City Guide
Community Services
Community development
Washtenaw County Annex Bldg., 110 N. Fourth Ave., suite 300622-9025. Fax: 622-9022
This unit provides funds for community development projects. Low-income home owners can apply for a 0% interest, deferred payment loan for home improvements including energy efficiency, emergency repairs, and accessible ramps at this office. Low-income residents seeking to buy a home can apply for a 0% interest, deferred payment loan for down payment assistance. Nonprofits can apply for funding for services to low-income residents such as emergency shelter, housing support, food programs, crisis intervention, health & dental services, and services for seniors, youth and children. Developers can apply for funding for low-income housing developments.
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Parks & recreation
Customer Service Office, Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard794-6230. Fax: 996-3060
This unit, managed by Colin 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 Senior Center, and the Farmers’ Market. Call for information about park and recreation facilities, park shelter reservations, or to register for programs and activities (see also the Recreation section of this guide). a2gov.org/parks
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Planning & development
City Hall, 6th floor [map]794-6267. Fax: 994-8460.
This unit 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.
A development review and inspection services software application, eTRAKiT, is available at a2gov.org/trakit or by calling 794-6267. The system includes a permitting process, with 24/7 access to inspection results, automated inspection scheduling, ability to check status of registration with the city and search for permits.
The planning section of this unit, managed by Wendy Rampson, 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, 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/building. 794-6263. The construction/building section, managed by Ralph Welton, reviews plans for any proposed construction activity, enforces state building codes and inspects all permitted construction within the city.
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 (794-6267) 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 p.m.
Rental Housing. 794-6264. The rental housing section, managed by Lisha Turner-Tolbert, registers and inspects all rental properties approximately 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.
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