Gaines Charter Township, Kent Co., Michigan: Building Inspection Department

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Staff | Application Forms and Permits | Codes, Ordinances and Requirements | Swimming Pools

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Hours of Operation: 6:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday through Friday

Welcome to the Gaines Charter Township Building Inspections Department. Our goal is to provide you with all necessary information to successfully complete your construction project. This mission is carried out through the effective enforcement of codes for:

Building:        Michigan Building Code/2003
                    Michigan Residential Code/2003
                    Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings/2003
Electrical: National Electrical Code/2005 Michigan Amendments (Part 8,
Electrical Code)
Mechanical: Michigan Mechanical Code/2006
Plumbing: Michigan Plumbing Code/2006
Signs
Swimming Pools

The Building Inspection Department is located on the upper level of the Gaines Charter Township Office at 8555 Kalamazoo Avenue SE at the corner of 84th St. and Kalamazoo Avenue. You will find the Contractor's entrance to the East of the main entrance. Homeowners and contractors may enter here to receive information regarding applying for permits and for other building information.

Building Inspection Department Staff

Tom Kozak

Building Official
Phone: 616-698-6640 Ext. 27
Phone: 616-541-0339 Ext. 27

E-mail: tom.kozak@gainestownship.org

Donn DenBoer

Building Inspector
Phone: 616-698-6640 Ext. 26
Phone: 616-541-0339 Ext. 26

E-mail: donn.denboer@gainestownship.org

Russell Jansen

Dutton/Cutlerville Fire Chief and Inspector

Mobile: 616-299-6055

E-mail: duttonfire@yahoo.com

Roger Sterk - Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am

Electrical Inspector

Phone: 616-541-0339 ext. 33
Mobile: 616-291-9396

E-mail: Roger.sterk@gainestownship.org

Carol Bostelaar

Building Department Secretary
Phone: 616-698-6640 Ext. 28
Phone: 616-541-0339 Ext. 28

E-mail: carol.bostelaar@gainestownship.org

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Application Forms and Permits

Most application forms and permits are in PDF Format and require the FREE Adobe® Acrobat® Reader available from the Adobe website.

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Codes, Ordinances and Requirements

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Swimming Pools

It is getting to be the time of year when the building department phones are ringing with questions about swimming pools. Many people buy an above ground or an inflatable soft sided pool that is advertised as quick and simple to install as little as one hour. What retailers do not always make clear is the fact that there are Michigan State Building codes and township requirements that must be met. Many people do not realize this until the local building inspector stops in and informs them that there is no record of a pool permit, and that their new pool is a safety hazard because there is no adequate fence surrounding the pool or the owner's property.

The swimming pool security deposit which must be deposited with the Township before an outdoor swimming pool permit will be issued (and before an outdoor swimming pool can be installed, commenced, or utilized) shall be $500.00. If installation or construction of an outdoor swimming pool is commenced prior to the issuance of a Township permit, the pool security deposit shall be $500.00 (which shall be in addition to any potential penalties).

To help new pool owners get started on the right note, we would like to make you aware of some of the most frequently asked questions. Any pool that is capable of holding water 24 inches deep or more requires a pool permit and a 48 inch high fence (also called a barricade by code) with a self closing gate. Not just any 48" high fence, but one that meets state building code. Pools with a power filter system will also require an electrical permit to ensure that the pool is properly connected to the power source and grounded properly. Also, a zoning permit is often required to be certain that the pool is not infringing on property boundaries. Inspections are made to make certain that the codes and safety conditions are met.

This may seem a bit overwhelming and complicated; however, if you spend a few moments stopping by or calling the building department we will be happy to assist you with the necessary permits and paperwork to get you going in the right direction. This will help avoid an unpleasant because the codes and conditions are not correctly met. This is the time when kids should be having fun in their new and safe swimming pool.

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