September 18, 2017 - Michigan homeowners, landlords and business owners are reminded to check with local government building officials regarding permits before repairing or rebuilding a structure damaged by June storms and flooding.
Many building owners have already received disaster assistance grants, settled their insurance claims, or are preparing to dip into their savings to repair or rebuild their homes. Before beginning any work, state law requires you check with local officials to make sure that you have the proper permits. Repairs or rebuilding should not begin until issuance of appropriate permits.
Local governments keep track of construction activity in their areas. City inspectors make sure that the buildings being repaired or constructed meet the minimum requirements of the state building code, thereby providing safe buildings in their community.
Community building officials require you to meet current building code standards. If a home or business is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area - the 100 year flood plain - there are local ordinances that will affect how dwellings are repaired, renovated, or reconstructed. A community must enforce these regulations so that federally-backed flood insurance and most forms of disaster assistance continue to be available to local residents and property owners.
Upon final inspection of the completed project, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued to the project’s owner. At this point the building or structure is available to be used or occupied by the public. Be sure to keep receipts for materials used or contracted work.
Once the job is complete, the insurance company will inspect the property to verify work that was done. Permits that were issued will prove the work was done by an accredited contractor.