Huron County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Countywide construction code administration for Huron County, including unincorporated areas and most townships, subject to local exceptions noted below

Department

Huron County Planning, Building and Zoning Department

Address

Courthouse Building, Room 102, 250 E. Huron Ave, Bad Axe, MI 48413

Phone

(989) 269-9269

Email

cis@co.huron.mi.us is the only public county email found on the county site , no direct building office email was published

Website

https://www.co.huron.mi.us/building-and-zoning-applications

Application Process

1. Determine whether the work requires a building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, soil erosion, and/or zoning permit.
2. Obtain and complete the applicable county application forms from the county applications page.
3. Secure zoning approval first for new construction, additions, garages, sheds, pools, decks, fences, and other site-controlled work.
4. Submit plans for new construction, additions, and commercial alterations. The county says permits are not issued until plan review is complete.
5. Pay permit fees and any related plan review or inspection fees.
6. Schedule inspections as work progresses and request final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupancy.

Source: Huron County Planning, Building and Zoning Department

General Requirements

New construction, commercial or residential; foundations for manufactured structures; alterations and remodeling; plumbing, electrical, and mechanical/heating/cooling work; new rough plumbing or replacement plumbing; new wiring or services; furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, ductwork, LP tanks, gas lines, and central air additions

Required Documents

• Site plan, foundation plan, floor plans, exterior elevations, wall/section details, stair details, truss plans, deck details where applicable, and energy code documentation for residential work

Permit validity

County handout says permits are generally good for one year and may be extended on a payment-per-inspection basis after one year; the referenced residential code rule also says permits become invalid if work is not completed within 180 days or abandoned for 180 days, subject to written extensions

Building code

County handout cites the 2015 Michigan Building Code, 2015 Michigan Residential Building Code, 2023 National Electrical Code including Michigan Part 8 Rules, 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings, and 2015 Michigan Commercial Energy Code, with later effective dates noted in the handout

Contractor requirements

Residential contractors performing work exceeding $600 in material and labor value are required to be licensed in their trade by the State of Michigan

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory sheds of 200 square feet or less, but zoning approval is still required
• Fences 6 feet high or less, but zoning approval is still required
• Soil erosion permits are separate and may still be required based on disturbance thresholds and proximity to water

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Permit holder must call for inspections when work is ready (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, foundation, rough plumbing/mechanical/electrical, framing, insulation documentation, trade finals, then building final and certificate of occupancy

Reinspection fee is $100 for code violation reinspections; temporary occupancy can trigger extra inspection charges

Additional Resources

• Building code: County handout cites the 2015 Michigan Building Code, 2015 Michigan Residential Building Code, 2023 National Electrical Code including Michigan Part 8 Rules, 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings, and 2015 Michigan Commercial Energy Code, with later effective dates noted in the handout
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Permit requirements PDF
• County community info
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Huron County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Huron County, MI?

New construction, commercial or residential; foundations for manufactured structures; alterations and remodeling; plumbing, electrical, and mechanical/heating/cooling work; new rough plumbing or replacement plumbing; new wiring or services; furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, ductwork, LP tanks, gas lines, and central air additions

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Huron County, MI?

1. Determine whether the work requires a building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, soil erosion, and/or zoning permit. 2. Obtain and complete the applicable county application forms from the county applications page. 3. Secure zoning approval first for new construction, additions, garages, sheds, pools, decks, fences, and other site-controlled work. 4. Submit plans for new construction, additions, and commercial alterations. The county says permits are not issued until plan review is complete. 5. Pay permit fees and any related plan review or inspection fees. 6. Schedule inspections as work progresses and request final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupancy.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory sheds of 200 square feet or less, but zoning approval is still required; Fences 6 feet high or less, but zoning approval is still required; Soil erosion permits are separate and may still be required based on disturbance thresholds and proximity to water.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Huron County, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Permit holder must call for inspections when work is ready.