300 West Thirteen Mile Road
Madison Heights, MI  48071
Phone: (248) 583-0831
Fax: (248) 588-4143

James T. Schafer is the Community Development Director and Jack R. Williams is the Deputy Director and Building Official.

BETTER BUILDINGS FOR MICHIGAN - Madison Heights Partners with Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office to Provide Great Energy Savings Opportunities for Homeowners, Landlords and Tenants!.

Click here for the Home Owner Packet.  Click here for the Program Flyer.

Click here for the program web site.

Questions should be directed to:

 APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE FILLED OUT ONLINE.  GO TO THE APPLICATION FORMS TAB ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THIS PAGE. 

 NOTICE:  Mastercard and Discover are accepted at the Treasurer's office for building and zoning fees.  There is a 2.5% convenience fee (minimum $3.95).  Online payments using Mastercard, Discover and American Express are also accepted with a 3% service fee (minimum $1.00).  The service fees do not go to the City.

Statement of Services: The Community Development Department consists of the following functions: Building; Code Enforcement; Community Improvement (Housing/Grant Administration); Economic Development; Engineering; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Planning and Zoning.  All Divisions involve the development and enhancement of the quality of life in Madison Heights.

The Building Division is responsible for approving the plans, issuing permits and inspecting all construction in the City as well as enforcement of the Property Maintenance Code.  The Division also licenses and inspects residential rental units under the Landlord Licensing Ordinance, and inspects for, and issues, commercial occupancy certificates.

The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing Municipal ordinances and the Property Maintenance Code.

The Community Improvement Division administers Federal Block Grant and Housing Commission (Section 8) Funds.

The Economic Development Division  is responsible for development and improvement of the business and industrial districts in the City of Madison Heights.  This Division supports the Downtown Development Authority, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and provides assistance to the Planning Commission and the City Council regarding economic development projects.   The Division is responsible for business retention and expansion throughout the city, improving the economic base of the community, creating employment opportunities, and reducing commercial and industrial property vacancies.

The Engineering Division designs and inspects City utility and road projects and reviews, and approves and inspects all private engineering plans and development.

The Planning Division provides information and staff services on all matters coming before the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Staff also reviews proposed developments to ensure compliance with the City's zoning ordinance and master plan.  This Division is also the home department for the City's Geographic Information System.

 Are you considering building or remodeling?

If you should decide to build a new house, remodel, add onto your existing house or build a garage, you or your contractor are required to get the necessary permits to do the work.  In order to obtain a permit, a contractor must be licensed by the State of Michigan.  Homeowners may obtain permits to work on their own owner occupied residence provided they are doing the work themselves.  Anyone hired by the homeowner to do work under a homeowner permit must be licensed by the State and registered with the City.

Once the permits are issued, the City’s staff of trained and experienced inspectors will start the process of assisting you.  Through their various reviews and inspections, the City will verify that work is being done according to current building codes and accepted standards of good workmanship.  This is a   distinct advantage to you, the homeowner, because you will be assured of receiving quality work and a safe final product.

If a problem does develop, the City will assist you by requiring that the contractor make the necessary corrections.  In the unusual situation where an impasse is reached, the inspection staff will assist in filing a complaint against the contractor with the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes or the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.