CITY OF UTICA

BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Open Monday-Thursday, 10 A.M.-3 P.M. 
7550 AUBURN ROAD
UTICA, MICHIGAN 48317
586-739-1600 ext. 107

JERRY HICKS, BUILDING INSPECTOR
Email
JOHN DROPCHUK, BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR
building@cityofutica.org

CODE OF ORDINANCES
Sign Ordinance Adopted 9/10/19
Dog Ordinance Amendment
Zoning Map

April is Safe Digging Month!  Please contact MISS DIG 811 prior to doing ANY digging!

Remember, the City of Utica requires a building permit and
inspections for a new deck, shed or garage and many other items.
If you have any questions 
regarding building matters, please call the Building Department during regular city hall office hours.

The Building Inspector is the person who approves all building permit 
applications and follows up with the required inspections, answers 
questions regarding the Zoning Ordinance and building requirements.

The Building Inspector not only issues the building permits but he also is the 
code enforcement official and issues citations when the ordinances or codes
are not followed.

Even though we do not care to hear it, it's time to make sure the snow blower and snow shovel are ready. Remember, it is your responsibility to keep sidewalks clear of ice and snow. Let's keep them cleared for school children and all walkers.

Check growth of tree limbs over your house or garage to avoid damage from heavy snow and ice coated branches. Make sure your address is on your house or mailbox. We know there are still a lot of houses and businesses that don't have them. Also, help remind your neighbors if you notice theirs missing. This is important for mail delivery, but more so in case you need the Police or Fire Departments to reach you. Even worse, would be the need for an ambulance that has a problem finding your address. Once again, it is time to think about heating contractors. If you have problems with your heat, be sure whoever works on your unit is a licensed contractor.

Make sure to ask to see their credentials. Remember, changing a water heater or furnace does require a permit from the Building Department and an inspection by our inspectors. You can always call us to see if your project needs a permit. A reminder to all landlords, your rental dwellings in the City of Utica, do require a landlord license every year and an inspection every two years. Far too many landlords have not followed thru with repairs and inspections to get the license. If you are a renter, be sure your landlord had your dwelling inspected by the Building Inspector.

A life-saving test: check your smoke alarms regularly

MSHDA's Property Improvement Program offers low interest home improvement loans to single-family homeowners with low-to-moderate income (up to $65,000, or $74,750 in certain areas). Eligible home improvements insulation, window replacement, furnace replacement, roof repair or replacement, new siding, installing a ramp, remodeling a kitchen, and other similar improvements. Homeowners can borrow up to $25,000 without equity, and up to $50,000 with equity. Because we can amortize the loan up to 20 years, the monthly payments are very affordable for those on a fixed income. The interest rate for homeowners is 4%, 6%, or 8%, depending upon income. These loans are provided through MSHDA-approved participating lenders and community agents. For a list of lenders and agents, as well as more program details, visit the web site at www.michigan.gov/mshda and click on the Home Improvement link.