Permit Requirements
Key claim: Huron County requires building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and zoning permits before most new construction, alterations, and equipment work, with limited exceptions for small sheds and low fences.
Abstract
County document “Permit Requirements” (1 pp), published on https://www.co.huron.mi.us/building-and-zoning-ordinances. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS THE HURON COUNTY PLANNING, BUILDING & ZONING DEPARTMENT, Courthouse Building, Room 102, 250 E. Huron Avenue, Bad Axe, Michigan, administers construction-related codes throughout Huron County *. Call 989-269-9269. * EXCEPTION: In Lake Townships, building permits are issued by Township officials. Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical & Soil Erosion Permits are issued by the County and obtained in the County Building, Building & Zoning Office, Room 102, 250 E. Huron Avenue, Bad Axe, Michigan 48413 The Michigan Building Code/2012, the National Electrical Code/2011, the Michigan Mechanical Code/2012, the Michigan Plumbing Code/2012, the Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings/2012, and the Michigan Residential Code/2009 are enforced throughout Huron County. Permits are required before works begins on new construction, commercial & residential, including foundations for manufactured structures (off-side construction). Permits are also required for alterations & remodeling of existing buildings and for improvements to plumbing, electrical, and/or mechanical/heating/cooling equipment in existing structures. Permits are required whenever there is new rough plumbing or replacement plumbing (water heaters), new electrical (or updates) wiring or services, new furnaces (replacement furnaces, new wood stoves, fireplaces, new ductwork), LP tanks, gas lines, addition of central air-conditioning, etc. Building permits are not required for one-story detached accessory sheds having 200 sq.ft. or less floor area, however zoning approval is required. In addition, building permits are not required for fences 6 feet high or less but zoning approval is still required. Construction plans are required for new construction and additions, including alterations of existing commercial structures. Improvements to existing commercial buildings which result in a “change in use groups” (office to retail, residential to commercial, retail to office, residential to office, etc.) require compliance with all applicable construction codes, including barrier-free provisions. ZONING APPROVAL is required for any new construction, residential or commercial [i.e., new homes or commercial buildings, additions, garages or sheds (any size), swimming pools, decks, fences, etc.). Zoning (site) permits for the 16 townships under County Zoning, including Bingham, Bloomfield, Brookfield, Dwight, Fairhaven, Gore, Grant, Hume, Lincoln, McKinley, Rubicon, Sebewaing, Sheridan, Sherma
Why this matters
Permit thresholds define the baseline point at which county zoning and building regulation actually attaches to a property owner’s project, so knowing which activities trigger permits — and which small structures are exempt — is essential context for interpreting how the zoning ordinance is enforced in practice. This guidance also clarifies the division of labor between county-issued permits and those handled by townships and cities with their own permitting authority.