Department of Building & Structural Safety

The Department of Building & Structural Safety issues all construction related permits and oversees all new building projects as well as all demolition in the city. Our mission is to effectively administer the State of Michigan building codes and local ordinances to ensure public health, safety, and welfare. We will endeavor to provide professional services to our customers that will encourage the selection of Inkster as the preferred location to live, work, and invest -- while striving to preserve and promote the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and a diverse vitality in our business community.

Please note:  If you are a homeowner, looking for permits, please read the following precautionary information:

Homeowner Permits

Michigan state law allows homeowners to obtain permits to work on their own homes. It is against the law for contractors to perform work under permits obtained by homeowners. The contractor you hire to complete a home construction project should be the person who obtains the permit from the city.

Homeowner permits are not cheaper than contractor permits, they are not processed quicker, and they are not held to a lesser standard or inspection requirement than a contractor permit. 

So, why would a contractor ask (or demand) that you “pull the permit”? We ask that you consider the following possibilities: 

• Your contractor may be trying to absolve themselves of liability and responsibility for quality and workmanship.
• Your contractor may not be licensed
• They may know that the City of Inkster can not intervene in disputes between you and your contractor if you are the permit holder.
• You will be responsible for correcting any deficiencies or violations in work performed under the permit.

Remember, make your contractors responsible for their work – insist that they obtain permits.

Come Prepared

Documents required to obtain a residential building permit:

Residential Additions, Alterations, Accessory Buildings

• Submit two (2) copies of drawings and/or blue prints,  They shall depict all elevations, floor plans, construction, foundation information, electrical drawings, heating/cooling and plumbing layouts.  One copy will be retained by the Building Department and one copy returned to the applicant.
• Submit one copy of a plot plan and building permit application.
• Contractors must submit a copy of their State of Michigan Residential Builders License and State of Michigan photo I.D./driver license, in addition to proof of liability insurance.  A photo I.D./drivers license, and proof of residency is required when the applicant is a homeowner.

New Single Family Residence

• Submit four (3) copies of site grade elevations, prepared by a licensed, registered surveyor or engineer.  Two copies will be returned to the applicant
• Submit a $100.00 site grade review fee at the time of application.
• Submit three (3) complete sets of construction documents for the building.
• All submittals shall contain the following regardless of the portion to be completed by the applicant:

• Four (4) side elevations
• Floor plan
• Foundation plan
• Mechanical plans and heat study, electrical and plumbing plans
• Detail drawings, wall sections, door and window schedules
• Truss and/or rafter information (truss drawings must be sealed)

• Submit building application, as it applies to your projects.  All submittals must contain the following:

• Property Identification number available through the Assessor's Office.  Applications without an address cannot be accepted.
• A copy of the State of Michigan Residential Builders License and  State of Michigan photo I.D./driver license.

• Submit building plan review fee and $100.00 site grade review fee
• Apply and pay for water and sewer tap fees, sewer line inspection fees, driveway approach permit.
• A "Permit to Haul" must be obtained by the Department of Public Works to move a pre-fabricated or modular home.

Code Enforcement Division

Code Enforcement

Working under the direction of the Chief Development Official, The Inkster Code Enforcement Division is charged with protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community through enforcement of the Inkster Codified Ordinance. Working in conjunction with building code officials, the ordinance officers enforce property maintenance codes as well as the Dangerous Buildings Ordinance and elements of the Michigan Building Codes.

Other primary duties of the Code Enforcement Division include responding to resident complaints, providing court testimony, and investigating abandoned or inoperable vehicles. They are in the office from 8:30am - 9:30am and 3:30pm - 4:30pm each day and can be reached at (313) 563-2820.

The City of Inkster Code Enforcement Division is located at 27717 Michigan Avenue.  Housed inside of the Inkster Fire Department, officers are under the direct supervision of the Fire Chief, Mark Hubanks.  The Division is charged with protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.  Their purpose is to respond to and cause to be removed those nuisances that affect the public’s enjoyment of either.  Code Enforcement Officers are sworn individuals authorized to issue and serve appearance tickets to any responsible person who is in violation of the city’s building, zoning, environmental and other city codes, if there is reasonable cause to believe that the person has committed an offense.    

The Division currently operates with three code officers who continuously train in their field in order to provide the city’s residents with the highest level of service.  A diverse group with comprised experience in code enforcement, customer service, and military training and service; each officer is committed to carrying out the intent of the city’s ordinances and codes.

Code Officers work cooperatively with other city departments relaying and exchanging information valuable to the City’s interests.  Officers also work with various neighborhood and city organizations providing assistance in various capacities. 

Enforcement of Common Ordinance Violations

Choose from the menu below to be directed to the specific information regarding common Ordinance violations.

Abandoned Vehicles

Vehicles parked on a city street for more than 48-hours after the city has affixed a notice to remove may be deemed abandoned and subsequently tagged and towed. 

• Motor vehicles including boats, trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, and campers that are kept within city limits must possess a valid license plate and current registration.
   
• Motor vehicles that are kept within city limits must also be operable. Conditions such as flat tires, missing mirrors, busted windshields and/or vehicles in a state of disassembly render the vehicle inoperable.
   
• Abandoned vehicles, inoperable vehicles, and/or unlicensed vehicles are subject to citations, tagging and/or towing if parked on the street or on private property within city limits.

Advertising

It is unlawful to post any sign in the city except a political sign

• Without a permit obtained from the city’s Building Department
   
• On utility poles, trees, fences, city property, abandoned structures, and on private property without the owners written consent 
   
• At the curb area or at the right-of-way

Items such as recreational and motor vehicles, furniture, etc. can be advertised for sale in newspapers and other trade publications. For sale signs on vehicles are prohibited.

Ball Playing & Basketball Goals

The obstruction of city streets and sidewalks is prohibited.  Ball playing is prohibited on city streets where posted.  Basketball goals must be kept and used in the driveway or rear yard. Basketball goals placed at the curb area are subject to confiscation and owners are subject to receiving citations.

Certificate of Occupancy

An owner who intends to sell his residential or commercial property is required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.  A certificate of occupancy is required on all transfer of ownership transactions including land contract purchases.

• An orange Certificate of Occupancy sticker posted on the property indicates that it is unlawful to occupy or cause to be occupied a dwelling/building without such certificate obtained from the City’s Building Department.
   
• The seller is responsible for obtaining the certificate prior to the purchase closing.
   
• Buyers must be aware that they are subject to receiving a citation and/or the shutting down of their business should they occupy their dwelling or building without first obtaining such certificate. 

Commercial Property

It is unlawful for any person to operate a business within the city without having first obtained a certificate of occupancy and a business license. 

•  Required building inspections are part of the process of obtaining a certificate of occupancy.  An application for a certificate of occupancy can be obtained at the Building Department.  The current fee for a certificate of occupancy is $95.00. 
   
• An application for a business license, renewable annually, can be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office.  The business licensing process includes the required reviews by the building, fire and police departments.  The fee for the business license is $50.00.  Both the Building Department and the City Clerk’s Office are located inside City Hall at 2121 Inkster Road. 
   
• Unlawful businesses are subject to the shutting down of their operation(s), the closing of the business and the issuance of citations.

Dogs, Licenses, Leashes, Provisions

All dogs and cats within the city limits must be licensed. Licenses can be obtained from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department located at 2025 Middlebelt Road.  Licenses must be renewed annually. Licenses must be presented to law enforcement personnel upon request.

• No person may harbor or keep a fierce or vicious dog at any time within the limits of the city, and must report such dog to the Police Department immediately upon discovering such condition  
   
• No person shall keep or harbor any dog which by loud, frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling shall cause serious annoyance to the neighborhood or to people passing to and from upon the streets
   
• Only three dogs and/or three cats over the age of six months may be kept per home excluding the litter that has been born. When the litter has reached six months in age, only three dogs and/or cats are permitted
   
• Dogs outside an enclosed fence must be on a leash at all times including during walking
   
• Provisions of adequate food, water, and shelter must be accessible for dogs kept outdoors
   
• Premises must be kept free of animal waste and maintained in a sanitary condition

Inquiries regarding impoundment can be directed to the animal control officer at the dog pound by calling (313) 562-5020 between the hours of 11:30am and 1:00pm.  Otherwise, the animal control officer may be contacted through the Police Department at (313) 563-9850. 

Dumping

It is illegal to dump any substance on any property within the City. The penalties for dumping include but are not limited to:

• Arrest
   
• Fines of $500.00 plus payment of restitution and court costs 
   
• Confiscation of vehicles involved

Rewards may be offered to persons providing information that lead to the conviction of offenders.  It is essential for residents to observe suspicious activity and report such activity to the police department/code enforcement while in progress.  Pertinent information includes a physical description of the person(s) involved and vehicle description including license plate. 

Property owners are responsible for the removal of items/material dumped on their property.  Any suspect information available will be investigated for prosecution. 

Garage Sales

A permit from the city’s Building Department is required to conduct a garage sale. Unlawful garage sales are subject to being shut down and citations issued.  It is not permissible to post advertising for garage sales on utility poles, trees, and city property including the lawn area at the curb. Permission must be obtained in writing from the owner of private property allowing the use of their property for advertising. Garage sale signs must include the permit number.  Improper signs are subject to confiscation and the owner subject to receiving a citation.

Garbage Collection

Items for garbage collection must not be set out at the curb before 6:00pm on the day before the collection. Garbage receptacles must be removed from the curb and stored in the rear within 24 hours after the collection has been made. Any resulting litter must be removed as well. Garbage pick-ups are not made on national holidays.  For a Map of Refuse Collection Quadrants, click here.

Garbage set out at the curb for collection must also adhered to the following requirements:  

• Proper containers, 30-gallon capacity, must be used
   
• Containers over 30 gallons or containers weighing more than 50 pounds will not be collected
   
• Cardboard boxes are unacceptable containers.  Cardboard shall be folded flat and stacked
   
• Plastic garbage bags are unacceptable for compost as State Environmental Law requires the use of brown compost bags or garbage cans that have been marked "compost”
   
• Yard waste must be separated from garbage and refuse by at least 10 feet

The schedule for brush, compost, and yard waste pick-up begins April 1, and runs through November.  Residents must adhere to the following requirements for brush pick-up:

• Brush including tree limbs must be bundled and tied and weigh less than 50 pounds
   
• Brush must not exceed 4feet in length  
   
• Brush limbs must not exceed 3 inches in diameter

Wood set out for collection must meet the following requirements:

• Nails shall not protrude
   
• Nails must be removed or bent over
   
• Smaller pieces must be bundled or placed in a garbage container

Carpet or bulky items must meet the following requirements:

• Must be cut, rolled, and bundles
   
• Lengths must measure 4 feet or less
   
• Weight must not exceed 50 pounds   

Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units set out for collection must meet the following requirements:

• Doors must be removed
   
• Item must be free of debris
   
• A Freon removal sticker must be attached to air conditioning units

Freon removal stickers are available at the City Treasurer’s Office or contact any licensed contractor.

The City does not pick-up the following items: tires, parts from motor vehicles, gasoline, waste oil, logs, tree stumps, concrete blocks/bricks, fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers, masonry dirt, building debris, acid, inflammable or explosive materials, liquid substances, leaves and compost in plastic garbage bags, propane tanks, refrigerators and deep freezers with doors left on, roof shingles, glass and hazardous substances.  Items set out improperly will not be collected.  Citations are issued for items set out improperly, too early or for items set out after the collection has been made. 

There is a six-item maximum on items set out for collection.  Special pick-ups consist of additional items or heavy household items.  There are charges incurred with special pick-ups.  Special pick-ups must be called in 24 hours in advance so that the proper moving equipment will be available.  Contact (313) 563-9774.       

Litter

Property owners, tenants, and businesses are required to maintain their premises free of litter and debris. Receptacles with lids are required to contain litter and debris from weather and animals.

Notice of Violation

When an ordinance violation has occurred or there is reason to believe that a violation has occurred, notice of the violation may be delivered personally, posted on the property or sent by first class mail to the address of record.  The notice will include the location of the violation, a description of the violation, a correction order allowing reasonable time for compliance, and penalties for noncompliance with orders and notices.   When a violation notice is received, it is imperative that questions and concerns be directed to the Code Enforcement Division as soon as possible. 

Noxious Weeds, Grass

It is the duty of every owner, possessor or occupier of land within the city, or of every person, or firm or corporation having charge of such land, to cut or cause to be cut down all noxious grass and weeds to prevent the noxious weeds from exceeding a height of six inches.  This pertains to the front, side and rear yard as well as empty lots within city limits. Weeds growing on and along fences must be removed as well.  Violators will be charged with the removal expenses and are subject to receiving a citation should they fail to remove tall grass. 

Nuisances

Storage of nuisances on exterior premises is prohibited. Examples of nuisances include:

1. Tires, motor vehicle parts, concrete and bricks, brush piles, woodpiles, boxes, newspapers, rags, barrels and oil drum type containers, furniture and appliances manufactured for indoor use, construction or renovation debris, dumpsters left on property for more than 10 days; etc.
    
2. Nonfunctioning items stored on property can also be deemed nuisances. Examples include barbecue grills; swimming and wadding pools; bicycles; lawn and garden furniture; lawn mowers; snow blowers; trailers; basketball goals; downed telephone lines; etc.  
    
3. That which is unwholesome, injurious to life or property, or does not conform to the neighborhood standards is deemed a nuisance.

Parking

• Parking of motor vehicles on sidewalks and on front, side, and rear lawns is prohibited 
   
• Commercial vehicles weighing more than 3,500 pounds and that are more than 30 feet in length are prohibited in residential districts except recreational type vehicles and vehicles loading and unloading
   
• Parking where signs designate no parking is prohibited
   
• Vehicles that are inoperable due to missing or defective equipment, or any other condition that renders the vehicle unsafe for driving on city streets including vehicles that do not bear a properly displayed license plate and current registration are prohibited

Permits, Home Improvements

Permits must be obtained from the city’s Building Department for home improvements that are not cosmetic in nature. Changes that affect the structure, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing system would generally require a permit.  Additions and excavations also require a permit. 

• Permits must be posted in a conspicuous manner on the property 
   
• Failure to obtain the appropriate permits prior to work performance will result in the posting of a Stop Work Order
   
• Violation of a Stop Work Order will result in the arrest of the violators and the issuance of citations

The city’s trash contractor is not responsible for collecting construction related debris set out at the curb.  Contractors are responsible for the removal and disposal of related debris while owners acting as their contractor may need to secure a dumpster or other container for debris removal. 

Property Maintenance

The city’s Property Maintenance Codes require all exterior property and premises to be maintained in a cleaned, safe and sanitary condition. 

• Garages, sheds, fences, and walls, shall also be maintained structurally sound and in good repair
   
• Sidewalks, walkways, stairs, porches, and driveways shall be maintained structurally sound and free from hazards
   
• Parking spaces shall be maintained in a proper state of repair and free from hazardous conditions  

Additionally,

• The premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and the accumulation of stagnant water 
   
• Graffiti shall be removed and the exterior surfaces of a structure shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment
   
• Peeling, flaking, and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted
   
• Siding and masonry joints shall be maintained weather resistant and water tight
   
• Metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be coated to inhibit rust and corrosion
   
• Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces  

While property maintenance standards may vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, basic and uniform standards must be met.  Basic standards include:

• Absence of litter and proper storage of rubbish or garbage
   
• Absence of tall grass and noxious weeds
   
• Absence of inoperable vehicles
   
• Absence of rodent harborage and infestation
   
• Absence of nuisances
   
• Absence of broken windows, etc.

Rental Property

A certificate of compliance is required on residential property that will be used for the purpose of renting or leasing to tenants and must be obtained by the owner prior to allowing tenants to occupy the property.  Landlords must contact the city’s rental inspection contractor, City Work’s, at (313) 894-2640 extension 10 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for an application package.

• Owners of rental property are required to designate a local agent responsible for managing the property
   
• Certificates of Compliance are valid for a two-year period unless there is a change in tenancy
   
• The current fee schedule is $95.00 for owner occupied properties and $150.00 for each rental property
   

Snow Emergency

A parking prohibition shall automatically go into effect on any part of a snow emergency route on which there has been an accumulation of snow and ice of four inches or more for one hour or more between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. of any day.  Termination of the parking prohibition will be by announcement.  Special signs are posted at the intersection of every block designated on a snow emergency route.  Parking prohibitions may also be declared on all or parts of secondary streets as necessary. 

• No person operating a motor vehicle on a snow emergency route on which there is a covering of snow, sleet or ice shall allow such vehicle to become stalled wholly or partly because the drive wheels are not equipped with effective tire chains or snow tires; or exhausted motor fuel supply; or an inoperative battery
   
• The person operating such vehicle shall take immediate action to have the vehicle towed or pushed off the roadway of such emergency route
   
• No person shall abandon or leave his vehicle in the roadway regardless of whether he indicates, by raising the hood or otherwise, that the vehicle is stalled, except for the purpose of securing assistance during the actual time necessary to go to a nearby telephone or to a nearby garage, gasoline station or other place of assistance and return without delay.  Violators of these provisions are subject to the towing of the vehicle and traffic citations

Snow Removal

Every person, partnership, corporation, joint-stock company or syndicate in charge or control of any building or lot of land within the city, whether as owner, tenant, occupant, lessee or otherwise, shall remove and clear away snow and ice from a path of at least 48 inches in width from the sidewalk fronting or abutting their lot of land.  Additionally:

• Snow and ice shall be removed from sidewalks in all business districts within city limits within two business hours after the cessation of any fall of snow, sleet or freezing rain
   
• Snow and ice shall not be deposited against a fire hydrant or on any sidewalk, roadway or loading and unloading area of a public transportation system
   
• Snow and ice shall also be removed and cleared away from the roof of any building or other structure, which is liable to fall on any sidewalk, roadway or other public way

Unsafe Conditions

Whenever in the opinion of the code official, there is imminent danger due to an unsafe condition, the code official shall order the necessary work to be done, including the boarding up of openings, to render such structure temporarily safe; the closing of unlawful, unsafe, and vacant structures, or structures unfit for human occupancy; the closing of streets; and performance of emergency repairs; and shall cause such other action to be taken as the code official deems necessary to meet such emergency.

Complaints are handled professionally, anonymously, and in a timely manner.

To make a complaint, or if you feel code enforcement could be of assistance with your neighborhood or community organization, or if you have questions pertaining to city ordinances or a violation notice, please do not hesitate to contact the code enforcement division at (313) 563-4235.

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City of Inkster, Michigan
26215 Trowbridge • Inkster, Michigan 48141
(313) 563-4232

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