What is a building code?
The building code controls all matters concerning the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of all buildings and structures and their service equipment. The 2006 Michigan Building Code went into effect statewide on August 1, 2008. Provisions for one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses and their accessory structures as identified in R101.2 are included in the 2006 Michigan Residential Code.

Are building permits necessary?
Before construction of a building or structure, an owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit. A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.

A permit is not required for ordinary repairs. Ordinary repairs to structures may be made without permit, but such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs including addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.

When is a license necessary to secure a building permit?
A person engaged in the construction of a residential structure or a combination residential and commercial structure must be licensed as a Residential Builder with the Department of Labor & Economic Growth. There are certain exceptions in the licensing law (P.A. 299 of 1980, as amended) to this requirement.

Plans and Specifications (Construction Documents)
A set of construction documents is required with each application for a permit. The submission of construction documents may be waived by the building official when code compliance can be determined based on the description in the application. Construction documents must be sealed and signed by an architect or professional engineer in accordance with P.A. 299 of 1980, as amended. The seal and signature is not required for one and two family dwellings less than 3500 square feet of calculated floor area and public works less than $15,000 in total construction cost. For other exceptions refer to P.A. 299 of 1980, as amended.

Application for Building Permit
Building Permit Fee Schedule

Building code enforcement may be conducted by a local unit of government. Prior to making application for a building permit it is suggested you contact your local building inspector for direction in contacting the jurisdiction having authority.