City of Ferndale, Michigan

Community & Economic Development

The Community and Economic Development Department (CED) facilitates and develops many of the City's core services that improve Ferndale's quality of life, like Building, Code Enforcement, Planning, Zoning, and Rentals. CED is the primary contact for many of Ferndale's stakeholders and volunteers, and works closely with the community to expand and progress the future of Ferndale. 

Build in Ferndale:

Building, Code Enforcement, and Rental Services

Learn how to begin a project, safely maintain a property, and contribute to the quality of life within the City.  

Learn More

Plan in Ferndale:

Planning & Zoning

The City's zoning ordinance is an important tool for land use management within the boundaries of Ferndale. 

Learn More

Additional Services

Community Partners

Downtown Waste Management

Incentives & Resources

Downtown Development Authority
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Community Plans

All of the City's projects and initiatives are carried out with extensive planning, studying, and vision-casting to support the goals of the community. Community plans provide guidance to staff, stakeholders, volunteers, and residents, while considering the community's principles of diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY PLANS

Department Members

Brett Sturtz

Code Enforcement Officer and Rental Inspector

Liz Sackley

Code Enforcement Officer and Rental Inspector

Roger Caruso

Community & Economic Development Director

Scott Worthington

Building Official

Kathy McClintic

Customer Service Representative, Permits and Rental

Christine Ross

Planner I

Kyle Bryce

Senior Planner

Community and Economic Development Department FAQs

For additional questions, contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 248-546-2525 ext. 2.  

What are the requirements for foundations and rat walls?

Unattached frame garages and sheds 600 square feet or less shall be built on a concrete slab no less than 4 inches thick and 4 inches wide for a 24-inch rat wall. Anchor bolts (minimum 1/2 inch diameter) shall be set 2 inches above and 7 inches below concrete, 6 feet on center and within 1 inch of corners with 2 anchors minimum (per wall section).

Masonry garages and masonry fronts on frame garages and all structures over 600 square feet must be built on a foundation or footing at least 12 inches wide that extends at least 42 inches below finished grade to undisturbed soil. On all construction attached to and made structurally a part of the residence, a 42-inch foundation or footing is required.

Concrete shall be designed to have a minimum compressive strength of 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi) at 28 days. If air-entrained concrete is used, the ultimate compressive strength may be reduced to 3,000 psi at 28 days.