Administrative overview · FIPS 26151
Sanilac 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
Sanilac County Department of Construction and Land Use / Construction Code Department
For a project in or near Sanilac 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
(810) 648-4664
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Sanilac County Courthouse Annex, Room 210, 60 W. Sanilac Avenue, Sandusky, MI 48471
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, except legal holidays, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Review expectation
N/A; no fixed county review timeline was published. Complete plans, zoning approval, scaled site plan, and required supporting documents must be submitted before issuance; the department requires framing details for review.
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 Sanilac County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Sanilac County Department of Construction and Land Use / Construction Code 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 (810) 648-4664.
How long might review take?
N/A; no fixed county review timeline was published. Complete plans, zoning approval, scaled site plan, and required supporting documents must be submitted before issuance; the department requires framing details for review.
How are inspections scheduled?
The permit holder schedules inspections by calling (810) 648-4664 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Requests must include the permit number, permit type, permit holder name, construction-site address, city/village/township, and a daytime contact phone. Building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical projects require periodic inspections; concealed work must not be covered before approval, and re-inspection fees may apply.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Michigan LARA's statewide jurisdiction list revised July 29, 2026 lists Sanilac County as County for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing enforcement throughout the county. The current Michigan framework includes the 2021 Michigan Building Code, 2015 Michigan Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings while the proposed 2021 residential update is stayed, 2021 Michigan Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, 2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan amendments, and current Michigan energy and rehabilitation provisions. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits must conform to the Michigan Energy Code. No complete county exemption list was published. The department's procedures identify replacement equipment as an exception allowing installation before permit issuance only when the permit application and inspection request are made within two days after installation or before the equipment is concealed. Otherwise, verify whether ordinary repairs or cosmetic finish work are exempt under the applicable Michigan code before starting.