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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 Genesee County.

Michigan's current published codes for 2026 are the 2021 Michigan Building Code (effective April 9, 2025), 2015 Michigan Residential Code (still in effect while the 2021 residential update remains enjoined), 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code (effective April 9, 2025), 2021 Michigan Mechanical and Plumbing Codes (effective March 12, 2024), 2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan amendments (effective March 12, 2024), and 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code (effective April 22, 2025). Local agencies may administer these codes under their delegated authority.

Inspection lane

Apply through the responsible local municipal building department or, where LARA has authority, through Accela or the BCC-324 form. The inspector's telephone number is provided on the issued permit; call with the job location, permit number, and contact information when work is ready. The state form says LARA will respond to an inspection request within two business days to schedule and that inspections are typically performed within five business days, subject to the schedule.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Michigan LARA states that ordinary repairs may be performed without a building permit when they do not cut or remove structural members or required means of egress and do not affect regulated standpipe, water, sewer, drainage, gas, electrical, mechanical, public-health, or general-safety systems. Exemptions do not authorize code-violating work. Confirm cosmetic, accessory, agricultural, and minor-work exemptions with the applicable city or township because Genesee County has no countywide building-permit program.

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

    Apply through the responsible local municipal building department or, where LARA has authority, through Accela or the BCC-324 form. The inspector's telephone number is provided on the issued permit; call with the job location, permit number, and contact information when work is ready. The state form says LARA will respond to an inspection request within two business days to schedule and that inspections are typically performed within five business days, subject to the schedule.

  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.

No verified planning reference link is listed; ask the agency for the parcel-specific source.

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 ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Genesee 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 517-241-9313 (LARA BCC permits); local municipal building departments use their own numbers.

How long might review take?

N/A for plan review; LARA publishes an inspection-request response within two business days and typical inspection performance within five business days. Local municipal review times vary.

How are inspections scheduled?

Apply through the responsible local municipal building department or, where LARA has authority, through Accela or the BCC-324 form. The inspector's telephone number is provided on the issued permit; call with the job location, permit number, and contact information when work is ready. The state form says LARA will respond to an inspection request within two business days to schedule and that inspections are typically performed within five business days, subject to the schedule.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Michigan's current published codes for 2026 are the 2021 Michigan Building Code (effective April 9, 2025), 2015 Michigan Residential Code (still in effect while the 2021 residential update remains enjoined), 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code (effective April 9, 2025), 2021 Michigan Mechanical and Plumbing Codes (effective March 12, 2024), 2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan amendments (effective March 12, 2024), and 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code (effective April 22, 2025). Local agencies may administer these codes under their delegated authority. Michigan LARA states that ordinary repairs may be performed without a building permit when they do not cut or remove structural members or required means of egress and do not affect regulated standpipe, water, sewer, drainage, gas, electrical, mechanical, public-health, or general-safety systems. Exemptions do not authorize code-violating work. Confirm cosmetic, accessory, agricultural, and minor-work exemptions with the applicable city or township because Genesee County has no countywide building-permit program.

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.