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Building Department

Show All Answers

1. When should I call for an inspection?

For inspections on property within the city of Midland, call the City's Building Department at 989-837-3383 at least a day ahead of time to request scheduling of required inspections.

2. How do I find out who my inspector is if I live in Midland County?

A directory of building inspectors is available through the Midland County Code Authority. Call 989-837-6521 to find out more.

3. Why is an inspection and permit necessary for replacement of water heaters and furnaces?

An inspection is performed to ensure that water heaters and furnaces are properly installed, and to help determine and avoid any potential safety hazards that could result from improper installation.

4. How can I find out what type of pipe to use for water service, gas lines, etc.?

Call the City's plumbing inspector at 989-837-3383.

5. I live in a township outside the Midland city limits and have a building-related problem / question. Can the City of Midland help me with this?

The City of Midland does not have jurisdiction over building issues outside of the Midland city limits. If you live outside the city but within Midland County and have a building-related issue - such as a question about installing mechanical fixtures in your home - you should contact the Midland County Code Authority at 989-837-6521.

6. Where can I order State of Michigan code books for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work?

The Michigan Building Code (Commercial Projects); Michigan Plumbing Code; Michigan Mechanical Code; Michigan Electric Code; and Michigan Residential Code (1 & 2 Family Dwellings), and other pertinent documentation related to building projects, can be purchased from the State of Michigan by contacting the following department:
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth
Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety
P.O. Box 30255
Lansing, MI 48909
517-241-9313

7. Do I need a permit to expand my driveway?

No, not if you are only working on your own property. If you are expanding in the right-of-way, you will need to obtain permits from the Engineering Department.

In addition, City of Midland zoning requirements prohibit the drainage of stormwater onto adjacent properties. Careful planning is required to ensure your stormwater is directed to your property or an approved drainage course.

8. Where can I post a sign on my property?

According to the City's Code of Ordinances, signs may only be placed on an owner's private property. Unless authorized by Midland City Council, signs, posters, advertisements and the like are not allowed in the public rights-of-way (the area between the curb and the sidewalk, also commonly referred to as the "out lawn" area).

9. How do I find my property lines?

There should be property irons buried in the ground at each corner of your property. The City of Midland does not locate these for you; you may hire a survey or engineering firm to do so, or you can attempt to find them yourself.

You can check the City's geographic information system (GIS) maps to find your lot dimensions. Typically, the front property irons are approximately two feet behind the sidewalk towards your house. You can rent a metal detector or probe the ground with a shovel to determine their location.

Occasionally, property irons are off or are missing. Other clues to property line locations are telephone boxes, power poles, fences, and tree / hedgerows.

10. My neighbor does not rake his leaves and they blow into my yard. What can the City do about this?

Although the City encourages residents to remove leaves from their private property to maintain the aesthetic appeal of our community, the City has no jurisdiction over leaf removal from private properties.

11. My neighbor has not shoveled the sidewalk in front of his home / business. Can the City require that it be shoveled?

While the City encourages residents and business owners to shovel the sidewalks in front of their home or place of business for the safety of those who use the walkways, snow shoveling on city sidewalks is not regulated by the City's Code of Ordinances. However, citizens are prohibited from shoveling snow onto the sidewalk or out lawn area in front of their home or business; excess snow must be deposited onto the private property between the sidewalk and the person's home / business.

12. My landlord is evicting me, but I do not want to vacate my rental unit. Can the City help me with this problem?

The City of Midland does not regulate or have any involvement in tenant/landlord disputes unless a dispute directly involves a violation of a City, State and/or federal code, and even then the City's involvement is limited to ensuring that code violations, as determined by the City's building inspector(s), are corrected.

13. I may have mold in my apartment, and my landlord won't fix the problem. Can the City help me resolve this issue with my landlord?

The City of Midland does not test for mold or other contaminants when inspecting rental units. Tenants are responsible for keeping their rental units clean, and landlords are responsible for correcting any structural shortcomings that may lead to the formation of mold or other contaminants.

The City of Midland does not regulate or have any involvement in tenant / landlord disputes unless a dispute directly involves a violation of a City, State and/or federal code, and even then the City's involvement is limited to ensuring that code violations, as determined by the City's building inspector(s), are corrected.

14. How do I request a sign variance?

Contact the City's Planning Department at 989-837-3374.

15. I am working around my gas or electric meter what do I do?

Contact Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 to request CES to do a site check before beginning your project.

16. Does the City of Midland enforce deed restrictions?

No

17. Where can I find my deed restrictions for the neighborhood in which I live?

Deed restrictions are usually recorded against the title to your property and can usually be located at the Register of Deeds in the Midland County building. Your real estate agent, title insurance company, condo association, or even the developer of the site may also be able to help you locate a copy of any deed restrictions that apply to your property.

18. What can I do about a possible mold problem?

The City of Midland does not handle mold issues. However, you can get some helpful information from the State of Michigan website at http://www.michigan.gov/mold or call 517-335-9436