Township will no longer require HOA approval prior to issuing any permits from our Building Department

Brownstown Township is implementing updates to its residential permitting procedures, eliminating the requirement for Homeowners Association (HOA) approval prior to the issuance of permits by the Building Department.

This change follows consultation with the township’s legal counsel, who has advised that the township cannot delay or deny issuance of a permit based solely on private HOA covenants or restrictions. The Building Department will continue to.review applications for compliance with applicable codes and township ordinances.

Important: While HOA approval will no longer be required for township permit issuance, property owners remain legally responsible for complying with any applicable HOA covenants, restrictions and architectural standards. Township approval does not override HOA requirements.

Brownstown has over 35 HOAs, each with its own standards for items like swimming pools, fences and other exterior modifications/enhancements. Residents are strongly encouraged to contact their HOA and review applicable subdivision requirements before beginning any project. Please note that the township cannot issue permit refunds for permits reviewed, issued and then later canceled due to HOA-related restrictions or disputes.

For instance, a six-foot wooden privacy fence may not violate any of Brownstown’s property ordinances. However, HOA’s covenants and restrictions may only allow wrought iron or aluminum fences that are no more than four-feet high. In that situation, the township may issue a permit for the six-foot fence, but the HOA may still require the owner to remove or modify the fence at the homeowner’s expense


Building Department Staff Changes

In September, Ken Brandau was promoted from building inspector to building official. Ken has dedicated over four years of service to the township and offers valuable expertise gained from his previous role as a contracting business owner.

In December, Jacob Seeley joined the team as a building inspector. He brings prior experience from his background as a carpenter with several prominent southeast Michigan general contractors and from owning his own contracting business.

In January, Krysten Tomasik was promoted from office specialist to building department office administrator. Krysten has served in the township's Building Department for nearly six years. In her new capacity, she will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the Building Department and collaborating closely with Empanthia Professionals to optimize efficiencies within the BS&A Building software.

Penalties for Starting Work Without a Permit

The Building Department has added new penalties to the Inspection & Services Fee Schedule for Building & Zoning, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing. These penalties are intended to discourage contractors from starting work without obtaining the appropriate permits, neglecting to schedule required inspections and re-opening expired permits.

Failure to Schedule/Complete a Required Inspection $100.00
Re-Open Expired Permit $100.00
Failure to Secure Permit – 1st Offense $200.00
Failure to Secure Permit – 2nd Offense $400.00
Failure to Secure Permit – 3rd & Subsequent Offenses $600.00

The Department has also added the following fees to the Inspection & Services Fee Schedule for Plumbing.

Sump Line Inspection $75.00
Additional Inspection for Shower Pan not installed for the Rough Inspection $75.00

What type of work requires a permit?

It is our intention at the Brownstown Township Building Department to assist in completing all building projects as smoothly as possible for you, the resident. Our goal is to ensure that your project meets code standards for health, safety and welfare, for yourself as well as the general public.

When contracting work to be done to your home:

1. Always hire a State of Michigan licensed contractor, licensed in the trade in which they are doing work.
2. Always have your contractor pull permits (if you, the homeowner, pull the permit and fill out the "Homeowner Affidavit", you, the homeowner, are responsible for the work).
3. Always make sure your contractor shows you the copy of the permit and displays it in visible location.

What do I have to pull a permit for?

Building Permit

• Any new structures, such as a home, addition, garage, shed, deck, porch roofs or any structural changes.
• Any change of current use of area within a home would require permits (e.g. finishing a basement to provide habitable space, creating a bedroom from an existing space).
• Roof replacement
• Siding
• Window and exterior door replacement
• Pools

Non-structural repairs and renovations within a home, or replacement of existing fixtures do not require a permit.
(Replacement of cabinets, counters, flooring, painting, shutters attached to the home)

Zoning Permit

• Fences
• Exterior concrete
• Sheds

Plumbing/Mechanical Permit

• Furnace replacement
• Air conditioning – new or replacement
• Water heater replacement
• Gas piping
• Irrigation systems
• Repair water/sewer lines
• Installation of new plumbing or fixtures

Electrical Permit

Permits are required for all electrical work, with the exception of replacement of fixtures, switches and outlets. Brownstown Township strongly recommends that State of Michigan licensed electrical contractors perform electrical installation and repairs.
Permits are issued only to licensed electrical contractors and homeowners, for the dwelling in which they reside or intend to reside (new home). Homeowner permits will not be issued to owners of rental properties.

If you have any questions or need guidance or clarification, please do not hesitate to call or visit the Building Department (734) 675-0166. Additionally, there is a section of Frequently Asked Questions on the Brownstown Township website www.brownstown-mi.org/government/township_departments/community_services