(A) Duties of the Building Official. The Building Official shall have primary authority to enforce this chapter, as outlined in this section.
(1) Permits.
(a) A permit is required by the township prior to the construction, removal or repair of a sidewalk. A permit may be obtained by submitting a completed application form, along with plans and specifications, and the required fee, to the Township Building Department. The Building Official shall be responsible for evaluating the application to determine compliance with chapter standards (and to determine compliance with the approved site plan, where applicable) and issuing the permit. A separate permit shall not be required if the proposed sidewalk is part of a larger development that requires a building permit. A copy of the permit shall be kept at hand at the construction site.
(b) The applicant shall be responsible for obtaining any permits required by the Ingham County Road Commission related to sidewalk construction within a county road right-of-way.
(2) Inspection. During construction, the Building Official shall be responsible for inspection. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Building Official shall follow the inspection guidelines set forth in the adopted building code.
(3) Violations. The Building Official shall be responsible for investigating violations of this chapter. Whenever the Building Official determines that a violation exists, the Building Official shall pursue compliance following the enforcement procedures set forth in the adopted building code. If the owner of property, where a sidewalk has fallen into a state of disrepair such that it is unsafe for use, fails to complete repairs within 30 days after notification, then the township may cause necessary repairs and charge the property owner for the costs of repair. If the costs are not paid by the property owner, the costs shall become a lien against the property.
(4) Performance guarantee. The Building Official may require that a performance guarantee be deposited with the township to insure proper completion of required sidewalk construction. The performance guarantee shall satisfy the performance guarantee requirements specified in Chapter 156 of this code.
(B) Site plan review. If a proposed sidewalk is part of larger development that requires site plan review, then the sidewalk shall be shown on the site plan, which plan shall be reviewed in accordance with the site plan review procedures set forth in Chapter 156 of this code.
(C) Authority of the Township Board to require sidewalk construction or maintenance. In accordance with Michigan Public Act 246 of 1931, being M.C.L.A. §§ 41.271 - 41.290, as amended, the Township Board may order the construction, repair, or maintenance of, or may construct, repair, or maintain sidewalks in a designated area within the township because of the health, safety or welfare of the residents. The Township Board shall hold a public meeting relative to the ordering of the sidewalk construction, repair or maintenance and shall notify property owners involved of the time and place of the hearing. If the Township Board determines that the construction, repair or maintenance of sidewalks is necessary, it may construct, repair or maintain the sidewalks and assess the costs to the property involved, payable over a five-year period, or permit the owners of the property involved to have the sidewalks constructed, repaired or maintained according to township specifications at their own expenses.
(Ord. passed 2-3-1998)