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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Bay County.

Current Michigan codes identified by LARA for 2026: 2021 Michigan Building Code (effective April 9, 2025); 2015 Michigan Residential Code (current code, effective February 8, 2016, with later 2021 residential rules held by court order); 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code; 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code; 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code; 2023 National Electrical Code/Michigan Electrical Code (effective March 12, 2024); and 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code (effective April 22, 2025). The enforcing municipality may add local zoning, floodplain, historic-district, soil-erosion or administrative requirements.

Inspection lane

The permit holder must notify the responsible municipal building department when each construction stage requiring inspection is ready; Bay City’s application states that the inspector must be notified and its developer handbook requires inspections as construction progresses. Contact the local department or representative Bay City Building Department at 989-894-8162; procedures vary by municipality and trade.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Michigan exemptions include one-story detached sheds or playhouses up to 120 square feet, fences up to 7 feet, qualifying retaining walls, certain low sidewalks and driveways, painting/papering/tiling/carpeting/cabinets/countertops and similar finish work, qualifying above-ground pools under 24 inches deep, agricultural shade-cloth structures, playground equipment, qualifying awnings and specified movable fixtures. Ordinary repairs are exempt only when they do not affect structural supports, egress, regulated systems, public health or general safety. Bay City’s FAQ additionally identifies siding, same-size door/window replacement, landscaping, paving and accessory buildings of 200 square feet or less as examples; confirm the applicable local rule before relying on an exemption.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    The permit holder must notify the responsible municipal building department when each construction stage requiring inspection is ready; Bay City’s application states that the inspector must be notified and its developer handbook requires inspections as construction progresses. Contact the local department or representative Bay City Building Department at 989-894-8162; procedures vary by municipality and trade.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Bay County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact Representative Bay City Building Department: 989-894-8162; county and municipal contacts vary.

How long might review take?

Representative Bay City guidance: a complete application with fee normally takes one to two days; projects needing written plan review take approximately two weeks. The 2025 developer handbook says complete plan review is generally within 10 business days and larger projects may take up to 15 business days; other municipalities vary.

How are inspections scheduled?

The permit holder must notify the responsible municipal building department when each construction stage requiring inspection is ready; Bay City’s application states that the inspector must be notified and its developer handbook requires inspections as construction progresses. Contact the local department or representative Bay City Building Department at 989-894-8162; procedures vary by municipality and trade.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Current Michigan codes identified by LARA for 2026: 2021 Michigan Building Code (effective April 9, 2025); 2015 Michigan Residential Code (current code, effective February 8, 2016, with later 2021 residential rules held by court order); 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code; 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code; 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code; 2023 National Electrical Code/Michigan Electrical Code (effective March 12, 2024); and 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code (effective April 22, 2025). The enforcing municipality may add local zoning, floodplain, historic-district, soil-erosion or administrative requirements. Michigan exemptions include one-story detached sheds or playhouses up to 120 square feet, fences up to 7 feet, qualifying retaining walls, certain low sidewalks and driveways, painting/papering/tiling/carpeting/cabinets/countertops and similar finish work, qualifying above-ground pools under 24 inches deep, agricultural shade-cloth structures, playground equipment, qualifying awnings and specified movable fixtures. Ordinary repairs are exempt only when they do not affect structural supports, egress, regulated systems, public health or general safety. Bay City’s FAQ additionally identifies siding, same-size door/window replacement, landscaping, paving and accessory buildings of 200 square feet or less as examples; confirm the applicable local rule before relying on an exemption.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.