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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clare County
County permit, zoning, and inspection requirements apply in unincorporated Clare County.
- Completed county permit application
- Project scope details
- Parcel and owner/contractor information
- Building code
- State Building Code, Michigan Electrical Code, State Plumbing Code, Michigan Building Code / Michigan Residential Code
- Permit validity
- Permit invalid if work does not start within six months of issuance or is suspended/abandoned for six months.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder may be permitted; owner remains responsible for compliance and inspections.
- Contractor requirements
- Licensed and insured trades required where applicable.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Use county office and permit forms for parcels in unincorporated county areas.
- 02 Submit a complete permit application, pay required fees, and request inspections through county.
- 03 Proceed only after permit issuance and inspection requirements are satisfied.
Fee schedule
Clare County building permit fees
Work started before permit issuance may double total permit fees on trade forms.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- County inspection line 989-539-2741 (phone)
- County inspection fax 989-539-7385 (fax)
- Scheduling deadline
- Most inspections are completed within three business days after request.
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Most requests processed by first-requested, first-scheduled workflow; permit holder provides permit number, site and contact details.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Clare County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clare County, MI? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Clare County, MI? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clare County, MI? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clare County, MI? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Clare County Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.