FAQs • Garden City, MI • CivicEngage

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Building Department

2. I'm thinking of selling my house during the next year. When should I arrange for a certificate of occupancy inspection?: As soon as possible. Most home sales occur during the spring and summer. The Building Department is especially busy during these months and it is not uncommon for a seller to wait 3 to 6 weeks for an inspection. Since you cannot close your deal without a Certificate of Occupancy, this would add stress to an already stressful situation.

A Certificate of Occupancy is good for 1 year after issue date. A December or January “C of O” would be ready for an immediate closing date for you and your buyer. The fee of $200 must be paid at the time you make your inspection date.

3. How deep should a rat wall be?: A rat wall for a shed or accessory building under 400 square feet must be a minimum of 24 inches deep. An accessory building over 400 square requires a foundation of at least 42 inches.

4. How deep should fence post holes be?: Fence post holes should be at least 36 inches deep.

5. How much will a permit cost?: Electrical, mechanical and plumbing permit fees are based on the amount of inspections, required at $100 per inspection. The permit fee would total $100 if the job required a rough and a final inspection. Building permits are based on the estimated valuation of the job.

A permit would be $48 for the first $1,000 in estimated costs then adjusted according to the value of the job. The minimum charge for plan review, if required, is $40.

6. Should I pull the permit even though a contractor is doing the work?: No. This makes you responsible for the entire job, and also responsible for any injury that occurs on your property. There is no difference in cost of a permit for a contractor or for a homeowner.

8. How long does it take to get a permit?: All electrical, mechanical, plumbing and some building permits are issued on the spot, while other building permits requiring plan review take up to a week or more to be issued.