Why do I need a building permit?
Building
permits ensure that all alteration, addition, construction, demolition, or renovation work
to any structure conforms to a minimal safety standard.
When do I need a building permit?
Building permits are required for any work that would alter,
renovate, add to, detract from, construct, or change any building or use.
Generally, building permits are not required for drywall work,
painting, or storage buildings which are less than 200 square feet. Should you have a specific question, please
contact my office.
How does a person obtain a building permit?
A permit application may be obtained from this office or you
can click
here to download one. The completed application should
be filed containing the following information:
Property owner and address.
Job address.
Person or firm responsible for the work.
Description of work being done.
Sealed construction documents (when required).
The completed application and prints or drawings will be reviewed;
and, upon approval, the appropriate permit is then issued.
Who should or may obtain a building permit?
The property owner, the licensed project contractor, or the
registered design professional, either an engineer or architect, may file a permit
application.
Where may a property owner park or store a vehicle?
A licensed motor vehicle may be parked either in the driveway,
parking apron, garage, or on the lawn extension in front of the owner’s residence.
These vehicles should be kept in operable condition, that is the vehicle is legal
to operate on public streets and is in running condition. City residents are allowed to
maintain one unlicensed, operable vehicle within the rear yard of their
property. When department personnel observe a vehicle with long grass growing around it,
we assume that the vehicle is inoperable and subject to a citation.
In and around areas of the City there are
different zoning codes. What do these zoning codes represent?
Click here for a
short description of zoning codes. For more
specific information or zoning for an exact location, please contact Donald
Gilmet, Building Official/Zoning Administrator or Greg Sundin, City Planner
at 989-354-1700.
What is Rental Registration?
In accordance with Ordinance No.
00-305 adopted October 2, 2000, by the Alpena City Council,
all owners of residential rental dwelling units located
within the City of Alpena are required to submit a completed
registration form. Complete all applicable information
and return to City of Alpena Building Official, City Hall,
208 N. First Avenue, Alpena, MI 49707. Please type or
print clearly in ink. Questions may be addressed to
the City Building Official (989-354-1700) or the City
Planner (989-354-1700). Click
Here for a copy of the Rental Registration form.
What is Rental Inspection?
In accordance with Ordinance adopted
January 20, 2003, by the Alpena City Council.
ORDINANCE
NO. 03-332
AN ORDINANCE FOR THE MANDATORY INSPECTION
OF RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTIES IN THE
CITY OF ALPENA
SECTION
1. INTENT
The
City of Alpena recognizes the importance of the rental
housing segment of the overall City housing stock inasmuch
as it provides housing options and opportunities to those
citizens of the community who are unable to attain or do not
desire home ownership. As the entity responsible for the enforcement of the
building and housing codes it is in the interest of the City
to ensure that all rental residential units, structures and
grounds leased for occupancy to the general public are in
compliance with the minimum property maintenance standards
adopted and enforced by the City of Alpena. Benefits to the City include:
1. Protection of the health, safety and welfare of
residents of rental properties and adjacent properties. Existing structures and premises not in compliance
will be repaired to provide a minimum level of health and
safety as required herein.
2. Maintenance of property values and “quality of
life” within the immediate neighborhoods in which
residential rental units are located.
3. Enforcement of common minimum standards for all
residential rental units, structures and premises.
To download the Rental Inspection
Checklist click
here.
What are the fees associated with
the Rental Inspection?
Initial/Renewal
Inspection
including One (1) Follow-up
(to be paid prior to inspection)
1-2 Units:
Inspected at the same time
& same location
3-10 Units:
Inspected at the same time
& same location
10 or more Units:
Inspected at the same time
& same location
|
Every 3
years
$65.00/unit
$60.00/unit
$55.00/unit
|
Re-Inspections
(following
2nd failure) (to be paid prior
to re-inspection)
|
$125.00/unit
per re-inspection |
Missed
appointments
(to be paid prior to inspection)
|
$125.00/unit |
Late payment
fee for initial/
renewal inspection or
re-inspection
(paid up to and including 10
days after inspection)
|
Base
fee plus
$10.00/unit |
Failure
to pay fee (more
than 10 days after inspection)
|
Base fee plus
$20.00/unit and
fees may be
placed on tax
rolls for the
property
|
Appeals |
$25.00*
|
* Fees for tenants may be
waived by the City Manager upon demonstration of financial hardship.
The Housing Board of Appeals may
direct a fee paid by a property owner or local agent to be
refunded if it determines either: 1) that an avoidable
mistake was made by the City in a determination; or 2) that
the City was unreasonable in a determination or ruling.
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