Administrative overview · FIPS 26093
Livingston 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
Livingston County Building Department
For a project in or near Livingston 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
517-546-3240; automated inspection request line: 517-546-3830
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Livingston County Building Department, 2300 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Operating hours
Office Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; permitting Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; closed county holidays
Review expectation
Average plan review time for a building submittal is 10 business days; inspection scheduling is available online or through the automated line.
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 Livingston County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Livingston County Building 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 517-546-3240; automated inspection request line: 517-546-3830.
How long might review take?
Average plan review time for a building submittal is 10 business days; inspection scheduling is available online or through the automated line.
How are inspections scheduled?
Schedule online through BS&A or use the automated inspection request line at 517-546-3830; the county also provides a directory of building and trade inspectors. Inspectors will not enter an occupied residence unless someone age 18 or older is present. Do not cover work until required inspections are completed.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Livingston County Building Department enforces the Michigan Construction Code for its service area, with the City of Howell and Green Oak Township identified as local exceptions that issue their own permits. Current Michigan codes include the 2021 Michigan Building Code and 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code (effective April 9, 2025), 2015 Michigan Residential Code, 2021 Michigan Mechanical and Plumbing Codes (effective March 12, 2024), 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code (effective April 22, 2025), and 2023 Michigan Electrical Code/NEC (effective March 12, 2024). Michigan ordinary repairs may be exempt when they do not cut or remove structural members, change required egress, or affect regulated plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or other public-safety systems. Construction documents may be waived when compliance is clear. Confirm any additional exemption with the county or the local authority, especially for City of Howell and Green Oak Township projects.