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Building Department

The Building Department is responsible for the enforcement of building codes and zoning ordinances and subsequently maintaining records concerning the construction, alteration, or demolition of buildings or structures.

The purpose of the codes are to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

The vision of the Building Department is to work collaboratively to ensure the built environment of the City of Ypsilanti is safe and attractive for people who live, work, and visit here so that investment will not only be maintained, but also will grow.
All building department related fees can be found in the annual City Fee Schedule. 

Building Department

The Building Department is responsible for the enforcement of the building codes related to new construction, repairs, alterations, additions, rehabilitation, and demolition projects. Functions of this department include:

Plan Review and Building Inspections

•Review plans for new construction and rehabilitation projects
•Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections
•Survey inspections
•Certificate of occupancy inspections
•Sign inspections
•Compliance with Historic District Ordinance

Housing Inspections

•Routine rental housing inspections
•Property maintenance and complaint inspections
•Ordinance Enforcement
•Administrative Hearings Bureau
•Enforces nuisance ordinances
•Investigates animal complaints
•Issues annual licenses for dogs six months or older
•Annual weed maintenance program

Need to schedule an inspection?


If you would like to schedule an inspection on an existing permit, please call the Building Department during our normal business hours.  Please have your permit number ready when calling.

Inspection times are as follows:

Building permit inspections: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 1:00 & 4:00 p.m.

Electrical permit inspections: Monday through Friday between 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.

Mechanical permit inspections: Tuesday and Thursday between 4:00 & 6:00 p.m.

Plumbing permit inspections: Tuesday and Thursday between 4:00 & 6:00 p.m.

Plan Review / Building Inspections:

  • Reviews plans for new construction and rehabilitation projects
  • Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections
  • Survey inspections
  • New business inspections
  • Sign permits and inspections
  • Fence permits and inspections
  • Compliance with Historic District Ordinance

Housing Inspections and Ordinance Enforcement:


  • Routine rental housing inspections
  • Property maintenance and complaint inspections
  • Enforces nuisance ordinances
  • Investigates animal complaints
  • Issues annual licenses for dogs six months or older
  • Issues animal licenses for chickens and bees
  • Annual weed maintenance program 

Permit Center

Click here to learn which types of work require a permit in the City of Ypsilanti, then access work and sign permit applications.

 

Rental Inspections  

Inspections ensure that rental units are in compliance with applicable codes.  Rental inspections are also utilized to resolve complaints involving rental housing suitability for occupancy.

Ordinance Enforcement

Visit our Ordinance Enforcement section to learn how to report or avoid common ordinance violations.