How much does a building permit cost in Mason, MI?

Fees are calculated as: Fees are based on estimated value of work and ICC Building Valuation Table cost-per-square-foot guidelines..

How do I apply for a building permit in Mason, MI?

1. Download the residential or commercial Mason building permit packet and review the checklist. 2. Prepare the completed application, owner authorization, plans, survey, site plan, and any required outside permits such as soil erosion waiver, right-of-way permit, or county health approvals. 3. Submit online through BS&A or return the completed package to the Customer Service desk at City Hall. 4. Staff begins review once all required documents and payments are submitted. 5. Staff contacts the applicant when the permit is approved; fees are due at application. 6. After permit issuance, complete inspections and provide as-built plans if required before final approval.

What work is exempt from building permits in Mason, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less for residential use, or 120 square feet or less for non-residential use; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge; Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated residential pools designed to hold less than 24 inches of water; Fences 6 feet or less in height. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with Community Development before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Mason, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A Online status updates and inspection results, 517-676-9155.

City Building Permits

Mason, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Ingham County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Mason; permits are locally issued for building work, while electrical, mechanical, and plumbing are state-issued.

Department: City of Mason Community Development
Address: 201 W. Ash Street, Mason, MI 48854
Phone: 517-676-9155
Email: info@mason.mi.us
Website: https://www.mason.mi.us/document_center/Departments/Community%20Development/3%20Building%20Permits/PermitBrochure_revJuly2022.pdf

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

Platform: BS&A Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download the residential or commercial Mason building permit packet and review the checklist.
Prepare the completed application, owner authorization, plans, survey, site plan, and any required outside permits such as soil erosion waiver, right-of-way permit, or county health approvals.
Submit online through BS&A or return the completed package to the Customer Service desk at City Hall.
Staff begins review once all required documents and payments are submitted.
Staff contacts the applicant when the permit is approved; fees are due at application.
After permit issuance, complete inspections and provide as-built plans if required before final approval.

Typical processing time: Permit brochure states 2 to 5 days on average; 2024 checklists state estimated review time is 3 to 10 days once all documents and payments are submitted.

Source: City of Mason Community Development

General Requirements

Permits are required for roofing, siding, new construction, additions, remodeling, structural window replacement, demolition, moving structures, decks, sheds, garages, carports, pools holding 24 inches of water, permanent signs, and fences over 6 feet.

Required Documents

Completed application
Owner authorization
DIY affidavit if owner-builder
Paper plans and digital plans on USB (for new residential and commercial work)
Survey and site plan
Energy compliance forms
Applicable outside permits

Permit validity: Permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 6 months, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months after commencement.
Building code: Michigan construction code framework; current checklists cite 2015 MRC and 2015 MBC.
Owner-builder: DIY Property Owner Affidavit is required if the owner will complete the work.
Contractor requirements: State licensing rules apply; trade permits for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical are state-issued.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Fees are based on estimated value of work and ICC Building Valuation Table cost-per-square-foot guidelines.
Payment note: Permit fees are due at the time of application; staff will call once the building permit has been approved.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less for residential use, or 120 square feet or less for non-residential use
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge
Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated residential pools designed to hold less than 24 inches of water
Fences 6 feet or less in height

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with Community Development before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

BS&A Online status updates and inspection results (online)
517-676-9155 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issue, progress inspections during construction, as-built submittals where required, and final inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: Michigan construction code framework; current checklists cite 2015 MRC and 2015 MBC.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Residential Permit Packet
Commercial Permit Packet
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 City of Mason Community Development before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mason Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Mason, MI?: Permits are required for roofing, siding, new construction, additions, remodeling, structural window replacement, demolition, moving structures, decks, sheds, garages, carports, pools holding 24 inches of water, permanent signs, and fences over 6 feet.
How much does a building permit cost in Mason, MI?: Fees are calculated as: Fees are based on estimated value of work and ICC Building Valuation Table cost-per-square-foot guidelines..
How do I apply for a building permit in Mason, MI?: 1. Download the residential or commercial Mason building permit packet and review the checklist. 2. Prepare the completed application, owner authorization, plans, survey, site plan, and any required outside permits such as soil erosion waiver, right-of-way permit, or county health approvals. 3. Submit online through BS&A or return the completed package to the Customer Service desk at City Hall. 4. Staff begins review once all required documents and payments are submitted. 5. Staff contacts the applicant when the permit is approved; fees are due at application. 6. After permit issuance, complete inspections and provide as-built plans if required before final approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Mason, MI?: Typical processing time is Permit brochure states 2 to 5 days on average; 2024 checklists state estimated review time is 3 to 10 days once all documents and payments are submitted..
What work is exempt from building permits in Mason, MI?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less for residential use, or 120 square feet or less for non-residential use; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge; Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated residential pools designed to hold less than 24 inches of water; Fences 6 feet or less in height. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with Community Development before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Mason, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A Online status updates and inspection results, 517-676-9155.

Need help with your project?

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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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