City Q & A

April, 2005

With spring fast approaching, residential property owners will be thinking about building and remodeling projects. John Archer, City Building Official, and Ronald Baker, City Engineer, have agreed to answer some of the questions that are frequently asked regarding permits and their requirements.

Interviewer: I recently purchased a house in Owosso and want to make some changes. What permits do I need?

John Archer:  Permits are required for the following once all setback requirements have been met: building additions, siding, window replacement, attached and unattached garages, sheds (over 120 square feet), covered porches, swimming pools, and fences. Sheds under 120 square feet do not require a building permit but must meet same setback requirements as sheds over 120 square feet. Roofing permits are required for roof repairs and replacement. Dog kennels/runs also do not need permits, but must be 60 feet from neighboring structures.  If any electrical or plumbing or mechanical work is being done, then electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are required.

Interviewer: How much do these permits cost?

John Archer: Building permit costs vary according to the value of the project. They average approximately $150 for most additions and approximately $800-$900 for new homes.  The electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits average approximately $100. Roofing permits are $35.00 and fence permits are $20. Siding permits are $30.

Interviewer: Where do I call for inspections?

John Archer: All requests for inspections should come to the Building and Zoning Office at City Hall, 725-0535. I do the building and zoning inspections. Gordon Deisler of Shiawassee County conducts the electrical inspections and Bob Davis, an independent contractor employed by the City, for all plumbing and mechanical inspections.

Interviewer: When do I need to get a right-of-way permit?

Ronald Baker: A right-of-way permit is required for any in-depth excavation in the city right-of-way (area between sidewalk & curb) such as water or sewer installation/repair and for any driveway approach or sidewalk work.

Interviewer: Do I need a right-of-way permit if I move or widen my driveway on my property?

Ronald Baker: There is no setback requirement or permit required for a driveway on private property. However, it is recommended that when a driveway expansion is being planned, the property owner should give careful consideration to the placement of snow.

Interviewer: Is the property owner or the contractor responsible for obtaining the right-of-way permit?

Ronald Baker: Generally, the contractor is responsible for getting the right-of-way permit. The contractor will bill the property owner for cost of repairs for water/sewer lines and sidewalk repairs (the city will make the sidewalk repairs and bill the contractor at the city’s discounted price). Lawn restoration should be negotiated between the contractor and the property owner.

Interviewer: When do I need a Flood Plain permit?

Ronald Baker: When building in a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) designated flood plain, state law requires a flood plain permit. It is issued by the State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Forms can be obtained form the Building Department at city hall or online at Mich.gov/deq. The State of Michigan does all of the flood plain permit inspections.

Interviewer: How much does this permit cost?

Ronald Baker: Approximately $100 or more.

Interviewer: If I need to tear down a house, what type of permit will I need?

Ronald Baker: First, you will need to obtain a utility sign off permit from the Engineering office. This permit needs to be signed off by Consumers Energy for the gas and electric, city water department, city sewer department, and any telephone or cable company verifying that these utilities have been disconnected. Once this permit is signed off, a demolition permit can be obtained from the Building Department at city hall.

Interviewer: What do these permits cost?

Ronald Baker: There is no charge for the sign-off permit. The demolition permit from the Building Department costs $25.00.  Proof of liability insurance is again needed before these permits can be obtained.

It is to the advantage of the property owner to obtain permits for demolitions because this information is used by the Assessing Department in assessing taxes. Without notification, the Assessing Department would continue to tax the property as if the structure was still there.

Interviewer: What type of permit do I need if I want to place a dumpster in the sidewalk area in order to place discarded shingles, building materials, etc.?

Ronald Baker:  A Sidewalk Occupancy permit is required when a sidewalk is occupied for an unusual reason (i.e. dumpster for remodeling) and can be obtained from the City Engineer’s office at city hall. There is no charge for this permit. Proof of Liability Insurance at the address where the dumpster is located is required and the dumpster must have reflective tape on it. Recommended time for the sidewalk occupancy is no longer than one (1) week under normal circumstances.