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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 Shiawassee County.

Michigan LARA's current Statewide Jurisdiction List identifies Shiawassee County as County-enforced for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. The county provides services for the majority of communities; Corunna, Durand, Perry, New Lothrop, Caledonia, Owosso Township, and Vernon Township are local for all four or most disciplines, while other listed municipal units are county-enforced, and Lennon has state enforcement for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. 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.

Inspection lane

Call the inspection request line at (989) 743-2280, the office at (989) 743-2396, or email comdev@shiawassee.net. Provide the project address, permit type, inspection type, requester contact information, and site-access instructions. Building inspections are performed Monday-Thursday, electrical Monday and Thursday, and mechanical/plumbing Tuesdays. Do not cover work until approvals are posted; additional inspections and re-inspections may incur fees.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The county does not publish a single cosmetic-work exemption list. Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning work. The county's soil-erosion waiver allows a qualifying earth change disturbing less than 225 square feet when it will not contribute sediment to lakes or streams; other zoning, soil-erosion, pool, deck, agricultural, and accessory-structure rules vary by project and should be confirmed with Community Development.

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 inspection request line at (989) 743-2280, the office at (989) 743-2396, or email comdev@shiawassee.net. Provide the project address, permit type, inspection type, requester contact information, and site-access instructions. Building inspections are performed Monday-Thursday, electrical Monday and Thursday, and mechanical/plumbing Tuesdays. Do not cover work until approvals are posted; additional inspections and re-inspections may incur fees.

  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 ↗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 Shiawassee County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Shiawassee County Community Development Department - Building & Trades 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 (989) 743-2396; inspection request line (989) 743-2280.

How long might review take?

N/A; no fixed review timeline was published. Applications will not be processed until required documentation is received, including plans and any applicable zoning, health, soil-erosion, driveway, and energy-code documents.

How are inspections scheduled?

Call the inspection request line at (989) 743-2280, the office at (989) 743-2396, or email comdev@shiawassee.net. Provide the project address, permit type, inspection type, requester contact information, and site-access instructions. Building inspections are performed Monday-Thursday, electrical Monday and Thursday, and mechanical/plumbing Tuesdays. Do not cover work until approvals are posted; additional inspections and re-inspections may incur fees.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Michigan LARA's current Statewide Jurisdiction List identifies Shiawassee County as County-enforced for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. The county provides services for the majority of communities; Corunna, Durand, Perry, New Lothrop, Caledonia, Owosso Township, and Vernon Township are local for all four or most disciplines, while other listed municipal units are county-enforced, and Lennon has state enforcement for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. 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. The county does not publish a single cosmetic-work exemption list. Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning work. The county's soil-erosion waiver allows a qualifying earth change disturbing less than 225 square feet when it will not contribute sediment to lakes or streams; other zoning, soil-erosion, pool, deck, agricultural, and accessory-structure rules vary by project and should be confirmed with Community Development.

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.