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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 Marquette County.

Marquette County lists the 2015 Michigan Residential Code, 2015 Michigan Energy Code, 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code (effective April 22, 2025), 2021 Michigan Building Code (effective April 9, 2025), 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2023 National Electrical Code/NFPA 70, ICC A117.1-2009, and 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code. As of March 9, 2026, plumbing and mechanical administration is handled by the State of Michigan rather than the county.

Inspection lane

Call the Marquette County Building Codes front office at 906-225-8180 to schedule inspections; the county forms page states permit applications may be emailed to buildingcodes@mqtco.org or mailed/dropped off at the courthouse. Plumbing inspections are scheduled with state inspector Mike Earles at 989-445-1409, and mechanical inspections with state inspector Phillip Miron at 906-241-9350.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Ordinary repairs may be exempt when they do not cut or remove structural members, alter required egress, or affect regulated plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or other public-safety systems. Michigan examples also 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 compliance can 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

    Call the Marquette County Building Codes front office at 906-225-8180 to schedule inspections; the county forms page states permit applications may be emailed to buildingcodes@mqtco.org or mailed/dropped off at the courthouse. Plumbing inspections are scheduled with state inspector Mike Earles at 989-445-1409, and mechanical inspections with state inspector Phillip Miron at 906-241-9350.

  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 Marquette County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Marquette County Resource Management and Development Department, Building Codes 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 Building Codes front office: 906-225-8180; Building permit fee questions: 906-225-8181; plumbing/mechanical state permit office: 517-241-9313.

How long might review take?

N/A; the county publishes application and inspection procedures but no general plan-review turnaround. Permit applications must be received and issued before work starts.

How are inspections scheduled?

Call the Marquette County Building Codes front office at 906-225-8180 to schedule inspections; the county forms page states permit applications may be emailed to buildingcodes@mqtco.org or mailed/dropped off at the courthouse. Plumbing inspections are scheduled with state inspector Mike Earles at 989-445-1409, and mechanical inspections with state inspector Phillip Miron at 906-241-9350.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Marquette County lists the 2015 Michigan Residential Code, 2015 Michigan Energy Code, 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code (effective April 22, 2025), 2021 Michigan Building Code (effective April 9, 2025), 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2023 National Electrical Code/NFPA 70, ICC A117.1-2009, and 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code. As of March 9, 2026, plumbing and mechanical administration is handled by the State of Michigan rather than the county. Ordinary repairs may be exempt when they do not cut or remove structural members, alter required egress, or affect regulated plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or other public-safety systems. Michigan examples also 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 compliance can 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.