The Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issues
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:
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 2012 Michigan Mechanical Code is currently in effect. Provisions for one- and two-family dwellings are included in the 2009 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/hour), 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.
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.
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.
Permits are issued within 5 working days of receipt of completed application and fees by the Bureau of Construction Codes.
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.
See permit application (Available on the Michigan Business One Stop)
Construction Code - Part 3 - Appeal Boards and Hearings
Comments and Complaints: bccpermits@michigan.gov
Bureau of Construction Codes Web-site: www.michigan.gov/bcc
E. Contact Information:
Contact Us
Revised: 1/2014
