Community development
Washtenaw County Annex Bldg., 110 N. Fourth Ave., suite 300
662–9025. Fax: 622–9022This unit provides funds for community development projects. Low-income home owners and nonprofit agencies can apply for low-cost loans for home improvements at this office. Low-income residents seeking to buy a home can apply for down payment assistance. Handles city and county funding of more than 50 nonprofit programs, including legal aid, emergency food programs, crisis intervention, dental services, child care scholarships, and services for seniors, the homeless, and the mentally ill.
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Parks & recreation
City Hall, sixth floor
994–2780. Fax: 994–8312
This unit, managed by Christen Smith, plans and manages city parks, swimming pools, golf courses, canoe liveries, and ice rinks, plus several community centers and other facilities, such as Cobblestone Farm, the Farmers’ Market, and the Senior Center. To get information about park and recreation facilities, or to register for programs, visit www.a2gov.org/parks or call 994–2780 (see also the Recreation section of this guide). To reserve park shelters, apply at least a week in advance; call for fees. Alcohol is not allowed in any city park without a permit. Dogs must be confined or on leash at all times.
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Planning & development
City Hall, sixth floor
994–2674. Fax: 994–8460.
Planning questions: 994–2800, fax 994–2798
This unit, managed by Mark Lloyd, administers and enforces land development ordinances, coordinates site plan review, prepares the city master plan in collaboration with the city planning commission, enforces building codes and ordinances, inspects rental property, coordinates activities of the four city appeal boards along with the planning and historic district commissions, and issues various permits and licenses.
The planning section of this unit updates and sells the city’s basic planning documents for a small fee ($2–$10). The planning unit serves as the administrative staff for the planning commission and historic district commission. A list of planning petitions currently under review can be found on the unit’s website, www.a2gov.org/planning. Individuals concerned about a development proposal are encouraged to call, stop by, or write to the planning and development unit or attend a public hearing on the proposal. See Boards & Commissions, above, for information on the planning commission’s agendas and meeting schedules.
Construction inspections. 994–2674. Inspects all permitted construction within the city. Handles complaints related to drainage nuisances, grading, soil erosion, and fences. Performs grading and site compliance inspections (994–2711).
Historic preservation. 994–2797. Serves as a liaison between owners of historic buildings and the historic district commission (see Boards & Commissions, above).
Housing inspections. 994–2678. Inspects all rental properties about once every 30 months. Tenants may request additional inspections for specific problems. Buildings not in compliance with the city’s housing ordinance cannot legally be rented or occupied. Rental property owners who don’t have an office within 25 miles of the city are required to hire a local agent.
Permits are required for all new construction and for alterations, additions, attached or detached garages or carports (unless 200 square feet or smaller, and detached), decks, fences, sheds larger than 200 square feet, or any repairs whose estimated cost is more than $600. Permits are also required for the installation of any electrical, plumbing, heating, or refrigeration work. Contractors must submit an application form and two drawings of the proposed work. Applications are reviewed for compliance with code and safety requirements. Fees are based on the cost and scope of the project. Home owners are allowed to apply for building permits but must file an affidavit affirming they are doing the work themselves and must meet with inspectors. Inspection staff office hours: Mon.–Fri. 3:30–4 p.m. (not all inspectors are in the office during these times). The permit desk (994–2674) also issues permits for sidewalk occupancy, barricades, events such as races, parades and rallies, street closings, and permits to work in the public right-of-way; conducts exams and issues licenses for sewer installers; and administers licenses for peddlers and solicitors, including charitable organizations. The permit desk cash register closes at 4:30 p.m.
Plan review. 994–2674. Fax: 994–8460. This unit reviews plans for any proposed construction activity, enforces state building codes, and reviews plans for compliance with zoning rules.
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