Bath Township Building and Zoning

What is a plot plan?
When are inspections needed?
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Do I need a permit to replace siding, shingles or windows?
Do I need a demolition permit to demolish a building?
How do I get in touch with an inspector?
As a trade contractor, do I need to be registered with Bath Township?
When are sealed architectural drawings necessary?

What is a plot plan?

A plot plan is a diagram or layout of your property showing all buildings, the proposed construction and distances between buildings and the proposed construction. The plot plan also needs to show the distances from the proposed construction to each property line. A swimming pool is treated as an accessory structure for the plot plan.

When are inspections needed?

The type of inspections and when they are needed is covered in the plan review. Footing inspections are required before concrete is poured. Rough-in inspections are required before anything is concealed. Before calling for a building rough-in or final, all the trades need to have an approved rough-in or final inspection. Checking for trade approvals is part of the building inspection.

A final inspection should be scheduled after the installation has been completed for furnaces, air conditioners, gas logs, etc. Please call 517-641-4238 to schedule the inspection. The information required for an inspection request is address, permit number, type of inspection, name and phone number of person requesting the inspection and any other information needed for the inspectors to be able to inspect such as: if the house will be unlocked or someone will be home, if hiding a key, where it is hidden, etc.

Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes a permit is required but is only used for zoning purposes. We will need a plot plan (a diagram of your lot). On the plot plan you will need to show where the fence is going and how high the fence is. If the fence is over 6 feet high, a building permit along with engineering is required.

Do I need a permit to replace siding, shingles or windows?

Generally, ordinary repair and maintenance is exempt from permits, however we do issue maintenance permits. By completing a maintenance permit, the building department can determine if the scope of the work is maintenance or does require a building permit. There isn’t a charge for a maintenance permit.

If a damaged truss, rafter, or eave is discovered when re-shingling a roof, a building permit will be required to make the structural repair. A maintenance permit would be needed for replacement windows but if the window is larger or smaller, a building permit is required.

If there is any question as to what type of permit is needed, please call 517-641-4238.

Do I need a demolition permit to demolish a building?

Demolition permits are required whenever demolishing a building. This permit serves two purposes. There is a demolition checklist that needs to be completed before the demolition and the demolition permit alerts the assessor to remove the demolished building from your taxes.

There isn’t a charge for the demolition permit if a building permit is pulled to replace the demolished building.

How do I get in touch with an inspector?

The building inspector is in the office every morning at 8:00. He generally is here until 9:00 but the amount of inspections he has determines how long he is in the office. If you need to get in touch with building inspector after office hours or any trade inspector, please call 517-641-4238. All of the inspector’s have cell phones and will call back.

As a trade contractor, do I need to be registered with Bath Township?

Bath Township doesn’t require a registration; however, a copy of the license is kept on file.

When are sealed architectural drawings necessary?

Sealed drawings are necessary for residential homes over 3500 square feet and commercial projects.