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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 Clare County.

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.

Inspection lane

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.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The county’s current application materials do not publish a complete county-specific exemption list.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.

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 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.

  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 ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

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.

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.