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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bay County
Michigan requires building permits before construction of a building or structure and for changes in use or occupancy. Ordinary repairs are exempt under state guidance.
Ordinary repairs under state guidance, so long as they do not involve structural removal, required egress changes, or work affecting public health or general safety
- Exempt Ordinary repairs under state guidance, so long as they do not involve structural removal, required egress changes, or work affecting public health or general safety
Note: For unincorporated Bay County, additional exemptions may apply through the township or state enforcing agency. Confirm exemptions with the appropriate authority before starting work.
Required documents
- Written application to the appropriate enforcing agency
- Construction documents are generally required, though they may be waived when compliance can be determined from the application
- Sealed and signed plans are required where Michigan law requires them
- Building code
- Michigan State Construction Code, including Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code, with local enforcement where adopted/administered.
- Owner-builder
- State and local forms typically allow owner-builder affidavits for owner-occupied homes. Specific language depends on enforcing agency.
- Contractor requirements
- Michigan requires residential builders to be licensed for residential structure work, subject to statutory exceptions. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits likewise require properly licensed trade contractors unless an owner-builder exception applies.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Identify the parcel's actual township and confirm whether the relevant discipline is enforced locally or by the State of Michigan using the statewide jurisdiction list.
- 02 If the township is the enforcing agency, use that township's forms, fees, and submission method. If the state is the enforcing agency for the discipline, use the LARA/BCC permit information and Accela portal or mail-in forms.
- 03 Assemble permit application, plans, and any required zoning, floodplain, wetland, driveway, septic, shoreline, EGLE, or MDOT approvals depending on site conditions.
- 04 Submit to the appropriate enforcing agency.
- 05 Pay fees.
- 06 Schedule required inspections and complete work through final approval/certificate of occupancy as applicable.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact the appropriate township or LARA/BCC based on the enforcing agency (phone)
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Bay County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bay County, MI? ▸
Michigan requires building permits before construction of a building or structure and for changes in use or occupancy. Ordinary repairs are exempt under state guidance.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bay County, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bay County, MI, follow these steps: 1. Identify the parcel's actual township and confirm whether the relevant discipline is enforced locally or by the State of Michigan using the statewide jurisdiction list. 2. If the township is the enforcing agency, use that township's forms, fees, and submission method. If the state is the enforcing agency for the discipline, use the LARA/BCC permit information and Accela portal or mail-in forms. 3. Assemble permit application, plans, and any required zoning, floodplain, wetland, driveway, septic, shoreline, EGLE, or MDOT approvals depending on site conditions. 4. Submit to the appropriate enforcing agency. 5. Pay fees. 6. Schedule required inspections and complete work through final approval/certificate of occupancy as applicable.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bay County, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Bay County, MI. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs under state guidance, so long as they do not involve structural removal, required egress changes, or work affecting public health or general safety. Note: For unincorporated Bay County, additional exemptions may apply through the township or state enforcing agency. Confirm exemptions with the appropriate authority before starting work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bay County, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bay County, MI via: Contact the appropriate township or LARA/BCC based on the enforcing agency.
last verified April 2026
source No countywide Bay County construction code permitting program. Permit authority is the applicable township enforcing agency, or the State of Michigan where state jurisdiction applies. ↗
entry id permits/michigan/bay/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with No countywide Bay County construction code permitting program. Permit authority is the applicable township enforcing agency, or the State of Michigan where state jurisdiction applies. before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.