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1. When is a building permit required?

All new construction and any structural modifications made to an existing structure require a building permit. A permit is also required for any accessory structure over 200 square feet, and in all cases the accessory structure must meet all Zoning Ordinance requirements and setbacks. Also, a permit is required for any electrical, plumbing, or heating work. 

All work for which a permit is required must be inspected and approved by Waterford Township Inspectors.

Re-shingling a roof, replacing windows, or vinyl siding are considered maintenance and do not require a permit. 

Any deck that is built on posts requires a permit but any poured patio or deck platform sitting on the ground does not require a permit. 

Fences do not require permits, but all Zoning Ordinance requirements must be met. Click here to view the Waterford Township fence requirements. 

For further details please contact our office, 248-674-6238.

2. Who should obtain the permit?

The person that secures the permit is the person who is held responsible for the work that is done. If a homeowner hires a contractor, the contractor should obtain the permit. The Building Department has no jurisdiction over a contractor if the homeowner obtains the permit for his contractor. Homeowners should confirm that the contractor they have hired to do work for them has secured the necessary permit and ordered the required inspections.

3. How do you schedule inspections?

You will be given instructions for calling in to schedule inspections when you receive your permit.
Please call 248-674-6238 to schedule inspections. You will need the permit number, the house number, and know what type of inspection you are requesting.
You can schedule inspections as late as midnight for the next working day.

4. When do I schedule inspections?

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to call for the required electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building inspections. Building inspections can be ordered only after the electrical, plumbing, and heating inspections are conducted and approved. Please call 248-674-6238 to set up an inspection.

5. How do I file a complaint against a builder?

If you are unable to resolve problems with your building contractor, you have 18 months after the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued to file a complaint with the Bureau of Construction Codes in Lansing by calling 517-241-9309. They will send you the required forms or you can download the forms from the DELEG website 

Bring the completed paperwork to the Township Building and Engineering Department. We will make an appointment for an inspector to come to your home to verify your list of complaints. Your complaint package will then be sent back to the bureau to be processed. A mediation hearing is then set up between the builder and yourself with an mediator, who will assist you and your contractor in reaching a satisfactory outcome for both parties.

6. Where can I find information on the Zoning Ordinance?

If you are not sure of the zoning district in which your property is located, please contact our department at 248-674-6238. For more information about the Zoning Ordinance, please visit the Zoning Ordinance page.

7. When do I need a fill permit?

A fill permit is required when you plan to change the grade more than 1 foot. You may obtain a fill permit by completing an application and paying the application fee. A representative of the Engineering Department will come out to the site to make sure that the fill will not create any problems on the neighboring lots. An engineered grading plan may be required. Please download an application on the Permits and Applications page.

8. What is a flood zone?

Your flood zone is determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Maps are printed indicating our communities flood hazard areas and the degree of risk in those areas. If you are told you need flood insurance, it can be obtained from your insurance carrier. If you do not believe this is necessary, you may have a flood elevation certificate completed by an engineer or architect of your choice to determine if your home is located in a flood plane.

For more information, please visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

9. Do I have wetland on my property?

The only way the Township can determine if there is wetland present on a parcel is to have a wetland determination done. The Township hires a wetland consultant that does these determinations for us. You may contact Building/Engineering department to see if a determination has been done previously. If a determination has not been made an escrow account must be established to cover the cost of the wetland determination. As of February 2021, the required escrow amounts are $500 for residential parcels and $1,000 for commercial parcels.

After the escrow account is established, the information is sent to the wetland consultant who will flag the site, and prepare a report. You will be sent a copy of the report and a copy will be kept on file in the Township. For more information, please read the Citizen’s Guide to Wetlands (PDF).

10. What is the environmental webpage about?

At the request of the Township Board, a website has been set up as a clearinghouse for information on environmental issues. This site deals with issues such as shoreline protection. For more information, visit the Environmental Services page.