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1. Do I have to pay for inspections separately?

No, unless you fail. All necessary inspections are included on building permits and all other permits are charged on a per trip basis with the applicant specifying the number of inspections required. Additional inspections may be added to non-building permits if they are required. All inspections that fail are charged a re-inspection fee which must be paid prior to the re-inspection date.

2. Do I need a permit for a concrete patio?

Yes, The City issues concrete permits for all flatwork concrete not covered by the building code. This is done to insure that the work drains properly and does not flood adjacent properties, has rat walls where required, and is the proper thickness.

3. Who is responsible for the public sidewalk in front of my house?

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of all public sidewalk that abuts any portion of the property. Permits are required for repair or replacement of public sidewalk. There is no charge for a permit for five squares of walk or less but an inspection is required prior to placement of the concrete. The City has an annual sidewalk repair program to repair sidewalks.

4. Do I need a permit to re-roof my home?

Yes, a permit is required to re-roof your house whether it is a complete tear off and re-roof or just adding a second layer of roofing to an existing roof. Please call the Community Development office for more details (248) 583-0831

5. Can I rent my house to another person?

Yes, but a landlord license and inspection is required before you do so. See the section on landlord licensing.

6. My neighbor is not mowing his grass or has trash on his lot. What do I do?

Try to resolve the issue with the neighbor. If this is not possible, or does not work, you may contact Code Enforcement.

7. Do I need a City inspection before I sell my house?

No, the City does not require, or provide, resale inspections.

8. Do fences require permits?

No, The City does have a fence ordinance which sets forth the standards for fence construction. A permit is not required but you must comply with the ordinance requirements.

9. Does the City recommend contractors?

No, the City cannot recommend contractors. You may obtain a list of contractors currently registered with the City from the Community Development Department. Check their references and their standing with the State Commercial Services Bureau and the Better Business Bureau.

10. I want to open a business in the City or I am selling my business to another person. What do I need to do?

Any new business, and any change in the use, ownership, or occupancy of an existing business requires a new occupancy certificate and may require a business license. Applications are available at the Community Development Department and the Clerk's office respectively. The property is inspected by the Building Department and the Fire Marshal and any deficiencies must be corrected prior to the certificate being issued. Any business engaged in retail or service activities must also obtain a business license from the City Clerk.

11. Can I replace all my basement windows with glass block?

Yes, In most cases glass block can be installed in all basement windows. It is strongly recommended that vents be installed in the glass block, one on each side of the house, to provide for cross ventilation when needed.

12. Do I need a permit for a garage sale and can I put up signs?

For information concerning garage sales and the use and placement of garage sale signs, refer to the Garage Sales Ordinance (PDF)

13. Why do I need a permit?

Please refer to our Permits page.

14. When do I need a permit?

Please refer to our When a Permit is Needed page.

15. Who should apply for a permit?

Please refer to our Who Should Apply for a Permit page.