Be Aware.
If you choose to rent office or business spaces, don't forget to clarify which items are, and are not, included in your lease agreement. Before you sign your lease agreement you need to follow through with some municipal steps, including zoning approval. If the building owner does not do this for you, you need to check with the Planning Department at 734 -793-1650.

Make it easy.
Try to gain information from design professionals who have dealt with Garden City on previous projects. They will be aware of ordinances, laws and policies that will make the new business process flow smoothly.

Stay informed.
Garden City's zoning and sign ordinances and other information are available to you for a minimal cost. We suggest that you and your design professionals become familiar with information necessary for your business. You can obtain copies specific to your needs by calling the Planning Department at 734-793-1650.

Please call.
Don't be afraid to call and ask questions. Every community is different in its manner of zoning codes, permits, procedures and steps necessary to set up a business. The Garden City staff is always available to answer questions about locating your business in Garden City.

Questions To Ask As You Develop
Your Business Plan . . .

For everyone, including tenants and owners:

* What if the building is a non-conforming use or is" grandfathered in" under previous codes? Check to see if you can offer documentation that you will continue the same use; this could impact additions, interior renovations and other business decisions.

* Is my business a permitted use for this building? The Planning Department can help you determine whether the current zoning is appropriate for your business use.

* Will I need to submit architectural, mechanical, electrical or other engineering plans for approval of my lease space? The Building Department can help you determine what plans need to be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer for your space.

* Will I need to contact the Department of Public Services regarding water and sewer usage? Yes, the DPS staff will help you determine whether the current system will support your business use.

* What about fire safety? Contact the Deputy Fire Chief at 734-793-1780 to schedule a Fire inspection. Fire inspections are required prior to a Certificate of Occupancy being issued.

*Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy before I move my business in? Yes, the Building Department requires approval and inspection. This is to ensure the safety of you, your employees and the community.

*What if I want to add to or change to the existing services that I provide to my customers? You should call and check with the Planning Department at 734-793-1650 to make sure that the new services are permitted within your existing permit.

What If I Am Constructing A New Building?

If you are constructing a new building, a full site plan approval process is required, including engineering and architectural plans, storm water calculations, necessary tree surveys, landscaping and many other items. You need to contact the Planning Department at 734-793-1650 to discuss the process in Garden City.

*Will I need to obtain outside agency permits? Check with your architecture to see what outside agency permits are needed. They can inform you about Detroit Water and Sewer, Wayne County (for sewer connections, soil erosion and driveway permits), and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for any wetland issues. Most of these permits are required before the building permit can be issued.

NOTE: A series of building and mechanical permits and inspections will be required for construction of your building. Your contractor typically handles these. Make sure your contractor is aware of the process. You can determine this process by calling the Building Department at 734-793-1650.

* What if I am purchasing or leasing an existing structure? Make sure that your business is a permitted use on that site and that the building meets all construction and fire codes. The Planning and Building Departments can help you determine that.

* What about back taxes, encumbrances, special assessments or liens? The Garden City Treasurer's Office, at 734-793-1620, can assist you in obtaining this information, as well as the Wayne County Clerk's Office.

* Is the building up to current codes? Check to see when the building was last occupied. If it has been vacant for 6 months or more, you will need to contact the Planning and Building Departments and the Deputy Fire Chief to make sure that the building meets all current codes and standards.

* Do I need a Business License in Garden City? Yes, all businesses require a Business License prior to a Certificate Occupancy issued. The Clerk's Office can assist you at 734-793-1620.

* What about signs for my business? Copies of the Garden City sign ordinance are available from the Building and Inspection Departments. Make sure to check with them before you begin working on the signage for your building. Businesses in the Downtown Area need to check with the Downtown Development Authority Office at 734-261-2830.

* When do I get my Certificate of Occupancy? After you have obtained your Business License, all necessary permits, and have completed all necessary inspections you will need to contact the Building Department. They will issue your Certificate of Occupancy, and you may open your new business.

Steps to take as you develop your business plan!

* What if I am leasing space? If you are leasing space you need to contact the Building Departments to acquire and submit an "Application for Certificate of Occupancy". A Business License fee and an Inspection fee will be required.

NOTE. If the application is approved, and you are not remodeling, you will need to follow the procedure for occupancy/re-occupancy of a commercial/industrial/office space (with no interior work being done). This includes completing a Building Permit Application for a Certificate of Occupancy, and scheduling fire and building inspections.

* What if I am doing some remodeling? You need to apply for: a Building, Plumbing, Electrical, or Mechanical permit, which ever applies. Approvals and inspections from Building, Planning and Fire must be obtained prior to a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Contact an architect or engineer regarding preparation of the required drawings.

See the Planning Department for a Site Plan Review Application, and submit this with a site plan. A fee is generally required.