Neighborhood Services and Building Department
Keep Coldwater Beautiful
With spring fast approaching and warmer weather on the horizon, just a friendly reminder to keep your property looking clean and clutter-free.
In accordance with City ordinances, property owners should:
- Keep garbage, refuse and lawn debris in appropriate containers for disposal.
- Ensure vehicles are licensed, insured and operable if stored outside of a garage.
- Store indoor furniture and home items indoors and not on porches.
- Keep building materials stored indoors in the house, shed or garage.
- Avoid parking on the grass in the front yard (prohibited) or over the sidewalk.
- Keep grass mowed below 12 inches in height.
- Keep garage sale signs located on your own property. (Not at the street corners or on utility poles)
NSD staff routinely inspects properties around the community for compliance with City ordinances. Please call Neighborhood Services at 517-279-6929 with any questions or to report a concern. Thank you for helping keep Coldwater a beautiful place to live and work!
All regulations concerning the construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, location, occupancy and maintenance of all structures under City jurisdiction will be administered through Neighborhood Services Department. This includes all existing and proposed structures.
The intent of enforcement of all building codes is to provide and ensure adequate structural strength, means of egress, fire protection and safety and in general, provide safety in design and maintenance to all structures.
Smart planning prior to beginning alterations or construction can reduce or eliminate unfortunate and/or costly delays in proceeding to project completion.
The information provided includes only a summary of items to be addressed during construction, alterations or changes in occupancy and should not be interpreted as a complete guide to all site projects.
Permits required for building alterations and construction must be obtained at Neighborhood Services Department, One Grand Street, Coldwater, Michigan 49036. All questions regarding requirements to project completion should be directed to our office at (517) 279-9501.
Before You Start
1. Check on Zoning
Make sure your site will meet all zoning requirements. A site layout must be provided to the appropriate City department.
2. Have a plan
A full plan indicating all aspects and functions of a project including a site layout must be provided to our department for plan review approval. All commercial plans must be sealed by a registered design professional licensed in the State of Michigan.
3. Apply for permit
Building permits are issued after zoning and plan reviews are approved. An application must be completed and returned to our department by the homeowner or contractor performing the work. It is recommended that homeowners have the contractor apply for permits when hiring out a project. The permit holder will be held legally responsible for compliance with all building codes. Additional permits may be necessary to construct or alter electric, plumbing and mechanical systems.
4. Request all necessary inspections
It is important to call for all necessary inspections as required by Code. At any time if you feel an inspection is needed, call Neighborhood Services to schedule an appointment. Do not advance beyond a required inspection! This may result in removal of any materials to provide access for proper inspection.
5. Request a “Certificate of Occupancy”
When all final inspections have been approved, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. Use of any structure prior to this issue may be subject to fines.
General Inspection Groups
1. Footings
Permit holder must request inspection of footings before pouring any concrete. Elevation and property lines must be identified at this inspection.
2. Foundation / basement walls
Inspection of reinforcement bars and elevations must be inspected for approval prior to pour.
3. Damp-proofing / perimeter drain
Before backfill is placed, inspection of damp-proofing and perimeter drains must be verified and approved.
4. Rough-in
Prior to covering any structural portions of construction, a rough-in inspection must be requested for approval. All rough-in inspections for electrical, plumbing and mechanical must be completed and approved prior to this inspection.
5. Ice shield
Before installing shingles, notify Neighborhood Services for an inspection.
6. Insulation
All insulation must be inspected before any framing is covered (walls R13/Ceilings R30/Floors R21).
7. Final
All permits must be finalized prior to occupancy. This will include building, mechanical, electric, plumbing and Fire Marshal approval.
