Department of Building Safety
Planning – Zoning
Bridgman City Building Official/Zoning Administrator – William Boyd, Jr.
Contact by Phone: 269-465-5144 Ext. 303 (voicemail checked several times a day)
By Fax: 269-465-3701
By Email: bboyd@bridgman.org
The City of Bridgman Department of Building Safety provides 1) Building Inspection and 2) Planning/Zoning Administration. The department operates by scheduled appointments. The Department of Building Safety is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of City and State codes relating to construction, remodeling, alteration, repair, and demolition of buildings and structures located within the City. Currently the 2009 edition of the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code are the adopted Construction codes for the administration and enforcement of building safety.
The purpose of such codes is to provide minimum standards to safeguard public safety, property and welfare by regulating and controlling the many factors involved with development. To ensure that construction work complies with applicable codes, the City requires comprehensive plans for most types of projects and inspections are conducted at periodic stages of the work.
The Department of Building Safety is responsible for the issuance of all construction permits, related inspections, property code and zoning ordinance enforcement. The Building Official/Zoning Administrator is also responsible for administering and maintaining the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Code, Zoning map, and the Master Plan. The Building Official/Zoning Administrator acts as a liaison to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals
The Bridgman Planning Commission meets on the third Thursday of each month, as necessary.
The Bridgman Zoning Board of Appeals meets on the first Thursday of each month, as necessary
Any persons wishing to obtain a building permit application or any other permits may do so at the office window or by accessing the printable forms in this section. Completed applications and permits are accepted at the office window anytime during regular business hours. All written documents submitted to the Department of Building Safety will be reviewed and an answer will be returned to the applicant in an expeditious manner.
Application for Building Permit
City of Bridgman Zoning Ordinance
Thank you for your interest in keeping the City a wonderful place to live and visit!
Be Sure To Check
Are you starting to plan for a home improvement project? Before conducting any actual work it is always appropriate to check with the Bridgman Building Official /Zoning Administrator to learn if your project requires a building or other permit applications. A building permit is the legal document that allows construction to start and provides procedures for everyone to follow, in accordance with established construction design principals.
Many Home Improvement Projects Require A Building Permit
A building permit application is usually required for:
• New buildings/dwellings
• Additions to existing homes
• Residential projects such as decks, garages, fences, pools, accessory structures, etc.
• Garage conversions, basement upgrades, attic conversions
• Re-roofing, re-siding, new windows, exterior door alterations or any framing alterations
• Separate permit applications may he required for work involving:
• Electric service/systems
• Plumbing systems
• HVAC —heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
• Work in the Critical Dune Area
An approved building permit ensures that the proposed construction meets minimum safety standards and allows code officials to protect the public by reducing potential hazards. Many insurance companies will not cover damage resulting from work performed without proper permits and inspections. Checking with the City Building Official before starting any project can reduce the chance of having to perform costly changes.
How To Choose A Homebuilder Or Remodeler
Building a new home, adding space or remodeling your present home is a major investment. As you begin planning to build or improve your home there are important steps you should take to ensure that your investment is a wise one and that you are protected from loss or disappointment.
Get the Names Of Contractors From:
Friends or neighbors who have had satisfactory work accomplished
People at local home improvement centers, who can provide references
Local advertisements that include a license number, having a high quality reputation
Associations that are affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders
You should be aware that all contractors offering to do residential work must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes. A Residential Builders license allows a contractor to build a complete structure and do maintenance or alteration work. A Maintenance & Alteration license indicates that the holder has met the requirements for one or more of the following trades basement waterproofing, carpentry, concrete, excavation, house wrecking, insulation, masonry, painting and decorating, roofing, screen and storm sash, gutters, siding, swimming pools or tile and marble. The trades in which a contractor is qualified to practice are listed on the license.
Look For The License Before You Start
The license issued by the State of Michigan must be current and be available for you to review. You should always ask to see the license and make sure it is appropriate for the work proposed. If a license cannot be provided or is not including the proper category of work, then you may want to continue your search. Always ask for a copy of the approved building permit, as it is a legal document and should be included with your property records.
Working with an unlicensed builder or contractor is done at your own risk!
Get Estimates – Get It In Writing
It is advisable to get estimates from different contractors to compare prices. Remember the type of materials and quality of materials will greatly affect the bid A low bid based on inferior materials may not be any bargain, so consider more than the price alone Be sure the estimate specifies the total price, the terms of payment, the kind of materials to be used and the expected time it will take to complete the project Make sure special prices or discounts are a true deal and not just a gimmick to get your business. When you have selected a licensed contractor, get all agreements in writing A written agreement or contract should make sure that all work is clearly addressed This will help to eliminate misunderstandings during the time of construction and after completion Make sure that you read all documents carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you do not understand If everything in the agreement is satisfactory, both the contractor and the homeowner are to sign and date the contract. Any changes or revisions are to be dated and initialed by both parties.
Helpful Contact Information
Norm Kiug, Mechanical Inspector – (269) 473-3631
Charles Basinger, Electric Inspector – (269) 469-1366
Michael Field, Plumbing Inspector – (269) 427-7890
Tim Kading, Water & Sewer Superintendent – (269) 465-5407
Rich Knuth, Street Superintendent (269) 465-5144
Tom Deneau, City Engineer (269) 927-0100
