Building/Zoning Official
Michael Demski
Telephone: 734-848-5915 ext.5
Direct extension 226
Fax: 734-848-2548
Email: mdemski@erietownship.com
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Friday – CLOSED thru Oct.
CLOSED on Wednesdays
The Normal Hours for The Building Official
Monday, Tuesday & Thurs. 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Building Inspector will be out of the office from time to time for inspections and:
Wednesdays (all day) – CLOSED
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL INSPECTIONS
Will be conducted on
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Please contact the Plumbing & Mechanical Inspector
to schedule an inspection:
Don Olszewski – 419-466-7238
ELECTRICAL
Please call Inspector to schedule with 48 hours notice.
Please plan ahead and call the Electrical Inspector to request an inspection:
Dale Kolar – 734-777-4337
Building Permit Application
Request for Inspection – Outside Normal Hours
Certificate of Occupancy-Application
Electrical Permit Application – Revised 4/2020
Plumbing Permit Application
Mechanical Permit Application
Zoning Permit Application
ZBA – Application for appeal
Building/Zoning Permit Fees – Revised 4/2020
Pond Information/Application Packet
Complaint Form
Complaint Form – Roads & Drains
Keeping of Animals – fact sheet 2015
When do you need a permit?
Lost Peninsula Marina – Fact Sheet
Updates to the 2015 MRC
Code Section R105 – Permits Required (work exempt)
Pool & Spa Information Sheet
Sheds and Accessory Building Info
Fence Information
Lead Hazard Information
Residential Backflow Prevention
Understanding Flood Zones
Meetings and Commissions Fees
Information, forms and everything you need to know about how to complete a Special Inspection program, as required for some (larger) projects by Michigan Building Code, Chapter 17
Most improvement projects will require a permit and inspections including most roofing, window and siding jobs. Small projects such as sheds and fences will not require a Building Permit but you must still obtain a Zoning Permit for compliance with setback, height and size requirements, including “qualified” (see RTF info below) farm buildings. Please see “When do you need a permit” below, under Info Sheets or call the Building Department for more information.
A Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permit or Waiver may be required for construction.
State Statute states (in-part) that all earth changes of one acre or more or an earth change within 500 feet of a lake or stream requires a soil erosion and sedimentation control permit from the county or municipal enforcing agency.
In Monroe County, this is handled by the Monroe County Drain Commissioners office. The following link you give you more information on applying for a permit or waiver:
Monroe County Soil Erosion
Please be aware that a Building permit is not permitted to be issued without the SESC Permit or Waiver
The 2015 Michigan Residential Code is now if effect. (2-8-2016)
There have been a number of changes including the addition of chapter 11 which now incorporates the “Energy Code” into the MRC.
The 2015 Michigan Code is now if effect. (Nov. 2017)
The Michigan Building Code is for projects other than residential
The 2015 International Fire Code has been adopted. (September 2020)
On the state level, agricultural producers can get protection under the Michigan Right to Farm Act (RTFA). To be covered under the RTFA, a farm must satisfy a three-part test: It must (1) be a “farm” or “farm operation” that is producing a farm product; (2) be commercial in nature; and (3) conform to Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) – see next paragraph. If these three conditions are met, the state can provide protection to the farm under the RTFA. In the case of a nuisance complaint, the state can provide the farm with a letter, after an on-site inspection, that can be used as part of their defense. Just because a farmer meets the requirements does not guarantee them freedom from nuisance lawsuits, ordinance and zoning requirements, or other restrictions. If you have questions, you can contact the Right to Farm Hotline at 877-632-1783.
Property maintenance has become a bigger concern to area residents. Prior to the adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), the Building Department would receive complaints from tenants and adjacent property owners regarding unsafe conditions; however, the city did not have the enforcement power to take any action. There was a gap between new construction code requirements and what could be defined and enforced as blight. Typically after the original certificate of occupancy there wouldn’t be any legal avenue for inspections on existing properties thus opening the door to unsafe conditions. As properties age and more vacancies occur, this can create problems. The State of Michigan adopted the IPMC by reference, which provides for minimum safety standards for all existing residential and nonresidential structures. In 2007 the City Council adopted the International Property Maintenance Code and the Building Department has been enforcing it on a complaint basis.
When structures are not properly maintained it affects the public health, safety and general welfare, as well as, the aesthetic value of community at large and can have a direct effect on property values. It is our duty to ensure that all residents, including our tenants, are living in safe conditions. Further, many furnaces, water heaters, changes to electric service, etc. are being installed improperly, without permits, creating unsafe and hazardous conditions. The IPMC was adopted to correct unsuitable conditions and to establish mechanisms for continued maintenance of structures thereby promoting health, safety, and welfare of the community and the residents.
Purpose – TheIPMC includes provisions that are intended to maintain a minimum level of safety and sanitation for both the general public and the occupants of a structure, and to maintain a building’s weather-resistant and structural performance. Following is a brief outline of the code and descriptions of some of the items covered:
Chapter 1 covers Administration of the code
Chapter 2 includes Definitions
Chapter 3 covers General Requirements
· Section 301 identifies the scope of Chapter 3 and establishes who is responsible for complying with the code. This section also provides minimum maintenance requirements for vacant structures.
· Section 302 establishes criteria for maintaining exterior property areas and accessory structures.
§ Including: sanitation, grading, garages, sheds, walks and drives.
· Section 303 contains the requirements for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs and provides requirements for protective barriers and gates.
· Section 304 establishes maintenance requirements for the structural, weather resistance, sanitary and safety performance of the exterior of a structure.
§ Including: paint protection, foundations, walls, roofs, stairs, porches, handrails, windows, doors and screens.
· Section 305 establishes maintenance requirements for the structural, sanitary and safety performance of the interior of a structure.
· Section 306 provides for the safety and maintenance of handrails and guardrails.
· Sections 307 and 308 establish the responsible parties for exterminating insects and rodents, and maintaining sanitary conditions.
Chapter 4 covers Light, ventilation and occupancy limitations
Chapter 5 covers Plumbing facilities and fixture requirements
Chapter 6 covers Mechanical and electrical requirements
Chapter 7 covers Fire safety
For questions or more information on the International Property Maintenance Code you may view chapter 3 below or contact the Building Official by email or phone.
