Mechanical Permit

The Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issues

New!  Applications for these tasks are submitted and paid for online through the Michigan Business One Stop portal.

A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL:

Mechanical Permit

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

STILLE-DEROSSETT-HALE SINGLE STATE CONSTRUCTION CODE ACT, 1972 PA 230

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:

Michigan Mechanical Code, Part 9a Rules

D. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:

 1.  Applicability (activities that require the permit)

The Mechanical Code

The purpose of the mechanical code is to provide adequate requirements considered essential for the safe installation of all mechanical equipment in order to protect the public safety, health and welfare. The code sets forth comprehensive regulations for the safe installation of mechanical facilities where great reliance was previously placed on accepted practice and engineering standards.

What is the mechanical code?

The mechanical code controls the design, installation, maintenance, alteration, and inspection of mechanical systems, including heating systems, ventilating systems, steam and hot water heating systems, process piping, boilers and pressure vessels, appliances utilizing gas, liquid or solid fuel, chimneys and vents, mechanical refrigeration systems, fireplaces, barbecues, incinerators, crematories, fire suppression systems, air pollution control systems, and system utilizing solar or geothermal energy. The 2006 Michigan Mechanical Code went into effect December 3, 2007. Provisions for one- and two-family dwellings are included in the 2006 Michigan Residential Code.

Are mechanical permits required?

Except for replacement of minor parts, mechanical work shall not be started until a permit for such work has been issued by the appropriate enforcing agency.

Permits are not required for portable equipment (heating, ventilation, cooling units, evaporative cooler, gas burners with less than 30,000 Btu/hr), self-contained refrigeration equipment and window-type air conditioners of not more than 1.5 hp, and oil burners not requiring connection to a flue (oil stoves, heaters equipped with wick).

A mechanical permit is not required for the installation of a boiler or pressure vessel if a permit is required by the Boiler Law, Act No. 290, P.A. 1965, as amended. A mechanical permit is required for the installation of a boiler in a private residence or in an apartment building with a capacity of less than six families.

 2.  Pre-Application Requirements

Mechanical code enforcement may be conducted by a local unit of government. Prior to making application for a mechanical permit it is suggested you contact your local building inspector for direction in contacting the jurisdiction having authority. The Bureau of Construction Codes has a Statewide Jurisdiction List available that shows if a unit of government has State, County, or Local code enforcement.

 3.  Application Submission Requirements

A state mechanical contractor's license is required to secure a mechanical permit except a homeowner may perform a mechanical installation in a single family dwelling which he or she occupies or will occupy.

Permits for steam or vapor boilers carrying a pressure of not more than 15 p.s.i.g., which are located in private residences or in apartment houses of less than 6 families must be secured by a person or business licensed as a boiler installer and mechanical contractor classified in the hydronic heating and cooling, and process piping and HVAC classes.

 4.  Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval

Permits are issued within 5 working days of receipt of completed application and fees by the Bureau of Construction Codes.

 5.  Operational Requirements

Mechanical work shall not be started until the application for permit has been filed with the Bureau of Construction Codes. All installations shall be in conformance with the Michigan Mechanical Code. No work shall be concealed until it has been inspected. The telephone number for the inspector will be provided on the permit form. When ready for an inspection, call the inspector providing as much advance notice as possible. The inspector will need the job location and permit number.

A permit remains valid as long as work is progressing and inspections are requested and conducted. A permit shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within six months after issuance of the permit or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of six months after the time of commencing the work. A PERMIT WILL BE CLOSED WHEN NO INSPECTIONS ARE REQUESTED AND CONDUCTED WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DATE OF ISSUANCE OR THE DATE OF A PREVIOUS INSPECTION. CLOSED PERMITS CANNOT BE REFUNDED OR REINSTATED.

 6.  Fees

See permit application (Available on the Michigan Business One Stop)

 7.  Appeal Process

Construction Code - Part 3 - Appeal Boards and Hearings

 8.  Public Input Opportunities

Comments and Complaints: bccinfo@michigan.gov

Bureau of Construction Codes Web-site: www.michigan.gov/bcc [1]

E. Contact Information:

Contact Us

 

Creation/Revision Date:

October 4, 2010