Building Department Permits and Inspections

PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS, SUMMIT TOWNSHIP BUILDING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT
TELEPHONE: (517) 788-4116
FAX NUMBER: (517) 783-2552

CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL: JOSEPH M. SMITH, EXT. 257

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: JOHN C. WORDEN, EXT. 240

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS

This information has been produced by the Building & Zoning Department to inform the public about what information is required, and the procedures that must be followed when making application for a permit. It also outlines the procedures, requirements and the times during construction when inspections are necessary. To the best of our knowledge and belief, all information contained in this booklet was accurate and correct at the time of publication.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE!

As a building permit holder, you are responsible for having the knowledge of all the appropriate and other related codes for the project you plan to undertake. The Building & Zoning Department's responsibility is to inspect your work and verify its compliance with the code. Inspectors cannot tell you how to do the work or solve problems with the construction, electrical wiring, plumbing or mechanical systems. Inspectors will answer any specific code questions and tell you if what you have done or propose to do will meet the appropriate code. It is not the inspector's responsibility to inform you of all the applicable building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing codes for your project. YOU MUST BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE CODES AND IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MEET THOSE REQUIREMENTS.

If you do not know the codes, it may be beneficial for you to hire a licensed contractor to perform the work. This may prevent expensive mistakes or loss of time. Please note that when signing A PERMIT APPLICATION you are signing a statement indicating that you know the code requirements and laws relating to the project you propose to undertake.

All building permits are required to have periodic inspections. If the project is not started and you do not have an inspection within six (6) months, your permit may be canceled. If, after your project is started, it is stopped for any reason for more than six (6) months, your permit may be canceled.

All mechanical permits are required to have periodic inspections. If the project is not started and you do not have an inspection within six (6) months, your permit may be canceled. All equipment for which a permit has been issued will be inspected and approved. Any portion of equipment that is intended to be concealed by any permanent portion of the structure will not be concealed until it has been inspected and approved. Equipment will not be put into normal operation until it has had a final inspection and been approved. The only exception is replacement equipment. Replacement equipment may be installed before a permit has been issued, but an application for a permit and a request for an inspection must be made within two (2) days after the equipment has been installed or before it is to be concealed.

The information we request at the time of application for a permit is required by law under the Michigan Construction Code Act (M.C.L.A. 125.1523). We are required to keep this information, and all other pertinent documents (including inspection notices) in the Township's possession for as long as the building or structure stands

An application for a permit may be made Monday through Friday (except legal holidays) at the Building & Zoning Department Office at 2121 Ferguson Rd., Jackson, Michigan 49203 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

The Building & Zoning Department requires all inspections to be scheduled by the Permit Holder and the request must include the permit number, permit holder's name, and the address of the construction site. It must also include a telephone number where the permit holder may be reached during inspection hours.

If you wish to schedule an inspection through our fax line, you must provide the following information: The permit number, the name of the permit holder, the address of the construction site, whether it is a building or mechanical inspection and the type of inspection you are requesting, such as footing, frame, rough, etc., and a telephone number where the permit holder may be reached during inspection hours. (If you do not provide all of the required information, the inspection request will not be honored.) These inspections will be placed in the next available slot. It is also important that you designate one person to call for all inspections, this will help avoid duplicate inspections.

Most inspections will be completed within two (2) business days after the request is received. During abnormally busy times of the year, the inspection time could be up to four (4) business days.

After an inspection is completed, the inspector will mark the back of the posted permit at the job site indicating the status of the inspection and whether or not any corrections need to be made. The Michigan Construction Code requires that this department keep a copy of all inspection records with the permit file. If an inspection is conducted and the inspector determines that corrections will need to be made or additional work needs to be performed, the permit holder will be responsible for all corrections or additional work and for scheduling a re-inspection. Re-inspection requests will be scheduled like any other inspection request.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS REQUIRED (IN WRITING) FOR A BUILDING PERMIT:

1. A proper and completely filled out application, provided by this department:

A site should be drawn on the back of the permit application showing the location of the building on the lot, showing all setbacks from the lot lines (sides and rear), and the distance from the center of the road and the distance from any other buildings.

Permits will be issued by the Building Official within 48 hours.

Payment must be made at the time the permit is issued.

Permits must be posted so as to be visible from the road

Place house numbers as soon as possible.

NOTE: If the homeowner takes out the permit and is not doing the work, be aware that he or she is breaking the law. He or she is assuming responsibility for construction and if anything goes wrong, the ONLY person the Township can hold responsible is the "Permit Holder."

2. Sewer and water tap fees must be paid in full if sewer connection is available. If a septic and/or well permit is required, the Jackson County Health Department (517-788-4420) will issue the permits which this department will review.

3. If you are changing the use or installing a new driveway, you will need a driveway permit from the Jackson County Road Commission (517-788-4230) or state authority having jurisdiction over the road right-of-way.

4. If the construction site is close to a county drain, including waterway, a permit may by required from the Jackson County (517-768-6705) Soils & Sedimentation Division.

5. A Scaled site plan showing property lines (with dimensions). Show the exact location and dimensions of all building(s) (existing and proposed) and their distance from each property line and each other. The plan will give the distance from one scale of the drawing (any acceptable engineering scale) and North will always be shown at the top of the sheet.

6. Two copies of the building plans. The plans will give proper dimensions and be drawn to Scale (1/8" or 1/4" per foot ONLY). The plans will include a floor plan of each floor giving room sizes and uses, rear, and all sides and front elevations, and at least one (1) foundation-wall-roof cross section. Drawings for commercial and industrial buildings are required by law to be sealed by either a Professional Engineer or Architect registered in the State of Michigan. Commercial and industrial buildings may require more detailed drawings.

7. All persons making application for a building permit for a commercial or industrial building that may require SPECIAL INSPECTIONS under Section 1705 of the Michigan Construction Code, must also submit the following:

A. A list of all materials and/or duties that may require special inspections.

B. A summary of all inspections to be performed.

C. The names of all agencies and individuals that will be performing the special inspections. You must also supply a resume describing the agencies and special inspector's credentials.

8. A copy of the legal description of the parcel and a property code number. If the property is a recent split, you will also need to provide a copy of a certified, recorded boundary line survey and a recorded deed or land contract showing proof of ownership. The survey must show the original parcel and all new splits must be approved IN ADVANCE by the Jackson County Health Department and Summit Township.

9. A letter from the deed holder giving consent to start construction if the applicant is not the deed holder of the property on which the construction will take place.

10. A copy of a signed contract between the applicant and a licensed contractor if the contractor is making application for the permit, or if the owner makes application and designates a contractor.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS REQUIRED (IN WRITING) FOR A MECHANICAL PERMIT:

1. A proper and completely filled out application, supplied by this department. Under state law, the only person that can make application for a mechanical permit is the person that is actually going to do the work; for example:

A. Homeowners that are going to do the work themselves on their own single family dwelling. A homeowner may not take out a permit if they hire a contractor.

B. A Licensed Mechanical Contractor registered with the State that has been hired by the homeowner or general contractor to do work on the owner's property.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At the time an application is made or before the building permit has been issued, the Building & Zoning Department may inform the permit applicant that additional permits or information will be required from other governmental agencies. Electrical and Mechanical permits are also issued by the Building and Zoning Department. Plumbing permit applications may be obtained from the Summit Township Office, however, the permit is issued through the State of Michigan.

ASSIGNMENT OF ADDRESSES: All addresses for Summit Township are issued by CONSUMERS ENERGY. To contact them about an address you may call them at: 1-800-477-5050

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Primary Structures

Footings:
House - 42 inches deep
Attached Garage - 42 inches deep
Detached Garage - 400 sq. ft. and over require 42 inch deep footings. Structure may be placed to within 5 feet of the rear and 5 feet of the side property lines.
New Homes: Minimum Square Footage - 750 (for 1 & 2 bedroom homes)
Minimum Building Width - 20 feet
Attached to a permanent perimeter foundation.
Ceiling Height - 7 feet minimum
Any habitable space provided in a basement would require an egress window.

ONLY ONE PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE PER PARCEL (ONE HOME PER LOT).

ACCESSORY STRUCTURES:

Residential Structures - NO ACCESSORY STRUCTURE WITHOUT A PRIMARY STRUCTURE.

Building Height:

Residential Zoning District - 14 feet

Agricultural Zoning District - 80 feet

SHED: Any structure 200 sq. ft. and under DOES NOT REQUIRE A BUILDING PERMIT, but must follow zoning setback requirements. Any structure 201 sq. ft. and over does require a permit.

THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES MUST BE USED WHEN CALLING FOR AN INSPECTION:

Inspections may be scheduled by calling the Building & Zoning Department at (517) 788-4116 ext. 257 or 236, Monday through Friday. The office will be open between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. to schedule any appointments. To personally talk to the inspector the office hours are between 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M.

The Building & Zoning Department requires all inspections to be scheduled by the PERMIT HOLDER and the request must include the permit number, permit holder's name, the address of the construction site, and a telephone number where the permit holder may be reached during inspection hours. Most inspections will be completed within two (2) business days after the request is received. During abnormally busy times of the year the inspection time could be up to four (4) business days.

Cancellation of an inspection must be made NO LATER THAN 9:00 A.M. on the date of the scheduled inspection.

All requests for inspections will be scheduled Monday through Friday, for either a morning or afternoon ONLY. NO SPECIFIC TIMES WILL SCHEDULED OR PROMISED. You must wait for the inspector to complete the inspection before you continue work. Any work that has not been inspected and has been concealed will not be approved.

If access roads and/or driveways are not passable, because of the weather or other conditions, you must tell us at the time the inspection is requested. PLEASE IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SCHEDULE YOUR INSPECTIONS WHEN YOU SCHEDULE THE WORK!

An approved inspection must be obtained from this department by the PERMIT HOLDER for one or more of the following:

FOOTING: (Concrete & Poly-Steel)

This inspection must be obtained prior to pouring any concrete. All required forms and reinforcing rods must be in place (this includes all footings for porches, garages, etc.). All water must be removed from the construction area. More than one inspection may be required if you are placing concrete in more than one pour.

FOOTING: (Utility Buildings)

This inspection is required after the holes for a pole building have been drilled to the proper depth and diameter, or after the trenches and forms have been completed for a monolithic slab (slab on a grade). The maximum size of a monolithic slab is 24' x 24' and supports a single story building unless it has been designed by a licensed professional architect or engineer licensed in the State of Michigan.

FOUNDATION: (Wood)

This inspection must be obtained after all aggregate has been placed, the wood foundation walls have been erected and secured, all plywood joints have been caulked, all inside corners have been properly bolted together, but before any vinyl covering has been installed. The basement floor must not be poured but the first floor deck may be completed and properly attached to the foundation walls. The sump crock should be in place (a sump crock is required even if the building has a gravity foundation drain and must be located at least two (2) feet from the foundation walls). More than one inspection may be required if you are constructing the foundation in sections (basement, garage, porches, etc.).

BACKFILL: (Wood Foundation)

This inspection must be obtained after the vinyl envelope has been installed and the backfill stone has been installed to a depth of not more than eight (8) inches. Earth must not be placed until this inspection is completed. More than one inspection may be required if you are backfilling the foundation in stages.

BACKFILL: (Concrete & Poly-Steel)

This inspection must be obtained after the required parging has been applied to concrete block walls or Poly-steel (foam blocks) walls. The water proofing has been installed on all foundation walls below grade (if the area below grade space in not used for living space). The foundation drain tile has been properly installed (the top of the tile must be below the top of the footing). The drain tile stone has been put in place (two (2) inches below, eight (8) inches on the side and six (6) inches above the tile). Sock tile may be used in sandy soils if approved by the inspector prior to placement. The filter membrane must also be installed over the drain tile stone.

UNDERGROUND: (Mechanical)

All mechanical piping, duct work, or equipment of any kind that has been installed underground must be inspected before it is covered.

TIE-DOWN INSPECTION: (Manufactured Housing)

This inspection is conducted after the manufactured house is placed on the pillars, all beams, support columns, blocking, utility hookups and the anchors have been installed, but before any skirting has been installed. With prior approval from the Building Inspector, the tie-down inspection may be made after the skirting has been installed if panels have been removed to provide the inspector with visual access to the underside of the manufactured home and the tie-down equipment.

ROUGH MECHANICAL:

All mechanical equipment, duct work, piping, vents, chimneys, fireplaces, draft-stopping, fire-stopping or other work related to the installation of mechanical equipment that is intended to be concealed within the walls, ceilings, floors, or other areas of the building must be inspected before the Building Inspector conducts the frame inspection and before it is covered up.

FRAME: (Except Utility Buildings)

This inspection must be obtained before the insulation and lath or wallboard has been installed. All Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing rough inspections must have been completed and all approval stickers must be in place.

INSULATION INSPECTION:

Before wallboard is installed, if blown insulation is used in ceiling depth gages must be installed.

FINAL BUILDING: (Except Utility Buildings)

This inspection must be obtained when the building is ready for occupancy. The address must be properly posted. Decks, porches, and all attachments to the building must be completed. All Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing final inspections must have been completed.

FINAL BUILDING: (Utility Buildings)

OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE:

The Occupancy Certificate is required before you permanently occupy a building (except utility buildings). All work that is required to be inspected must be inspected at the proper time and an approval for each inspection must be issued or this department will not issue an Occupancy Certificate.

An Occupancy Certificate is not valid unless and until all required signatures of the various departments are affixed to the Certificate (Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Zoning and DPW).

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU CALL FOR A FINAL INSPECTION WHEN YOUR PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND BEFORE THE BUILDING IS OCCUPIED. IF THIS PROJECT INVOLVES A LICENSED BUILDER, MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR, MAINTENANCE AND ALTERATIONS CONTRACTOR, OR A MOBILE HOME DEALER/INSTALLER/REPAIRER, AND ALL REQUIRED INSPECTIONS WERE NOT APPROVED, A FORMAL COMPLAINT MAY BE FILED WITH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN