Kentwood Inspections Department
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is a Plan Review required? Answer
2. When is Site Plan Review required? Answer
3. What codes are enforced by the City of Kentwood? Answer
4. Are there local amendments to the building code? Answer
5. What is the minimum footing depth? Answer
6. What is the roof snow load? Answer
7. What is the design wind speed? Answer
8. What is the seismic Design Class for the City of Kentwood? Answer
9. What does the energy code require? Answer
10. Do I need an architect or engineer to obtain a plan review and building permit? Answer
11. What is required for a set of drawings to be "sealed"? Answer
12. Must the architect seal each page of a drawing set? Answer
13. What must I submit to receive a plan review? Answer
14. How do I calculate the fee? Answer
15. Are any other approvals or reviews required? Answer
16. I want to build a factory, is there someplace I can find information about other regulations that would affect me? Answer
17. I have an older building that I wish to renovate. Must I comply with Barrier Free requirements? Answer
18. What about the ADA? Answer
19. How can I be sure the architect I hire is licensed? Answer
20. Where do I find the square foot cost amount used to determine the valuation of my project?Answer
Answers
1. When is a Plan Review required?
A plan review is required whenever a commercial building is erected, altered, enlarged, structurally repaired, moved, or converted to different use group (as defined in the building code).
2. When is a Site Plan Review required?
A site plan review is required for all new commercial / residential building and additions to existing building, decks, swimming pools and hot tubs. Slabs on grade also require review to insure all easements remain clear after construction.
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3. What Codes are enforced by the City of Kentwood?· 2009 Michigan Building Code (MBC)
· 2006 International Fire Code
· 2009 Michigan Electrical Code
· 2009 Michigan Mechanical Code
· 2009 Michigan Plumbing Code
· Michigan Barrier Free Design Rules (Michigan Building Code Rules) ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009
· Michigan Uniform Energy Code (Part 10 Michigan Building Code Rules)
4. Are there local amendments to the building code?
No. State Law no longer allows local jurisdictions to amend the building code. The Michigan Building Code (MBC) that is in effect statewide incorporates the 2000 International Building Code with state amendments.
5. What is the minimum footing depth?
Minimum footing depth is 42 inches below finish grade.
6. What is the roof snow load?
Design roof snow load is 35 pounds per square foot per Figure 1608.2 MBC 2009.
7. What is the design wind speed?
Design wind speed is 70-90 MPH for three-second gust per Figure 1609 MBC 2009.
8. What is the Seismic Design Class for City of Kentwood?
The City of Kentwood is located in a Seismic Design Class A.
9. What does the energy code require?
Buildings shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the Michigan uniform energy code, part 10 rules, R408.31001 to R408.31099.
10. Do I need an architect or engineer to obtain a plan review and building permit?
Michigan State Law requires that work done on commercial buildings be under the seal and signature of a licensed architect or engineer. The Building Official may waive the requirement for sealed drawings if the proposed work is of very minor nature. It is a very rare occasion that this requirement is waived.
11. What is required for a set of drawings to be "sealed"?
The registered (licensed) architect or engineer must seal the drawing either an embossed seal or a wet ink seal and then validate that an original signature in ink. A set of plans that is "sealed" therefore contains both the seal and signature of the architect or engineer. Photocopies of a previously sealed drawing are not acceptable. The seal and signature on each set of submitted plans must be original.
12. Must the architect seal each page of a drawing set?
The architect may seal each individual sheet within the set or they may seal an index page that lists all the pages within the set for which the architect is responsible.
14. How do I calculate the fee?
Permit fees are calculated at $25.00 for the first thousand dollars of construction cost and $5.00 for each additional thousand dollars with an additional 25% added for projects valued over $100,000.00.
15. Are any other approvals or reviews required?
New buildings and additions require a Site Plan Review. The affect on wetlands and consideration of easements, for storm water and access to utilities must be considered prior to issuing a permit. Engineering may require a bond be secured to insure proper construction.
16. I want to build a factory, is there someplace I can find information about other regulations that will affect me?
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Assistance Division, produces the publication "Michigan Manufacturing Guide to Environmental and Health and Safety Regulations" The publication is available in hard copy by calling 1-800-662-9278.
17. I have an older building that I wish to renovate. Must I comply with Barrier Free requirements?
Alterations to any building must comply with the requirements of Michigan barrier Free Design Rules (BFR) Additionally, an accessible route must be provided to the improved areas. Within the BFR, there are some exceptions for existing buildings meeting certain criteria. Contact our Office or your design Professional to see if these exceptions may apply to your project. If you wish to seek a variance from the BFR, you must go to the Barrier Design Board of the State of Michigan. The City of Kentwood has no authority to grant variances the BFR.
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18. What about the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a Federal civil rights law, the City of Kentwood has no authority to enforce. Therefore, we do not review projects for compliance with ADA.
19. How can I be sure the architect I hired is licensed?
Ask to see his/her license or for his/her license number. Any reputable architect or engineer will be glad to give you this information.
20. Where do I find the square foot cost amount used to determine valuation of my project.
Contact the Inspections Department at 554-0700 for estimate of square foot cost. The method of construction may affect the cost of construction.