Plumbing Permit

The Bureau of Construction Codes, Plumbing 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:

Plumbing Permit

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

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

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:

Michigan Plumbing Code, Part 7 Rules

D. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:

 1.  Applicability (activities that require the permit)

The Plumbing Code

The purpose of the plumbing code is to insure the proper installation of systems for furnishing potable water, for sanitary sewage disposal and storm drainage; and to insure public safety, health, and welfare insofar as affected by the installation of plumbing.

What is the plumbing code?

The plumbing code controls the design and installation of plumbing systems, including sanitary and storm drainage, sanitary facilities, water supplies, and storm water and sewage disposal in buildings. The 2006 Michigan Plumbing Code went into effect January 24, 2008. Provisions for one- and two-family dwellings are included in the 2006 Michigan Residential Code.

Plumbing is the practice, materials and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all piping, fixtures, plumbing appliances, and plumbing appurtenances in connection with sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities; venting systems and public or private water supply systems, within or adjacent to any building or structure.

Are plumbing permits required?

Plumbing work shall not be started until a permit for such work has been issued by the appropriate enforcing agency.

A permit is not required for repairs which involve only the working parts of a faucet or valve, clearance of stoppages, or repairing or replacement of defective faucets or valves, provided alterations are not made in the existing piping or fixtures.

 2.  Pre-Application Requirements

Plumbing code enforcement may be conducted by a local unit of government. Prior to making application for a plumbing 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

To obtain plumbing permits, an applicant shall be a licensed plumbing contractor or a homeowner installing his/her own plumbing, building sewer, or private sewer. The state or a governmental subdivision shall require the plumbing contractor to record his or her current plumbing contractor license number on the permit application. A licensed plumbing contractor shall designate 1 or more licensed master plumbers employed full-time who directly supervise the installation of plumbing to obtain permits using the license number of the plumbing contractor. The master plumber's license number must also be recorded on the permit application.

Permits for a building sewer/private sewer or water service, only, may be issued to other than licensed contractor/master plumbers. Contact should be made with the enforcing agency to determine any local requirements relating to water services and building sewer installation which may be in effect.

 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

Plumbing 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 Plumbing 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: