protection.

To attach an aluminum porch?
Yes. Even though some of these structures are sold as being "temporary", anything attached to your house or even located on your lot must be on some kind of footing and meet the minimum building codes.

To do minor work in my store?
State laws require a contractor to pull the permits and do the work in any location other than your single family home. An individual may not apply for the permit for work in this situation. This is for your protection as well as your customers or renters.

 

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Inspections
Inspections are necessary to make certain the work performed by the individual or contractor conforms to the codes adopted by the City.

The person who filed for the permit is responsible for request of each inspection. Normally, 24 hours advance notice is required. If the work is not completed at inspection time, a re-inspection fee will be charged.

Typical inspections for any type of new construction could be:

Building - footing, foundation/backfill, peastone/vapor barrier, garage/porch footing, garage sand, rough, insulation, final

Electrical - rough, final

Mechanical - fireplace rough, heat/air rough, final

Plumbing - underground, rough, final

Any additional inspections would be determined by the inspector. The building inspector has the right to make additional on-site inspections as he deems appropriate.

All other trades must have their rough and final inspections approved before the building rough and final inspections will be done.

Other kinds of inspections depend on the type of work.

Fences - post holes, final

Signs - electrical sign specialist - final, building - final

Accessory buildings/sheds - footings, final

Reoccupancy for commercial - final

Decks - post holes, final

The building permit must be posted in order for each inspector to have access to it.

 

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This page was last updated by on 04/15/07 01:09 PM.  Copyright © 2003 City of Richmond, Michigan.