Planning and Development Services provides expertise and information to advise and guide the development, redevelopment, construction and preservation processes. The unit provides the following services:
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Planning: Master planning, site plan review, zoning coordination and enforcement
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Planning and Development Services also provides support to the City Planning Commission, the Historic District Commission and all appeals boards.
Upcoming Service Changes
November 3, 2009: The City of Ann Arbor construction code fund has experienced a significant reduction in revenue over the past year, due to the rippling effect the economy is having in our region.
Funding for construction code activities is limited to the revenue generated by these activities, and we are required to adjust our expenses when we experience significant revenue reductions. Since staffing costs in the construction code fund account for over 75% of all expenses in this fund, the reduction of expenses is resulting in staff changes that will go into effect Monday, November 16, 2009.
Staffing will be reduced by three positions. Our construction inspection staff will now operate with two building inspectors, one electrical inspector, one plumbing/mechanical inspector and a mechanical inspector. Housing inspections will continue to operate with six inspectors. Clerical support for the entire unit will be reduced to four positions.
To further reduce expenses, the following service changes will go into effect on Monday, November 16, 2009:
NEW Hours of Operation
Construction Services and Rental Housing will shift to “winter” hours at 2000 S. Industrial beginning Monday, Nov. 16:
- Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon; closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m; reopen from 1-4 p.m.
- Thursdays we are open for business from 1-4 p.m. only. The case register will close at 4 pm.
- Over-the-Counter permit day remains Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Planning, Zoning, Historic Preservation and Appeals continue to be located on the sixth floor of City Hall (100 N. Fifth Avenue). “Winter” hours are as follows:
- Open daily from 8 a.m. to noon; closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. and reopen from 1 to 5 p.m. The cash register will close at 4 p.m.
- To meet with a planner or historic district staff member, we ask that you make an appointment. Please call 734.794.6265.
Construction Inspections
Construction inspections take place Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Because of the reduced staffing, please plan ahead to schedule your inspections. Construction inspectors are available to meet by appointment between 7:30- 8 a.m. and by walk-in or appointment between 3 -4 p.m. daily. Call 734.794.6269 for an appointment.
There are several options for scheduling construction inspections:
- Through the Integrated Voice Response (IVR) telephone scheduling up to 10 days in advance - call 734.794.6267, then select Option 2.
- Over the Internet at www.a2gov.org/trakit. Inspection results can also be viewed online at on this web page.
- Through our offices during regular business hours - call 734.794.6267.
Rental Housing Inspections
Rental housing inspections take place Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rental housing inspectors are available to meet by appointment between 7:30- 9 a.m. daily. Call 734.794.6264 for an appointment.
Website
The Planning & Development Services website is being updated to provide information you need to apply for permits, understand city regulations, find the Planning Commission schedule and more.
We recognize this is a tough time for individuals and businesses on a local, regional and national level. We are doing everything we can to minimize the effect these changes will have on our service delivery but some impact is likely. We greatly appreciate your business and your patience as we work through these changes.
If we’re not meeting your expectations regarding customer service, please feel free to e-mail me at wrampson@a2gov.org or call 734.794.6000 x 42606. You may also provide feedback through an upcoming online survey, which will be emailed to you in the next few days. I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Wendy L. Rampson
Interim Planning & Development Services Manager
City of Ann Arbor
Last updated: November 13, 2009