Flint, MI Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Issuing official
- Building Inspector
- Certificate type
- Zoning certificate, part of permit
- Decision deadline
- 30 days (§ 50-11)
- Covers
- Building, structure, or land use changes
Summary
In Flint, no one may build, alter, or change the use of a structure or lot until the Building Inspector issues a zoning certificate as part of the building permit, confirming the work conforms to the zoning chapter.
It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee or tenant to use or permit the use of any structure, building or land, or part thereof, created, erected, changed, converted or enlarged, wholly or partly, until a zoning certificate, which is a part of the building permit, shall have been issued by the Building Inspector. The zoning certificate shall show that the building or premises or a part thereof, and the proposed use thereof, are in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. It shall be the duty of the Building Inspector to issue a zoning certificate; provided, that he or she is satisfied that the structure, building or premises, and the proposed methods of water supply and disposal of sanitary wastes, conform with all the requirements of this chapter.
(b) No permit for excavation or construction shall be issued by the Building Inspector, unless the plans, specifications and the intended use conform to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2046, passed 4-11-1968; Ord. 2412, passed 11-5-1973)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2016 Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 3821, passed 3-1-2012).
Full Breakdown
City of Flint Code § 50-9 makes it unlawful to use, erect, change, convert, or enlarge any structure or land until a zoning certificate, issued by the Building Inspector as part of the building permit, confirms conformity with the zoning chapter. The Building Inspector must issue the certificate once satisfied the structure and its proposed water supply and sanitary waste disposal methods meet all chapter requirements. No excavation or construction permit may be issued unless plans, specifications, and intended use conform to the zoning chapter. Applications go through the process set out at § 50-10, and the Building Inspector must act within 30 days under § 50-11.
Violations & Fines
Building or altering property without an approved zoning certificate is unlawful; the Building Inspector may withhold or refuse construction and excavation permits, and any permit issued in conflict with the zoning chapter is null and void under § 50-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate zoning permit in Flint?
What if the City doesn't respond to my application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
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