Fees, valuation & enforcement
Permit fees are a project input. Enforcement exposure is a project risk. Use the official schedule where available, then confirm valuation, trade permits, plan review, and inspection charges with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Official fee pathway
The final charge may depend on declared construction value, occupancy classification, square footage, plan review, state surcharges, trade permits, technology fees, and inspection activity. Do not use a neighboring city’s fee table as a substitute for this jurisdiction.
Fee desk contact
(810) 648-4664
Ask the counter to confirm current charges before submitting a project with multiple trades or a change of use.
Financial exposure
Plan for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, energy, zoning, septic, right-of-way, or other reviews that the project scope triggers. The lowest initial permit fee is not always the lowest project cost.
Enforcement exposure
When work begins without authorization, the agency may halt the site, require corrective plans, impose additional fees, withhold inspection release, or require concealed work to be exposed for review.
Closeout exposure
A missing final inspection or certificate can complicate occupancy, refinancing, sale, insurance, and utility connection. Preserve the approved plans and signed inspection record through closeout.
Professional field note
Even when a cosmetic or minor project does not require a building permit, zoning, floodplain, shoreline, historic, utility, fire, or right-of-way controls may still apply. Confirm the full jurisdictional picture before work starts.
Source trail
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why permit costs vary
Building departments commonly calculate charges from valuation, occupancy, floor area, project type, plan review effort, trade scope, state surcharges, and inspection activity. A remodel that appears small on paper may still trigger structural, energy, fire, or utility review. Ask the permit counter which disciplines apply before you finalize the construction budget.
The same discipline applies to enforcement. Correcting unpermitted work after finishes are installed can require demolition, revised plans, additional inspections, and schedule disruption. Authorization is usually the less expensive project-management decision.