Administrative overview · FIPS 26037
Clinton 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
Clinton County Building Department / Community Development Department
For a project in or near Clinton 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
989-224-5181; inspection line 989-224-5183
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
100 E. State Street, Suite 1300, St. Johns, MI 48879
Operating hours
N/A; the reviewed Building Department pages publish inspection days and contact information but not general public-counter hours.
Review expectation
The current Building Department page advises that review may take 10-14 business days during the busy building season; the county FAQ states review typically takes 3-5 business days after plans are submitted and fees are paid. Use the longer current-season estimate and confirm with the department.
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 Clinton County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Clinton County Building Department / Community Development Department 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 989-224-5181; inspection line 989-224-5183.
How long might review take?
The current Building Department page advises that review may take 10-14 business days during the busy building season; the county FAQ states review typically takes 3-5 business days after plans are submitted and fees are paid. Use the longer current-season estimate and confirm with the department.
How are inspections scheduled?
Give at least 24 hours’ notice by leaving a message on the inspection line at 989-224-5183 before 4:00 p.m. on the business day before the requested inspection. Building inspections are Monday-Friday; electrical Monday-Thursday; plumbing and mechanical Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Permit-holder responsibilities require the permit to be posted and an inspection approval sticker before continuing work.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Clinton County administers Michigan State Building Codes, including the current 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 current Michigan electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire, accessibility, and related state requirements. The county’s commercial application still references the 2015 MBC, so confirm the edition used for a specific project with the Building Official. The county FAQ requires a permit for construction that physically alters or adds to a structure or is regulated by county codes or ordinances. Under the Michigan Right to Farm Act, an agricultural building does not require a building permit, but Clinton County requires a $75 zoning permit to verify agricultural use, setbacks, and dimensional requirements. Ordinary cosmetic work and repairs that do not affect structure, egress, regulated systems, public health, or general safety may be exempt under Michigan code; verify before starting.