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Building and Code Enforcement Assessing/Tax/Utilities/Permits Online GENERAL INFORMATION Thank you for visiting our web site. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the many services provided through the Building Department. We would like your experience with our department to be a pleasant one, and we will be happy to assist you in any way we can. The Building Official is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Manager. The Building Department is located inside City Hall at 23200 Gratiot. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For any additional information not listed on these web pages, please call (586) 445-5010. MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY Mission Statement The Building Department's mission is to enforce the adopted codes regarding the construction and maintenance of buildings and structures in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Eastpointe. To this end, the Building Department will strive for excellence in educating its employees to provide quality inspections and customer service. Statement of Philosophy The purpose of the Building Department is to preserve the viability and stability of the business and residential districts and to prevent deterioration and blighting influences within the community. This directive greatly benefits both the business owners and the residents of the City of Eastpointe by ensuring that structures meet the minimum acceptable standards, and that businesses can operate in a profitable manner. By requiring clean, safe and structurally sound buildings and by promoting code compliant businesses, the Eastpointe business district will prove an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike. It is to the benefit of all to accommodate the requests of the Eastpointe Building Department and to support their efforts to ensure and protect your property investment. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Explanation of Boards BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS: Hears and decides appeals from the decision of a code official in reference to the Building Code. Only those aggrieved parties with material or definitive interest in the decision of the Building Official may appeal. The Appeals Board does not have the authority to waive or set aside a code requirement; rather it is intended to provide a means of reviewing a code official's decision on an interpretation or application of the code or to review the equivalency of protection to the code requirements. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS: Hears and decides appeals from the decision of the Building Official in reference to the Zoning Ordinance. In addition, the Zoning Appeals Board has authority to waive or set aside an ordinance requirement if they have a two-thirds majority in agreement with a decision. SIGN BOARD OF APPEALS: Hears and decides appeals to the provisions of the Sign Ordinance. In granting an appeal or variance from the provisions of the Sign Ordinance, the Board must follow strict criteria established by the ordinance. FENCE BOARD OF APPEALS: Hears and decides appeals to the provisions of the Fence Ordinance. In granting an appeal or variance from the provisions of the Fence Ordinance, the Board must follow strict criteria established by the ordinance. BOARD MEETING SCHEDULES Please refer to the below schedule when determining which governing body may be required to grant an approval, the timeline which accompanies the approval(s), the individuals you need to speak with in order to obtain approval, and other information as well.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT HOURS AND SERVICES
PERMIT HOURS: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING PERMITS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
All contractors must be registered with the City for the current year. Contractors are responsible for calling in all rough and final inspections. Homeowners are responsible for any permits obtained in their name. Mechanical permits are valid for one (1) year from date of purchase. The City of Eastpointe will be enforcing ENERGY CONSERVATION. You are obligated to call for insulation inspection along with all other required inspections. Electrical, heating and plumbing inspections will be called in by CONTRACTORS ONLY. If a homeowner pulled the permit, he/she will call in the inspections. ADDRESS AND PERMIT WILL BE POSTED AT ALL TIMES. THERE WILL NOT BE INSPECTIONS GIVEN UNLESS ADDRESS AND PERMIT NUMBER ARE POSTED. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS ARE:
All applications for a building permit shall be submitted with two (2) sets of plans. All plans are to be sealed for commercial building. All residential over 3500 square feet requires two (2) sets sealed plans. PERMITS ARE VALID FOR ONE (1) YEAR – PERMITS MAY BE RENEWED ONCE FOR A FEE OF 20% OF THE APPLICABLE FEE IN THE SCHEDULE. WORK ABANDONED FOR SIX (6) MONTHS WILL BE SUBJECT TO PERMIT CANCELLATION – NO REFUND AFTER SIX (6) MONTHS. All overtime inspections shall be requested in writing and are payable in advance at $35.00 per hour, per Inspector. Any inspection call backs shall be charged to the permit holder at a rate of $35.00 per inspection – paid prior to reinspection. Plan review fees shall be set at $70.00 for residential and 30 percent of the permit fees for commercial and industrial. Repeat permits or duplicate of identical projects under same ownership shall be exempt from Plan Review fees, unless changed after review. HOW BUILDING CODES HELP THE COMMUNITY What is a "Building Code"?
What is the Purpose of Building Codes?
What are the uses of Building Codes?
ADVICE TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY New Businesses:
Existing Businesses:
BUILDING INSPECTIONS Inspections are required after obtaining building,
electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits. There are four types of
building inspections required in new construction. They are footing
inspections, foundation inspections, framing/insulations inspections, and
final inspections. The electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections
consist of a rough-in inspection and a final inspection. There are other
types of inspections which vary due to types of construction. Inspections may be obtained by calling the Building
Department at 445-5010. In general, 24 hour notice is required for
inspections. If possible, when inspection requests are received between
8:30 and 9:30 a.m., the inspection may be made that morning. When
inspections are requested between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., the inspection
may be made that afternoon. If inspections are requested after 1:00 p.m.,
inspections will be made the following day. It is recommended that when requesting inspections, the
name of the contractor, the type of inspection, the permit number, and the
proper address be furnished to expedite the inspection process. After an inspection has been completed, a sticker will be left on the premises whether subject inspection was approved or disapproved. These stickers are usually placed in a central location. For more information, call 445-5010. BUSINESS OCCUPANCY PERMITS Certificates of Occupancy are required of businesses which are locating for the first time in Eastpointe, relocating or expanding. The permit is issued by the Eastpointe Building Department after certain requirements are met. To apply for an occupancy permit, visit the Building Department at City Hall. The application must be accompanied by a check for $100.00, payable to the City of Eastpointe. After the building inspector makes an inspection, he may require that additional inspections be conducted by the electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspector. Each additional inspection requires an additional $50.00. You will be advised, after inspection by the fire marshal and building inspector, whether all requirements of the premises have been met, and if not, what must be done to bring the property into compliance. The Building Department will notify the applicant if any problems exist. If there are no problems, you will be notified by telephone within approximately two weeks that the certificate of occupancy can be picked up from the Building Department in City Hall. Before a certificate can be released, you must apply for a city business license if the property is for commercial purposes. The Clerk's Office will help you determine the type of license and tax involved for each specific business. For additional information, call 445-5010. CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY A building subject to the Michigan State Building Code when erected shall not be used until a certificate of use and occupancy has been issued by the Building Official. According to City Code Section 1262.04, the Building Official has ten days to review requests for certificates of occupancy. Upon nearing completion of work, the developer/applicant must apply for a Certificate of Occupancy. No building may be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Developers or contractors must request occupancy from the Building Inspection Department for individual units or buildings. Requests must be made by Friday at 5:00 p.m. of each week to be processed the following week. Each request is initially reviewed by the Building Office to determine if all building inspections have been made. If the construction is completed in accordance with the code, and it satisfies the Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Planning and Engineering department specifications and requirements, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. Approximately one to two days is required for processing the certificate. For further information, please call the Building Department at 445-5010. CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS CONCERNS Throughout the year, construction projects are in progress in various locations within the City of Eastpointe. Although certain inconveniences are to be expected during any type of construction, there may be circumstances where construction debris or other concerns arise outside of the normal anticipated disruption. Should any concerns arise, the City's inspection staff should be notified at 445-5010, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., business days. Persons reporting construction concerns should provide City staff with name, address, telephone number, location of concern or problem area, and as much detailed information as possible. CONSTRUCTION PLANS REVIEW Plans must be submitted for all new commercial construction in the City of Eastpointe. Three complete sets of contract documents, which include contract specifications and building plans, must be submitted to the Building Department prior to the issuance of any permits. Additional sets of contract documents are needed when the proposed commercial construction will receive site plan approval through the Planning Commission or a variance through the Zoning Board of Appeals. A plans examination fee is required for review of commercial plans. This fee is in addition to the building permit fee upon approval of plans and issuance of the building permit. Site plan and landscape plans for commercial projects must also be approved prior to issuance of building permit. Both the City of Eastpointe sewer tap fee and the water tap fee must be paid prior to issuing permits. Normal commercial plans review takes ten to fourteen working days and one set of approved documents will be returned to the applicant. Questions involving commercial plans review may be answered by calling the Building Department at 445-5010. Plans must also be submitted for all new residential construction in the City. Two complete sets of plans must be submitted to the Building Department for all proposed detached or attached residential construction. The plans must include a typical wall section, foundation plan, and floor plan, as well as a survey and plot plan. There is a plans review fee of $50.00 (residential) $100.00 (commercial). No building permit will be issued without approval of plans. This requirement for residential plans also applies to other types of residential construction such as additions, decks, sheds, and garages. Normal residential plans review takes just a few days and one set of approved documents will be returned to the applicant. Questions involving residential plans review may be answered by calling the Building Department at 445-5010. Hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. DEMOLITION PERMITS DRIVEWAY PERMITS All sidewalk permits are issued by the Building Department. For more information, please call the Building Department at 445-5010. ELECTRICAL PERMITS An electrical permit or fee information may be obtained in the Building Department located in City Hall, at 23200 Gratiot; or for more information, call 445-5010, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. FENCES A building permit is required for the construction of a fence. The permit fee is $10.00 per $1,000 valuation with a minimum fee of $50.00. When obtaining a permit for a fence, the property owner must verify the cost of construction, type of material, and location of fence. The Building Department will also request land use information such as easements and setbacks for placement of fences. The Fence Ordinance regulates the height of fencing in single-family residential districts. Interior lots may have a four foot cyclone type fence on the side yard to the front of the house and across the rear lot line. On corner lots, the street side fence must be 18' in from the side lot line from the rear to the side door. Six foot high wood privacy fences are allowed with the neighbors' consent on the lot line with the fence post on the erectors side. The six foot fence may run from the rear of the house to the rear lot line and back to the rear of the house on the side lot line, unless the lot is on a corner. A privacy fence is not allowed on a corner lot unless erected on an interior lot line. For further information, call the Building Department at 445-5010. FIREPLACES A building permit is required for the construction of fireplaces. The permit fee is $10.00 per $1,000 valuation with a minimum fee of $50.00. A pre-fab fireplace must be installed in accordance with the manufacturers specifications, and it must be approved by a nationally recognized testing agency. A masonry fireplace must be constructed in accordance with the Building Code and construction handout provided by the Building Department. Other questions regarding fireplaces may be answered by calling the Building Department at 445-5010, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. GARAGE/YARD SALE PERMITS A permit must be obtained prior to holding any yard and/or garage sale. Permits are good for three consecutive days (Sunday included) and no more than two sales may be held within any 12 month period. The fee for the first permit is $1, and the second permit during the same year is $5. Permits may be obtained from the Building Department in City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The number to call is 445-5010. HOUSING COMPLAINTS Housing complaints relating to the exterior of a property or building are investigated by the Code Enforcement Division of the Building Department. Complaints may be initiated by calling 445-5010 so that a complaint form may be recorded. Your complaint will be investigated as to whether it is in violation of the City Property Maintenance Code. If you are in doubt as to the nature or type of complaint that you have, please call the Building Department at 445-5010 for assistance in any housing related matter. JUNK COMPLAINTS The Code Enforcement Division of the Building Department enforces Chapter 1840 of the City Code. This section of the code states that it is unlawful for any person to place or leave on any property in the city any dilapidated furniture, appliance, machinery, equipment, building material or other item, which is either in wholly or partially rusted, wrecked, junked, dismantled or inoperative condition and which is not completely enclosed within a building. Most junk violations are reported to this office via citizen concerns. If the inspector determines that a property is not in compliance with the code, a notice of violation is sent to the owner allowing ten (10) days to correct these violations. If violations are not corrected within the time allowed, the City may have the junk removed by a contractor, if the property is vacant. The case usually will be handled through court action if the property is occupied. If the work is contracted, the owner will be billed for the cost of the work. Failure to pay the bill will result in a lien being placed against the property. This ordinance does not apply to any licensed junk dealers or establishments engaged in the repair, rebuilding, reconditioning or salvaging of equipment. If you wish to make a complaint, please provide an accurate address for developed properties or a specific location description for vacant lots. For more information or to make a complaint, please call the Code Enforcement Division of the Building Department at 445-5010. OCCUPANCY STANDARDS The City of Eastpointe requires a Certificate of Occupancy be obtained for any of the following:
No occupancy of a building shall take place until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. In a case of undue hardship, the administrator may issue a temporary or partial Certificate of Occupancy good for a period of up to six months for any building or structure, provided that the administrator finds that the site development requirements are essentially complete, but that due to unavoidable delays, they cannot be entirely completed as required in a reasonable time. For more information on Certificates of Occupancy, call the Building Department at 445-5010. PLUMBING/DRAIN LAYING PERMITS Plumbing or drain laying permits are required for new construction, sewer repairs, plumbing repairs or replacements, hot water replacements, and fixture relocations. Plumbers and drain layers must be licensed by the State of Michigan and registered in the City of Eastpointe to obtain a Plumbing or Drain Laying permit. Plumbing permit or fee information may be obtained in the Building Department located at 23200 Gratiot, in City Hall, or by calling 445-5010, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. RESIDENTIAL RENTAL INSPECTIONS Inspections are required at least once every two years for all residential property rented or let to another person for occupancy of any dwelling unit, rooming unit, single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, multi-family dwelling, boarding home, rooming house, lodging house, tourist house or hotel. The residential rental inspections are intended to
maintain minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures,
equipment, and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating,
sanitation, protection from the elements, life safety, safety from fire
and other hazards, and for the safe and sanitary maintenance of rental
properties. Registration forms are mailed to all known rental property owners at least 30 days prior to rental inspection. Registration forms may be picked up any time at the Building Department Office at City Hall. Questions regarding the Residential Rental Inspection Program may be directed to the Building Department by calling 445-5054 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. REZONING PROCESS A rezoning is required in order to change the uses legally allowed upon a piece of property. Rezoning applications are made to the Planning Commission, which evaluates them and makes recommendations to the City Council. The Planning Commission conducts a public hearing on each rezoning application and recommends either approval or denial to City Council. City Council also holds a public hearing and must vote on a rezoning request on two separate occasions before a change becomes effective. For more information on the rezoning process, contact the Building Department located at 23200 Gratiot, in City Hall, or by calling 445-5010, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. RODENT CONTROL To maintain public health in the City, the code enforcement officer may inspect your property and require you to remove suspected or potential rodent harborages. The inspector will require that your garbage be stored in 20 to 30 gallon cans with lids, that your firewood or lumber be stored at least 18 inches off the ground, and that your yard be neat and orderly. To control rats, the inspector may place bait stations in your neighborhood. To report rodent harborages in your neighborhood or to request that rat bait stations be placed in your neighborhood, please call 445-5010. SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM Sidewalk maintenance is important for safety, appearance and value. The city replaces damaged and unsafe sidewalks and driveway approaches to provide a safe and uniform for you and your neighbors. The replacement program is done over a period of 10 years, meaning all City properties are inspected 1 time over a ten year period. The City sidewalk inspector marks all the slabs of concrete determined to be unsafe and sends a written unit estimate to the property owner. The City contracts with a concrete contractor to do the replacement unless the property owner decides upon receiving a notice that they want to either do the work themselves or hire their own contractor. If you take on the responsibility you must purchase a permit for the work by the time the City Contractor is in the area. SIGN ORDINANCE If you have questions or comments on signage, please call the Building Department at 445-5010, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. STORAGE SHEDS A building permit is required for any storage shed over 100 square feet in area. To obtain a building permit, please come to the Building Department in City Hall and bring a site plan showing lot size, all existing buildings and their distances from the property lines, the location of the proposed construction, as well as two sets of building plans. Storage sheds are not allowed in a front setback. All sheds must meet setback requirements of 3 feet off a lot line and 10 feet separation from the house. If you have questions regarding the construction of a storage shed, please call the Building Inspection Division at 445-5010. If you have questions pertaining to setback requirements, or if you wish to report a violation, please call Code Enforcement at 445-5010. SWIMMING POOL/HOT TUB PERMITS A building permit is required for all above ground and inground swimming pools and hot tubs containing more than 2' of water. A portable spa that simply plugs in does not require a permit. An electrical permit is required where grounding or additional circuits are installed. All outside pools and hot tubs must be located within a fenced yard with a lockable gate. If a privacy fence is placed beside a pool the fence shall meet the sideyard setback requirement for the main building, which is usually a four foot minimum. The pool/hot tub contractor or homeowner may obtain a permit by bringing a copy of the property's physical survey to the Building Department, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The fee is based on the cost of the pool/hot tub. For further information, please call 445-5010. USE PERMITS/VARIANCES Special Use Permit and Variance applications are available in the Building Department. The Special Use Permit process permits specific land uses in zoning districts under a set of conditions which provide adequate protection to adjacent properties. Special Use Permits are reviewed and evaluated by the Planning Commission prior to consideration by City Council. The fee for Use Permit application for Planning Commission review is $400.00. A Variance may be requested when a property owner feels as though a strict application of the Zoning Ordinance would effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict the use of the property. A request for a Variance should not represent a special privilege or a change in land use. The Building Department staff reviews the application and forwards a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals which approves, denies, or defers each Variance application. The fee for Variance Applications is $300.00., Multiple variances $400.00. For further details, call the Building Department at 445-5010. WEED CONTROL PROGRAM Noxious weeds and grass are required to be kept 6 inches or less in height from April through October. This is necessary to prevent unhealthy and unsafe conditions which may encourage or foster insect, noxious weed, and/or rodent infestation. Violators are notified by mail, (2 days in advance of the City Contractor cutting the weeds at the cost of the property owner. The cost is $50 for actual labor and a $100 administration fee. The property owner receives only one notification per season. Pictures are taken with a visual gauge to demonstrate the actual violation. The building department maintains a picture file to substantiate proof of a violation. ZONING ORDINANCE The city's Zoning Ordinance controls the location, size, and height of structures such as fences, buildings, garages and additions to houses. The Zoning Ordinance also controls what you can do in different parts of the city. For example, you cannot conduct a commercial business in a residential area, except under certain conditions. If you think someone may be violating the Zoning Ordinance, or is planning to do so, or if you have a question about the ordinance, call 445-5010. The Zoning Ordinance is designed to protect city residents, their homes and businesses from conflicting activities nearby. ZONING REQUEST AND REVIEW PROCEDURES An application along with the required fee for a variance or special exception must be submitted to the Building Department staff along with a site plan and a statement of the unusual circumstance or unique physical characteristics such as exceptional narrowness, shallowness, size or topographic conditions of the property. The Building Department and other staff representatives will then make a review of the request. An on-site inspection will be made and photographs taken. Staff analysis and recommendation will be prepared and submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Notice will be sent to all adjacent property owners, of the public hearing time. All interested parties will be allowed to speak at the public hearing. At this time, after hearing all testimony, the board will vote on the request. The Board may approve the request with or without conditions, or deny the request, or defer the hearing pending further information. If you have questions concerning this process, please call the Building Department at 445-5010. Frequently Asked Questions |
 | Porch (trench footing and sand) |
| Shed greater than 10' x 10' in size (open trench and ratwall) |
| Driveway (before pouring) |
| Garage (open trench, ratwall, slab and footing) |
| Deck (footing or post holes) |
| Pool (large pools need footing inspections per specs, and open trench for electrical only) |
| Patio (open sand) |
| Remodeling/New House (open wall and insulation) |
| Dormer (footing and ratwall) |
What type of inspections can be done without someone being there?
| Driveway (final) |
| Roof (leave card in door) |
| Shed (no dogs so Inspector can get in yard) |
| Pool (no dogs so Inspector can get in yard) |
| Garage (no dogs so Inspector can get in yard) |
| Roughs on roof and garage |
What is required for a new house before a building permit can be issued?
What is required before a building permit can be issued for a demolition?
How many vents are required for glass block windows?
Vents not required unless basement is occupiable (recreation room). Fifty percent should be vented (four vents).
Is a building permit required for glass block windows?
Yes, a permit is needed.
Is a permit required for a driveway?
Total driveway - need a permit
50% or less of driveway - no permit is required, but drainage for storm water should be discussed with the Building Inspector.
How thick should a residential driveway be?
Four inches with a four inch compact base material, i.e. sand or crushed concrete.
How thick must a commercial driveway be?
Six inches.
How high is grass allowed to be?
Six inches.
Where should a handicap sign be placed on a building?
6 feet 8 inches from bottom.
Is a permit required to replace a concrete porch cap?
No permit required.
What size recreational vehicle can be parked on private property?
There is no maximum allowable length, but it must be owned by the occupant, and parked on private property. Any recreational vehicle shall be parked or stored in the rear or side yard, provided that a minimum of three feet of side or rear yard is maintained.
Is a permit required for a shed?
Any shed that is greater than 100 sq. ft. (10' x 10') or more, requires a Building Permit. A ratwall and compliance with setbacks are required on sheds of any size.
Can an air conditioning unit be put on the side of the house?
Only if the applicant has written permission from the adjacent neighbor. Permission may be waived if the unit is placed on a corner lot and the adjacent neighbor would be across the street.
Do you need a permit to change the face on a pole sign?
Yes, a permit is required.
Are barb wired fences allowed?
No.
What size fences are allowed on commercial and residential property?
For commercial properties, a six foot high fence is allowed.
For residential properties, a four foot chain link fence or six foot privacy fence is permitted.
Is fabric weave allowed in cyclone fences?
No.
How far away from the lot line must a fence that is around a pool be?
Four feet from lot line. Place around pool with self closing or permanent locking gate.
How far must a pool screening fence be from the pools edge?
Four feet from pool edge. Must have a four foot fence around yard.
How many plans are submitted for a fire suppression system?
Three plans are submitted, one will go to the Fire Department. A mechanical permit is required.
What is the required handrail height in a residential structure?
30 to 38 inches.
What is the minimum guardrail height?
36 inches.
What are the requirements for egress bedroom windows?
Open to 20 inches wide, 24 inches high and no more than 44 inches from floor. Shall have 5.7 sq. ft. of openable area. Note: 20 inch x 24 inch opening will not equal 5.7 sq. ft.
Is an electrical permit required for burglar alarms?
When tying into an existing circuit, a permit is not required. Adding a new circuit, a permit is required.
Is a permit required to repair a sewer line?
A permit is required to repair a sewer line. The Eastpointe Water Department does the inspection which is scheduled through the Building Department.
Is a permit required to replace a sewer line?
Yes, a permit is required.
What are the sidewalk fees?
10 cents per lineal foot ($5.00 minimum permit fee)
1 square = 5 ft. (.50)
2 squares = 10 ft. (1.00)Curb Cut - $10.00
Residential approach - $5.00
Commercial or double wide approach - $10.00Contractor must register license (Builders License or Maintenance & Alteration License) with the Building Department. Must have a $2,500.00 sidewalk bond to pull a permit.
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