On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Branch County
Before constructing, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, changing occupancy, or installing or replacing regulated building systems.
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.
- Exempt Detached residential accessory buildings 200 square feet and under.
- Exempt Buildings used for agricultural purposes only, subject to the county agricultural affidavit process.
- Exempt Other work may be exempt if it falls under Michigan code exemptions and does not trigger local zoning review.
Required documents
- County application
- Owner and contractor information
- Project description
- Supporting documents required by the checklist or project type
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm whether county or local zoning approval is needed before filing.
- 02 Prepare the application and supporting items requested by the county forms and checklist.
- 03 Submit the permit application to Branch County before work begins.
- 04 County staff reviews the application and issues the permit after compliance review and fee payment.
- 05 Call for inspections during construction and before final completion.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Branch County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Reinspection fee
The county states a permit extension fee of $50 applies for permits set to expire if paid before expiration.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with doors closing at 4:50 pm.
Typical sequence: Roughly footing or foundation, rough-in, insulation, and final inspections as applicable.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Branch County permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Branch County, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Branch County, MI, follow these steps: 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Branch County, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Branch County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/michigan/branch/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Branch County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.