Permit Requirements
Key claim: Huron County’s Building & Zoning Department sets out which building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and soil-erosion permits residents need, which state codes apply, and which townships or cities issue their own permits instead of the county.
Abstract
County document “Permit Requirements” (3 pp), published on https://www.co.huron.mi.us/building-zoning. 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 Township, 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. In Caseville Township, building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are issued by Township Officials. Soil Erosion Permits are issued by the County. In Caseville City, building, electrical,mechanical, plumbing, and soil erosion permits are issued by City Officials. The 2021 Michigan Building Code (effective April 9, 2025), the 2015 Michigan Residential Building Code (effective February 8, 2026), the 2023 National Electrical Code including 2023 Michigan Part 8 Rules, the 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, the 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, the 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings, and the 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code are enforced throughout Huron County. Permits are required before works begins on new construction, commercial & residential, including foundations for manufactured structures (off-site 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 barrie
Why this matters
Permit jurisdiction is the practical entry point where zoning rules become obligations for property owners, so knowing which authority issues each permit type shapes timelines, fees, and inspection paths for any construction in the county. Documenting which townships and cities opt out of the county system also clarifies where local ordinances — not just the county code — govern land-use activity.