Frequently Asked Questions
documents
What documents do I require for my building permit application?
Please visit out building permit process page for detailed information on required documentation for building permit applications.
Why do I need the Change of Use Permit from the Kent County Health Department?
Kent County wishes to confirm that your project, for a fact, does not interfere with the homeowner’s well and septic system. If you do not believe you need a change of use form, please provide us with a letter from the health department confirming as much.
This document is required by the Kent County Health Department, not the municipalities, for all applicable projects.
You can find the application for the Change of Use permit HERE.
Do I need a RES Check or Manual J & S for my project?
Yes; all new residences and insulated buildings, and most additions, and extensive alterations require both a RES Check and Manual J & S.
What is a manual J&S and why do I need one?
The Manual J load calculation factors in the different characteristics of your home (such as square footage, position of your walls, building materials, etc.) to determine how much heating or cooling capacity your home needs. HVAC contractors use the Manual J calculation to determine the heating and cooling loads of a home or building, so they can install the proper HVAC equipment.
Manual S ensures your heating and cooling equipment is properly sized and will maintain the required design comfort conditions calculated by the Manual J.
A manual J & S is required by code to obtain a building permit for all new residences and most remodels/additions. It will show that a new or existing unit will be able to meet the heating and cooling needs of your building.
The Manual J&S can be obtained from the Mechanical contractor that will be installing your heating equipment or any licensed mechanical contractor.
What is a blower door test and why do I need it for my project?
You will notice in the comment section of your issued permit paperwork this statement: “Must return final energy report for C/O.” The final energy report is your blower door test, which assesses the air-tightness of a building.
All new residences and most additions or other insulated structures that require a Res Check need a blower door test. You will not receive a certificate of occupancy without submitting the final energy report.
inspections
What inspection do I need at [x] stage of my project?
Please visit our inspections page for a comprehensive list of common inspections at each stage of the project. Most projects require anywhere between two to four inspections, minimum. Some projects, like a furnace installation, require a single final inspection.
Doesn’t it make more sense to have my building rough-in/final inspection before I finish work on my subtrades?
The building code specifies that you must finish and call in subtrade inspections before building rough-in and final inspections. This process ensures that you or your subcontractor does not unintentionally affect the building, such as non-compliant boring or drilling, after the building inspector approves an inspection.
Do you inspect projects in the City of Rockford?
No. PCI inspects within the city limits of Rockford.
Is [x] address in your jurisdiction?
Please visit our communities page for an overview of each community we service. You can use Bing Maps to locate your address’ township or city; alternatively, you can review your property tax statement or land contract. If you are still unsure, you can call our office or your township office.
payment options
Who do I write checks out to?
Write checks out to Imperial Municipal Services, or simply IMS.
Do you take credit cards?
Currently, IMS does not take credit carts. We accept only cash or check.
Why can’t I pay you as soon as I submit a building permit?
We only accept payment of building permits when the permit is ready to be issued.
For building permits, we do not deposit checks and cash until the permit is approved and issued. Often, applications do not contain necessary documents for approval, meaning the application sits in our office for weeks or months until we either throw out the inactive application or receive what we need.
permits
Do permits expire? If so, when?
Yes, all permits expire after six months without inspections. To maintain a current permit, please call in a required inspection at least once every six months. We will send you (the permit holder) an expiration letter sometime after six months to request an inspection, at which point you can renew the permit (at a cost) or plea for an extension.
Extension requests must be approved by the building official.
How much is a building/subtrade permit?
We calculate building permit fees based on the estimated cost/value of the project. You can use the fee schedule on the third page of your building permit application to get an idea of your fee, but please do not write us a check until your permit is ready to issue.
Meanwhile, the second page of a subtrade permit application provides a worksheet that you must fill out and use to calculate your permit fee. Please include payment with your subtrade permit application to expedite the process.
Do I need a building permit if I am simply moving my shed from one part of my property to the next?
Depending on the size of your building, you WILL need a building permit. You will also need zoning compliance. Our office must know both locations of the building as well as all footing and foundation information.
Do I need a building permit for a re-roof or exterior re-siding?
You do not need a building permit for re-roofs or re-siding; HOWEVER, you will need a permit if you intend to make structural changes to the boards underneath the siding or roofing.
rental inspections
How do I file a rental complaint?
Fill out completely the rental complain form and submit it to the IMS office; the rental inspector will review your complaint and schedule with you an inspection.
How do I schedule a rental inspection?
Make sure you registered your rental with the rental registration form submitted to the City of Cedar Springs. Thereafter, you may contact the rental inspector to set up your inspection.