§ 156.481. PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES.  


Latest version.
  • (A) Permits.
    (1) Permit required. A building permit or other appropriate permit shall be required as follows:
    (a) Prior to the erection, alteration, repair, renovation, demolition or removal of any building or structure;
    (b) Prior to the installation, extension, or replacement of plumbing, electrical, drainage or similar utility systems;
    (c) Prior to the establishment of a new use, whether the land is currently vacant or if a change in land use is proposed;
    (d) Prior to any change in use of an existing building or structure to a different class or type; and
    (e) In all other instances specified by the adopted township building code.
    (2) Definition of alteration and repair. For the purposes of this section, the terms ALTERATION and REPAIRED shall include any changes in structural parts, stairway, type of construction, type, class or kind of occupancy, light or ventilation, means of ingress and egress, or other changes affecting or regulated by the Building Code, the Housing Law of Michigan (Public Act 167 of 1917, as amended), or this chapter or other applicable ordinances of the township.
    (3) Application requirements.
    (a) No permit shall be issued for construction, alteration or remodeling of any building or structure until an application has been submitted, showing that the proposed improvements are in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and with the Building Code.
    (b) Applications for permits required by this section shall be filed with the Building Official. Each application shall be accompanied by a written detailed explanation of the proposed improvements, and, if applicable, dimensioned plans drawn to scale. The plans shall be of sufficient detail to allow the Building Official to determine whether the proposed improvements are in conformance with this chapter, the Building Code, the State Construction Code Act (Michigan Public Act 230 of 1972, being M.C.L.A. §§ 125.1501—125.1531, as amended), and other applicable laws and ordinances. At minimum, the plans shall illustrate information requested on the application form or by the Building Official.
    (4) Conformity with applicable ordinances and approved plans.
    (a) Permits shall be issued only if, after thorough inspection of the application materials and plans, the Building Official finds that the proposal is in conformance with this chapter, the adopted Building Code, the State Construction Code Act, Michigan Public Act 230 of 1972, being M.C.L.A. §§ 125.1501—125.1531, as amended, and other applicable laws and ordinances, except where the Building Official receives written notice of a variance having been granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals or Construction Board of Appeals.
    (b) Building permits issued on the basis of plans and application materials approved by the Building Official authorize only the use, layout, and construction set forth in such plans and application materials. Use, layout or construction at variance with approved plans and application materials shall be deemed in violation of this chapter, and subject to penalties in accordance with § 156.999.
    (5) Expiration of permits. A permit issued for construction, or remodeling of any building or structure shall be subject to terms of expiration specified in the adopted Building Code.
    (6) Inspection of completed work. The holder of any permit issued pursuant to the requirements in this section shall notify the Building Official immediately upon completion of the work authorized by the permit for a final inspection and to request a certificate of occupancy.
    (B) Certificates of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy shall be required prior to occupancy or use or any land, building or structure. The following guidelines shall apply to certificates of occupancy:
    (1) General requirements.
    (a) Purpose. The purpose of a certificate of occupancy is to permit the occupancy or use of land, buildings, or structures, upon first making the determination that the provisions of this chapter have been complied with and that all outstanding fees have been paid.
    (b) Certificates for new and existing buildings. Certificates of occupancy shall be issued for new or existing buildings or structures, or parts thereof, or existing or new uses of land if, after inspection, the Building Official finds that any alterations, extensions, repairs or new construction have been completed in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, that the proposed occupancy is fully in compliance with this chapter, and that the applicant has submitted an updated mortgage survey.
    (c) Temporary certificates. A temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued for a portion of a building or structure prior to occupancy of the entire building or structure, provided that such portion of the building, structure, or premises is in conformity with the provisions of this chapter and the Building Code, and provided further that no threat to public safety exists. The Building Official may require that a performance guarantee be provided in accordance with § 156.037 as a condition of obtaining a temporary certificate. The date of expiration shall be indicated on the temporary certificate; failure to obtain a final certificate of occupancy within the specified time shall constitute a violation of this chapter, subject to the penalties set forth in § 156.999.
    (d) Certificates for accessory buildings to dwellings. Buildings and structures that are accessory to a dwelling shall not require a separate certificate of occupancy, but may be included in the certificate of occupancy for the principal use on the same parcel; provided, the accessory buildings or uses are shown on the plot plan and are completed at the same time as the principal use.
    (2) Period of validity. A final certificate of occupancy shall remain in effect for the life of the building or structure, or part thereof, or use of the land, until the use of the building, structure, or land changes. A change of use shall require a new certificate of occupancy.
    (3) Records of certificates. A record of all certificates of occupancy shall be kept in the office of the Building Official. Copies of such certificates shall be furnished upon request to a person or persons having a propriety or tenancy interest in the property.
    (4) Application requirements.
    (a) Application for a certificate of occupancy shall be made on forms supplied by the Building Official and accompanied by the fees specified. A certificate of occupancy shall be applied for at the same time as the application for a building permit, if a building permit is required.
    (b) The Building Official shall inspect a building or structure within five working days after notification of completion of a building or structure or other improvements. The Building Official shall issue a certificate of occupancy upon finding that the building or structure, or part thereof, or the use of land is in conformance with the provisions of this chapter. If the Building Official denies approval of a certificate, the applicant shall be notified in writing of the denial and the reasons for denial.
    (Ord., § 27.07, passed - -)