Flint, MI Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspecting official
- Building Inspector
- Certificate
- Certificate of occupancy
- Temporary certificate
- One 6-month renewal
- Vacancy trigger
- 120+ days needs new certificate
Summary
In Flint, occupying a new, altered, or enlarged structure is unlawful until the Building Inspector inspects the work and issues a certificate of occupancy confirming compliance with the zoning chapter and Building Code.
It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee or tenant to occupy any structure, building or land, or part thereof, erected, created, changed, converted or enlarged after April 26, 1968 unless a certificate of occupancy shall have been issued by the Building Inspector after inspection. Such certificate shall show and certify that all or part of the building, structure or premises has been constructed, altered or improved in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the Building Code and other applicable laws, codes or regulations and all conditions and requirements stipulated by the Board of Appeals, if any. A temporary certificate renewable for one 6-month period, may be issued by the Building Inspector in those instances where due to weather, strikes and the like, full compliance with all controls has not been met and the issuance of the certificate would not endanger the safety and health of the occupants or public. (Ord. 2046, passed 4-11-1968)
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 § 50-13 bars any owner, lessee, or tenant from occupying a structure or land, or any part erected, changed, converted, or enlarged since April 26, 1968, until the Building Inspector issues a certificate of occupancy following inspection. The certificate must certify that construction, alteration, or improvement complies with the zoning chapter, the Building Code, and other applicable laws, including any conditions set by the Board of Appeals. The Building Inspector may issue a temporary certificate, renewable for one six-month period, when weather, strikes, or similar causes have delayed full compliance and occupancy would not endanger occupant or public safety. A related rule at § 11-2 requires a new certificate of occupancy before reoccupying any building left vacant 120 days or more.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a building or premises before the post-inspection certificate of occupancy is issued is unlawful under § 50-13; buildings vacant 120+ days also need a fresh certificate before reoccupancy under § 11-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary occupancy certificate in Flint?
Does a long-vacant building need re-inspection in Flint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
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