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§ MI Huron County
County building permits

Unincorporated Huron County

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

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

Huron County Planning, Building and Zoning Department

Street address
Courthouse Building, Room 102, 250 E. Huron Ave, Bad Axe, MI 48413
Coverage
Countywide construction code administration for Huron County, including unincorporated areas and most townships, subject to local exceptions noted below
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Huron County

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

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
  • Exempt One-story detached accessory sheds of 200 square feet or less, but zoning approval is still required
  • Exempt Fences 6 feet high or less, but zoning approval is still required
  • Exempt Soil erosion permits are separate and may still be required based on disturbance thresholds and proximity to water
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
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
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
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
§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

  1. 01
    Determine whether the work requires a building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, soil erosion, and/or zoning permit.
  2. 02
    Obtain and complete the applicable county application forms from the county applications page.
  3. 03
    Secure zoning approval first for new construction, additions, garages, sheds, pools, decks, fences, and other site-controlled work.
  4. 04
    Submit plans for new construction, additions, and commercial alterations. The county says permits are not issued until plan review is complete.
  5. 05
    Pay permit fees and any related plan review or inspection fees.
  6. 06
    Schedule inspections as work progresses and request final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupancy.

Source: Huron County Planning, Building and Zoning Department ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

Typical 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

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Huron County permits

01 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
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Huron County, MI?
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Huron County, MI, follow these steps: 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Huron County, MI?
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Huron County, MI?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Huron County, MI via: Permit holder must call for inspections when work is ready.
last verified April 2026 source Huron County Planning, Building and Zoning Department ↗ entry id permits/michigan/huron/unincorporated

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Huron County Planning, Building and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.