Van Buren Township

Frequently Asked Questions


Building and Planning Common Topics

How do I report a code of enforcement or complaint?
Where do I go to get a building permit?
Where do I report a road maintenance issue?
Wayne County Road Commission is in charge of all roadways in Van Buren Township. Please contact them directly by calling 313- 224-7600  or for more information click here Wayne County. 
How do I find out more information about tree clearing or construction inquires happening in my area?
Where do I find information about Zoning Ordinances?
The Van Buren Twp Zoning Ordinances can be reviewed by clicking here.  View the Township Zoning Map by clicking here. 

For questions or more information call 734-699-8913 or email building@vanburen-mi.org.
Can I build a shed, pole barn or detached garage?
Most residential properties are allotted a total area for detached accessory buildings that is equal to the property’s acreage multiplied by 1,280, up to a total of 4,800 square feet. At a minimum, owners of smaller lots without a garage can build a detached garage up to 528 square feet in area. For more information, please visit section 7.202 of our Zoning Ordinance. Click here to view the Van Buren Twp Zoning Ordinances. 

For more information please call 734-699-8913 or email building@vanburen-mi.org.
Can I build a fence at my lot?
Residentially zoned properties may have a privacy fence up to 6’ tall in the side or rear yard, and a decorative fence up to 2.5’ tall in the front yard. For more information, please visit section 7.205 of our Zoning Ordinance. Click here to view the Van Buren Twp Zoning Ordinances. 

For more information please call 734-699-8913 or email building@vanburen-mi.org.
Where do I get a driveway permit?
Wayne County is in charge of all driveway permits. Please contact them directly by calling 313- 224-7600 or click here for more information. 
Where do I get a well or septic field permit?
Wayne County is in charge of well and septic field permits. Please contact them directly by calling 313- 224-7600 or click here for more information. 
Where do I go to get a plumbing permit?
Where do I go to get an electrical permit?
Where do I go to get a mechanical permit?
Where can I view the Township's long term planning and future land use information?
Where do I go to get a shoreline permit?
Where do I go to get a sign permit?
I would like to attend a Planning Commission or Board of Trustees meeting, how can I do that?
Do I need a permit to put up a pool in my yard?

A building permit shall be obtained for alteration, erection, and construction of permanent above and below ground swimming pools and for any portable pool with a diameter exceeding twelve (12) feet or an area exceeding 100 square feet. Please visit section 7.206 of our Zoning Ordinance for local zoning regulations regarding pools or contact 734-699-8900, extension 9219 for more information regarding additional building code requirements regarding pools. Click here to view the Van Buren Twp Zoning Ordinances.