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Whatever
your planned construction project is, it will probably require an
application or permit, a plan check review and one or more inspections.
The following questions and answers should help you through
the required procedure.
What
is a Building Permit?
A
building permit is a license that grants legal permission to start
construction of a building project. Permits allow the enforcement
of the codes that have been adopted as law by a state, county, township
or city and they provide the means for Code Officials to inspect
construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate
materials are used. You have an investment in the home or
business you are about to build or remodel, when that home or business
building does not comply with the codes, your investment could be
reduced.
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A
permit is required for any construction that physically changes
or adds structure to your property or for work regulated by county
codes or ordinances. Permits are required for the following:
•
New buildings-dwellings that exceed 120 sq. ft.
•
Additions & Alterations – fireplace, pools, decks,
sheds, egress windows, remodeling with structural changes
•
Moving or demolishing a structure
•
Temporary structures
•
Installation of heating equipment, such as wood stoves
•
Signs
•
Change in the use of a structure
•
Repair from fire and natural damages
•
Install or alter any electrical, gas, mechanical
or plumbing system, must obtain the required permit.
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Your
project must be submitted in graphic form along with a complete
application. These construction drawings or plans must show
all proposed work and details of compliance to building codes and
zoning ordinances for most residential projects. Plans of
insufficient clarity or detail will be returned without review.
Also see Building Permit
checklist printout.
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No
construction is allowed until the permit is issued. Once
the permit application and accompanying plans have been submitted,
it will take the building department about three days to review
and process the plans. Following approval of the plan and
payment of fees, a permit will be mailed or picked up at the office.
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The
type and number of inspections depend on the project, the following
are required in Clinton County:
- Footing and setback
- Foundation inspection
before the backfill
- Framing rough-in
- Electrical rough-in
- Sewer and water service
lines
- Plumbing groundwork
- Plumbing rough-in
- Final includes: heating,
electrical, plumbing, house numbers, any safety items confirmed,
etc.
Some
of these inspections can be combined. Inspection request called
in before 4:00 p.m. will be scheduled for the following day. ***
When calling for an inspection, please have the following information
ready: Name of permit holder, building address, township, and permit
number
Call
(989) 224-5183 to schedule all inspections
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If
you want to change your project, submit a revised set of plans to
the building department that clearly show the revisions in relationship
to the approved plans. The revisions must be approved by
the building inspector.
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Building
permit fees are determined by the valuation based on Building Valuation
Data compiled by I.C.C. Building Standards . As
an example, the permit fee for a 24' x 24' unattached accessory
building will be approximately $152, the fee for a project with
a valuation of $150,000 is $944.
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How
Long is the Permit Active?
Once
a permit is issued, construction
must commence within 180 days.
Construction may not stop completely for more than 180 days.
If this time period is exceeded, the permit will automatically expire
and a new application for a building permit is necessary.
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Can
I be my own contractor and take out my own permits?
Home
Owner Permit Policy
The
Michigan Licensing Law gives a homeowner an exemption to act as
his or her own general contractor. This means that in the case of
his or her own single-family residence, that they will occupy, the
homeowner may obtain a building permit for construction at his or
her own home. Even though a licensed or unlicensed builder may be
significantly involved.
If
you, the homeowner, choose to act as your own general contractor
and obtain the required building permit. Please
be aware of the following.
AS
THE
PERMIT HOLDER YOU, THE HOMEOWNER, INCUR ALL
OF
THE LIABILITY AND ALL OF THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT THE LICENSED CONTRACTOR
WOULD NORMALLY ASSUME.
1.
The Clinton county Building Dept. cannot assist you in any
cause of action against an unlicensed contractor you have hired
to perform work under the Building Permit you obtained.
2.
It is the HOMEOWNERS responsibility to have a complete understanding
and knowledge of the current Building Code.
3.
You, the homeowner are responsible to correct any code violations.
Even if the contractor or any other persons did the work, under
the permit you obtained.
4.
You, the homeowner, could be held liable for any injury,
which occurs on the job, whether it is the builder or subcontractor's
employee.
5.
In the event of an occurrence beyond the builders control,
which causes the builder to be unable to complete the work, you,
the homeowner, will be legally responsible for completion of the
job, under the permit you obtained.
Before
you begin a project, it is important that you become familiar with
the Clinton County building and zoning regulations which may apply.
Please remember that the regulations exist for your protection
and that the Community Development Department is operated for your
benefit.
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