Administrative overview · FIPS 26035
Clare County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Clare County Community Development / Clare County Building Development
For a project in or near Clare County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
989-539-2761; inspection line 989-539-2741
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
225 West Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625; mailing address P.O. Box 438, Harrison, MI 48625
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; closed daily noon-1:00 p.m.
Review expectation
Most inspections are completed within three business days after a complete request; the county does not publish a standard building-permit plan-review turnaround.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →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.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Clare County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Clare County Community Development / Clare County Building Development is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area 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 989-539-2761; inspection line 989-539-2741.
How long might review take?
Most inspections are completed within three business days after a complete request; the county does not publish a standard building-permit plan-review turnaround.
How are inspections scheduled?
The permit holder must schedule inspections in writing, by telephone at 989-539-2741, or by fax at 989-539-7385, providing permit number, permit-holder name, site address, inspection type, municipality, and a daytime contact number. Most inspections are completed within three business days after the request, on a first-requested/first-scheduled basis. Concealed uninspected work will not be approved; an adult must be present in an occupied building.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Clare County enforces the Michigan State Building Code through its county inspectors. The current 2026 framework includes the 2021 Michigan Building Code for commercial and other covered buildings, the 2015 Michigan Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings, applicable 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code provisions, and the current Michigan electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire, accessibility, and related state requirements. The county’s current application requires State Building Code compliance and applicable trade permits. The county’s current application materials do not publish a complete county-specific exemption list. Michigan’s ordinary minor-work exemptions generally cover painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets/countertops and repairs that do not affect structural members, egress, regulated wiring, plumbing, mechanical systems, public health, or general safety. Confirm exemptions with Clare County because additions, decks, accessory structures, remodels, roofing, trade work, and zoning or soil-erosion approvals may still require permits.