Short answer: A new commercial building in Flint or Genesee County typically needs site plan approval from the city or township, a soil erosion and sedimentation control permit, a driveway permit from the road agency, water and sewer connection approvals, and building and trade permits — followed by inspections and a certificate of occupancy. Which agencies are involved depends on the community and the road the site fronts.
1. Zoning and Site Plan Review
Commercial projects start with the local city or township. The site plan — building location, parking, drive aisles, landscaping, lighting, storm water and utilities — is reviewed against the zoning ordinance, often by the planning commission. A use that isn’t allowed by right may need a special land use approval or rezoning first, which adds time.
2. Storm Water and Soil Erosion
- Soil erosion and sedimentation control (SESC) permit: required in Michigan for earth changes of one acre or more, or within 500 feet of a lake or stream. In Genesee County, most communities’ permits are issued by the Genesee County Drain Commissioner’s office; some cities and townships run their own program.
- Storm water design: most communities require new development to control runoff, often with a detention or retention pond or underground storage, reviewed with the site plan.
- State storm water coverage: larger sites that disturb an acre or more and discharge to state waters may also need coverage from Michigan EGLE.
3. Driveway and Right-of-Way Permits
Any new or changed driveway needs a permit from the agency that owns the road:
- County roads: the Genesee County Road Commission.
- State highways (I-, M- and US-numbered routes): the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), through its online permit system.
- City streets: the city.
Commercial driveways, especially for drive-thru restaurants, may need a traffic study, turn lanes or specific spacing from other drives.
4. Water and Sewer Connections
Water service, sanitary sewer and storm sewer connections are approved by the utility that serves the site — the city, the township, or the county’s water and waste system. Restaurants usually also need a grease interceptor sized and approved for the kitchen. Sites without public sewer or water need health department approval for a well or septic system.
5. Building and Trade Permits
Once the site plan is approved, construction drawings, usually sealed by a Michigan-licensed, architect or engineer are submitted for the building permit. Separate permits cover electrical, plumbing and mechanical work. Restaurants and other food businesses also need plan review from the health department before opening.
6. MISS DIG Before Digging
Michigan law requires notice to MISS DIG 811 at least three business days before excavation, so existing utilities are marked before site work begins.
7. Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy
The building department inspects footings, framing, trades and final construction. The site work — utilities, paving, landscaping and storm water — must also be completed or bonded before the community issues a certificate of occupancy, which is required before the business can open.
How to Keep Approvals From Delaying Your Opening
- Meet with the city or township planning staff before buying or designing the site.
- Confirm which road agency controls the driveway and whether a traffic study is needed.
- Confirm where water and sewer connect and who owns those lines.
- Bring your contractor in during design so site costs are priced before approvals are final.
RBF Construction handles site development and commercial construction in Genesee County and across Southeast Michigan, including restaurants and retail buildings. Request a bid.
Sources
- Michigan EGLE: soil erosion and sedimentation control overview
- Michigan EGLE: Part 91 enforcing agencies
- Genesee County Road Commission: driveway permits
- MDOT: building on a state highway
- MISS DIG 811: frequently asked questions
About This Guide
Written by the team at RBF Construction, Inc., a licensed and insured general contractor and site developer in Flint, Michigan, serving Genesee, Oakland and Southeast Michigan. Rules vary by community, so confirm requirements with your local building department. Questions? Call 810-938-8498.