on May 4, 2011 at 2:59am.
Building Department
Staff
Dennis Smith - Building Official - email
Tammy Lindberg - Building Coordinator - email
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a permit?
Permits protect the safety and value of your home. Lenders often want verification that all work has been permitted and inspected by a qualified building inspector.
How much does a building permit cost?
The cost of the permit depends on the type of work to be done and the cost of the project to be completed. All permit fees are regulated by the cost of the project and are available by obtaining
a copy of Genoa Township's Building Department Fee Schedule. You can also call the Building Department at 810-227-5225.
Will my contractor obtain the permit?
The reputable contractors know the requirements and abide by them. Unfortunately, not all contractors comply with the building code. Remember, it is the property owner who is responsible for ensuring that all work on his/her property is preceded by obtaining the appropriate permits.
When do I need a permit?
The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the local building department. Discuss your plans with the code official before beginning construction to determine whether you need a permit. Even if a permit is not needed, the code official will answer construction questions and provide valuable advice. Permits are usually required for the following:
- New buildings, including the placement of manufactured homes
- Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
- Residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools, water heaters, etc.)
- Renovations (garage conversions, basement conversions, kitchen expansions, re-roofing, siding, etc.)
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) systems
How long does it take to get a building permit?
Depending on the time involved in plan review and any other township or state requirements, a commercial permit's first review will be complete within 10 working days and a residential permit's first review is complete within 5 working days. Many permits can be issued on the same or next day.
What inspections are required?
All inspections are listed on the "Inspection Requirement Sheet" given with each permit. You must call by 4pm to receive a next day inspection.
How do I get an inspection?
During business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) you may call 810-227-5225 to schedule an inspection or to find out the status of any inspection on your property. After hours you may call 810-227-5225 ext. 27 and leave a message with the required information. To check the status of an inspection, you can also check the building permit card, which is required to be conspicuously displayed on site. You must call by 4pm to receive a next day inspection. If you call for an inspection after 4pm, and leave the necessary information, your inspection will be scheduled for the second business day. In all cases, the Township will make every effort to schedule the inspection as promptly as possible.
How do I find out if my contractor is licensed?
State law requires that all construction work be done by a licensed contractor. Residents are discouraged from hiring unlicensed contractors. Both the unlicensed contractor and the owner who ordered the work may be subject to severe fines and penalties. Call the Building Department at 810-227-5225 to verify a contractor's status before you sign a contract for repairs or construction work. You can also verify status of a contractor online through the State of Michigan website.
I am remodeling my house, what is the new code requirement for installation of smoke detectors? Does the code regulate the placement of the smoke detectors?
Smoke alarms are required in each sleeping area, adjacent to the sleeping areas and on every level of the home. They are to be hard wired, interconnected and have a battery back-up. Alarms in existing area are not required to be interconnected and hard wired where repairs or alteration do not result in removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring and interconnections without removal on interior finishes.
What happens if I get caught doing work without a building permit?
Minimally, the building inspector will issue a "cease work" order until you obtain the proper building permit. If the work being done is in violation of the building codes or other township regulations, the work must be changed to comply or else the work must be undone. It is Genoa Township's intention to seek code compliance more than it is to penalize a homeowner or contractor for the lack of a required permit.