What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Branch County, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached residential accessory buildings 200 square feet and under.; Buildings used for agricultural purposes only, subject to the county agricultural affidavit process.; Other work may be exempt if it falls under Michigan code exemptions and does not trigger local zoning review..

County Building Permits

Branch County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Branch County, Michigan. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Michigan Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Countywide building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit administration for Branch County parcels, including the unincorporated area.

Department: Branch County Building Department
Address: 23 E Pearl Street, Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone: 517-279-4303
Email: inspections@branchcounty.gov
Website: https://branchcounty.gov/departments/building/

Application Process

Confirm whether county or local zoning approval is needed before filing.
Prepare the application and supporting items requested by the county forms and checklist.
Submit the permit application to Branch County before work begins.
County staff reviews the application and issues the permit after compliance review and fee payment.
Call for inspections during construction and before final completion.

Source: Branch County Building Department

General Requirements

Before constructing, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, changing occupancy, or installing or replacing regulated building systems.

Required Documents

County application
Owner and contractor information
Project description
Supporting documents required by the checklist or project type

Permit validity: Permits become invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Expired permits are not inspected.
Building code: 2015 Michigan Building Code for commercial projects, 2015 Michigan Residential Code, 2015 Michigan Uniform Energy Code, 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, and NEC 2017 Michigan Electrical Code.
Owner-builder: The county posts a Home Owner Permit Affidavit form, which indicates an owner-builder path exists for qualifying owner-occupied work.
Contractor requirements: County forms include contractor license registration forms for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors.

Fees

Reinspection fee: The county states a permit extension fee of $50 applies for permits set to expire if paid before expiration.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Detached residential accessory buildings 200 square feet and under.
Buildings used for agricultural purposes only, subject to the county agricultural affidavit process.
Other work may be exempt if it falls under Michigan code exemptions and does not trigger local zoning review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with doors closing at 4:50 pm.

Typical inspection sequence: Roughly footing or foundation, rough-in, insulation, and final inspections as applicable.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2015 Michigan Building Code for commercial projects, 2015 Michigan Residential Code, 2015 Michigan Uniform Energy Code, 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, and NEC 2017 Michigan Electrical Code.
County forms and resources
FAQ
License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Branch County Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Branch County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Branch County, MI?: Before constructing, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, changing occupancy, or installing or replacing regulated building systems.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Branch County, MI?: 1. Confirm whether county or local zoning approval is needed before filing. 2. Prepare the application and supporting items requested by the county forms and checklist. 3. Submit the permit application to Branch County before work begins. 4. County staff reviews the application and issues the permit after compliance review and fee payment. 5. Call for inspections during construction and before final completion.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Branch County, MI?: The following work is generally exempt: Detached residential accessory buildings 200 square feet and under.; Buildings used for agricultural purposes only, subject to the county agricultural affidavit process.; Other work may be exempt if it falls under Michigan code exemptions and does not trigger local zoning review..

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Navigating permits in Unincorporated Branch County can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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