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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 Macomb County.

Municipal enforcing agencies apply the Michigan construction codes. Current state 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). Confirm the enforcing agency and any local ordinance requirements for the specific municipality.

Inspection lane

For building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections, contact the building department of the city, village, or township where the property is located. State inspectors respond to inspection requests within two business days and typically perform inspections within five business days when the state is the enforcing agency. County drain inspections are scheduled in the Public Works portal; non-reinspection soil-erosion inspections are requested by calling 586-469-5327.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

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. Other state examples include certain one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet, fences up to 7 feet, qualifying retaining walls, and certain sidewalks or driveways; local zoning approvals may still be required.

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

    For building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections, contact the building department of the city, village, or township where the property is located. State inspectors respond to inspection requests within two business days and typically perform inspections within five business days when the state is the enforcing agency. County drain inspections are scheduled in the Public Works portal; non-reinspection soil-erosion inspections are requested by calling 586-469-5327.

  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 ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Macomb 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 Macomb County general: 586-469-5100; Public Works: 586-469-5325; Soil Erosion: 586-469-5327; Plan Review: 586-469-5910.

How long might review take?

N/A countywide for building permits because municipal timelines vary. Macomb County Public Works reports residential and smaller soil-erosion reviews average about one week; larger or more complex reviews may take up to 30 days for the first review.

How are inspections scheduled?

For building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections, contact the building department of the city, village, or township where the property is located. State inspectors respond to inspection requests within two business days and typically perform inspections within five business days when the state is the enforcing agency. County drain inspections are scheduled in the Public Works portal; non-reinspection soil-erosion inspections are requested by calling 586-469-5327.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Municipal enforcing agencies apply the Michigan construction codes. Current state 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). Confirm the enforcing agency and any local ordinance requirements for the specific municipality. 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. Other state examples include certain one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet, fences up to 7 feet, qualifying retaining walls, and certain sidewalks or driveways; local zoning approvals may still be required.

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.