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News News News News News News Minimize
Most construction, remodeling and improvements require a permit, including re-roofing and siding. Please contact the Building Department BEFORE beginning your project to see if a permit is required.
 
Fact Sheets and Info Minimize
 
 
City GovernmentBuilding & Zoning   
 
Building Official Minimize

Michael Demski, Building/Zoning Official

734-848-6495 ext. 202







Office & Inspection Hours: (except holidays)

Wed. 7:30 AM - 4 PM

Fri. 7:30 - 9:30 AM

Inspections may be arranged outside of normal business hours for an additional inspection fee. Please fill-out Inspection Request form below and submit with fee to the office staff to arrange for an appointment.

email: mdemski@cityoflunapier.com







PLUMBING & MECHANICAL & PLUMBING INSPECTIONS

Will be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays ONLY
Please contact the Plumbing & Mechanical Inspector to schedule an inspection:

Don Olszewski – 419-466-7238      

ELECTRICAL 

Inspections are performed as needed, with 48 hours notice. Please plan ahead and call the Electrical Inspector to request an inspection:

Darrick Whitaker - 734-755-4630
 
Permit Applications Minimize
 
Zoning Ordinance Update Minimize

The updated Zonining Ordinance became effective on April 16, 2012. (this is formatted for 2-sided printing)

Click the links below for the latest amended copies

Zoning Ordinance -Updated 2018

Zoning Map -Updated 2018
 
Property Maintenance Code Minimize
Property maintenance has become a bigger concern to area residents.Prior to the adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), the Building Department would receive complaints from tenants and adjacent property owners regarding unsafe conditions; however, the city did not have the enforcement power to take any action. There was a gap between new construction code requirements and what could be defined and enforced as blight. Typically after the original certificate of occupancy there wouldn’t be any legal avenue for inspections on existing properties thus opening the door to unsafe conditions. As properties age and more vacancies occur, this can create problems. The State of Michigan adopted the IPMC by reference, which provides for minimum safety standards for all existing residential and nonresidential structures. In 2007 the City Council adopted the International Property Maintenance Code and the Building Department has been enforcing it on a complaint basis.
When structures are not properly maintained it affects the public health, safety and general welfare, as well as, the aesthetic value of community at large and can have a direct effect on property values. It is our duty to ensure that all residents, including our tenants, are living in safe conditions. Further, many furnaces, water heaters, changes to electric service, etc. are being installed improperly, without permits, creating unsafe and hazardous conditions. The IPMC was adopted to correct unsuitable conditions and to establish mechanisms for continued maintenance of structures thereby promoting health, safety, and welfare of the community and the residents.

Purpose – TheIPMC includes provisions that are intended to maintain a minimum level of safety and sanitation for both the general public and the occupants of a structure, and to maintain a building’s weather-resistant and structural performance. Following is a brief outline of the code and descriptions of some of the items covered:

Chapter 1 covers Administration of the code
Chapter 2 includes Definitions
Chapter 3 covers General Requirements
· Section 301 identifies the scope of Chapter 3 and establishes who is responsible for complying with the code. This section also provides minimum maintenance requirements for vacant structures.
· Section 302 establishes criteria for maintaining exterior property areas and accessory structures.
Including: sanitation, grading, garages, sheds, walks and drives.
· Section 303 contains the requirements for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs and provides requirements for protective barriers and gates.
· Section 304 establishes maintenance requirements for the structural, weather resistance, sanitary and safety performance of the exterior of a structure. Including: paint protection, foundations, walls, roofs, stairs, porches, handrails, windows, doors and screens.
· Section 305 establishes maintenance requirements for the structural, sanitary and safety performance of the interior of a structure.
· Section 306 provides for the safety and maintenance of handrails and guardrails.
· Sections 307 and 308 establish the responsible parties for exterminating insects and rodents, and maintaining sanitary conditions.
Chapter 4 covers Light, ventilation and occupancy limitations
Chapter 5 covers Plumbing facilities and fixture requirements
Chapter 6 covers Mechanical and electrical requirements
Chapter 7 covers Fire safety
For questions or more information on the International Property Maintenance Code you may visit the Building Department page of the web site or contact the Building Official by email or phone.
 
Flood Zone Info Minimize
NOTICE: New Flood Maps (FIRM) became effective October 2, 2014
Be sure to review new FIRM data before planning any construction.
Understanding Flood Zones
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has placed more than 19,000 communities in the United States into a category of flood zones. Each community is able to participate in the agency's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), with premium rates determined by the risks of flooding. To indicate the risks in different parts of the country, FEMA has assigned a character from the alphabet to each zone.
V Zones
According to FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program, any building located in an A or V zone is considered to be in a Special Flood Hazard Area, and is lower than the Base Flood Elevation. V zones are the most hazardous of the Special Flood Hazard Areas. V zones generally include the first row of beachfront properties. The hazards in these areas are increased because of wave velocity - hence the V designation. Flood insurance is mandatory in V zone areas.
Living In a V Zone
If your home is in a "V" zone (this includes VE and V-1-V-30), adhere to the following recommendations:
• The bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor elevation must be at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
• Enclosed areas below the lowest floor cannot be used for living space.
• The building must be elevated on piles, piers, posts or column foundation.
• Electrical, heating ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment and other service facilities must be elevated to or above the BFE.
A Zones
A zones - the next most volatile of the Special Flood Hazard Areas - are subject to rising waters and are usually near a lake, river, stream or other body of water. Flood insurance is mandatory in all A zones because of the high potential of flooding. A-zone maps also include AE, AH, AO, AR, and A99 designations, all having the same rates. The different A zones are named depending on the way in which they might be flooded.
Living in an A Zone
If your home is in an A zone (includes AE, A1-A30, AH, AO, AR) follow these important recommendations:
• The lowest floor elevation must be at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
• Enclosed areas below the lowest floor cannot be used for living space.
• Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment and other service facilities must be elevated to or above the BFE.
Other Zones
X zones are minimal-risk areas where flood insurance is not mandatory. D zones are areas that have not been studied, but where flooding is possible. Flood insurance is available in participating communities.
Finding Your Zone Information

There are several ways to find out which zone applies to you. You can go to your town hall or city hall, where employees responsible for issuing building permits in your area have access to flood zone maps. If you are buying a home, your Realtor and your insurance agent should be able to help you. Also, you can order a flood map from the FEMA's Map Service Center for a nominal charge by calling (800) 358-9616 or by visiting the FEMA Web site.
 
Building News Minimize

Heaters and Cold Weather Safety Tips

As the cold weather is well upon us, heating related safety is of utmost concern. The majority of fire deaths occur during these cold months and they are often related to inadequate heating systems or the improper use of heating systems.

As heating costs rise and temperatures dip, energy costs are on everybody’s mind.

Portable electric heaters can be an efficient way to warm your room or supplement central heating; however, if not used properly, they can be a fire or electric shock hazard. According to a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) study, there are about 3,000 portable heater fires annually. Of those fires, most were caused by improper use.

The following general safety guidelines can help keep your home and family safe.

ELECTRIC HEATERS

• Electric heaters should have automatic safety switches to turn them off if tipped over. They also should carry the UL approval label.

• Be sure to check cords before plugging in the heater. If frayed, worn, or broken, do not use. Either replace the heater or have an electrician replace the cord. Just putting tape on the cord is not enough to prevent overheating and fire.

• Never use extension cords with portable heaters. To supply a heater with a small, ordinary household extension cord will cause the cord to overheat and burn.

• Keep all materials that can burn at least 36 inches away from unit.

KEROSENE HEATERS

• Many kerosene heater related fires are attributed to the misuse or abuse of the device. Get started on the right foot by purchasing a heater that carries the UL label.

This means it has been tested for safety.

• Be sure it has an automatic safety switch to shut it off if it's tipped over.

• An automatic starter eliminates the need for matches and makes for safer starts.

• A fuel gauge will help ensure you do not overfill the heater dangerously.

• A safety grill on the front can prevent accidental contact burns.

• Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly.

• Use only crystal-clear 1K kerosene; never use yellow or contaminated kerosene or any other fuel. Fill it only outside. Kerosene should be stored outside in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is clearly marked for kerosene.

• When using kerosene heaters, be sure the room is well ventilated. Opening a door to an adjoining room or area may be enough. Better yet, slightly open a window in the room.

WOOD HEATERS

Wood stoves and other wood burning devices are popular heating systems. Before investing in one for your home, think as much about safety as you will about ease of use, efficiency and appearance.

• Have your stove installed by a professional.

• Keep a tight-fitting screen or glass door in front of the stove or fireplace at all times.

• Special retaining screens can keep children and pets away from wood stoves and prevent burns.

• Dispose of ashes in metal containers, never in paper bags, cardboard boxes, or plastic wastebaskets. Soak ashes with water to cool them thoroughly.

• Remember, ashes can retain enough heat to cause a fire for several days, so take no chances.

• Although these tips should help prevent a fire, know the signs of danger. A loud roar, sucking sounds and shaking pipes mean trouble and danger. If you hear these sounds, get everyone out of the house. Quickly shut off the fire's air supply by closing any air intake vents in the firebox. Close the damper. Call the fire department from a nearby phone.

• Keep any heater at least three feet away from anything that might burn. This means curtains, walls, furniture, papers, etc.

• To avoid injury and other mishaps, keep children and pets away from heaters.

• ALWAYS REMEMBER, don't try to get a small device to do a big job. For best results, direct the heat from a portable heater where you want it. It won't heat an entire room. Focus the heat where you need it - but not so close it can cause fires or burns.

• Working smoke alarms should be a priority at any time of year. This is a great time to test your alarms to make sure they are working. With the use of modern technology, many communities in the United States are taking safety a step further by installing residential sprinkler systems. These systems quickly control the fire causing little or no damage, preventing the loss of life and property.
 
NOTICE Minimize
 
New Code Notice Minimize

The 2015 Michigan Residential Code is now in effect.

This code now includes new Energy Code requirements (chapter 11)

The Building Code in effect is 2012 Michigan Code (for projects other than residential)
 
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