City of Flat Rock, MI

Home Departments Building and Safety

Building and Safety

Flat Rock Building Department
Any projects that require a permit through the City that have not been approved by a City Inspector and do not have a permit on file, the responsible party will be issued a Civil Municipal Infraction. If you would like to start a Zoning or Building project, please look over our in-house review process.

Electrical Inspector Schedule:
Monday & Wednesday
8:00 AM-11:00 AM

Mechanical Inspector Schedule:
Monday & Wednesday
10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Plumbing Inspector Schedule:
Thursdays Only
9:00 AM 12:00 PM

Building Director

Building Inspection:
Monday-Friday
9:00am-3:00pm

Office Hours:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Monday-Friday

Phone:(734) 782-0445
Fax:(734) 783-0304

Summer Project Permits

With summer just around the corner it is a great time for building projects. Whether you want to build a new shed for all your lawn care equipment or to install a nice cool pool for the kids in the back yard, we can help by making sure it is a safe structure per our city ordinance and codes.
The Checklists below are what we look for when summer projects are in the process of being built.

Before any projects are started a Building/Zoning Permit is required. Once the application has been received, our inspectors will conduct a plan review. Once the plan review tasks are completed and the permit is paid in full, we will issue your building permit to start building your project. You cannot start a project without requiring a permit. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at the office.

Property Maintenance

All lawns must be properly and consistently maintained. Grass and weeds should be kept under 6".
All property owners or occupants must maintain their property, including keeping the grounds free of litter, debris, weeds and junk.
Certain items can not be stored outside, such as interior furniture, inoperable vehicles, garbage not in approved containers and construction debris.
Firewood must be stored 12 inches off the ground.
Homeowners could face penalties for violating city ordinances regarding property maintenance.

Need to report a problem? Please call (734) 782-0445 or email our Ordinance Officer, at buildingsafety@flatrockmi.org.

Pet Etiquette
Please note that per the City Code of Ordinances Section 94-27:
A friendly reminder to the citizens of Flat Rock from the Ordinance Officer:
We are all excited for the warmer weather, as you are out enjoying a beautiful day please remember to clean up after your pets.

Political Signs
Political Signs are allowed in all zoning districts. They may be of freestanding or wall mounted with a maximum of sixteen (16) sq. ft. per sign. No more than two signs per parcel of land with a maximum height of ten (10) fee on freestanding signs.
A permit is NOT required, and all signs shall be located on the required set back and not in the road right of way. All signs found in the road right of way shall be removed by the City. You may wish to contact the Flat Rock Police Department to recover any signs that have been picked up from the road right of way.
Signs may be placed sixty (60) days prior to the election and are required to be removed seven (7) days after the election.

2015 Michigan Building Code

- 2015 Michigan Uniform Energy Code (effective September 20, 2017)
- 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings (effective September 13, 2016)
- NEC 2017 Michigan Electrical Code with Part 8 Amendments (effective January 4,2019)
- 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (effective April 20, 2015)
- 2015 Michigan Mechanical Code (effective April 12, 2017)
- 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code (effective April 20, 2017)
- 2015 Michigan Residential Code (effective February 18, 2016)
- 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (effective July 3, 2019)
- 2015 National Fire Code (as referenced inside the Michigan Building Code)

Construction Permit Information
Michigan Codes Currently Enforced

2009 Michigan Uniform Energy Code - Commercial
2012 Michigan Building Code
2015 Michigan Mechanical Code
2012 Michigan Plumbing Code
2012 Michigan Rehabilitation Code
2014 Michigan Part 8. Electrical Code
2015 Michigan Residential Code
2015 Michigan Energy Code - Residential (chapter 11 in residential code)

Dept. Contacts

Building & Safety Clerk

Kari Rayl
Phone: (734) 782-0445
Extension: 2109
Fax: (734) 783-0304

Building Inspector

Tom Chorkey
Phone: (734) 782-0445
Extension: 2339
Fax: (734) 783-0304

Building Inspector/Plan Reviewer

Mike Dalton
Phone: (734) 782-0445
Extension: 2119
Fax: (734) 783-0304

Ordinance Officer

Chuck Gillenwater
Phone: (734) 782-0445
Extension: 2135
Fax: (734) 783-0304

Mechanical Inspector
Rob Secco

Electrical Inspector
Jeffery Dommer

Plumbing Inspector
Bernie Zarb

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