On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Mason
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.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less for residential use, or 120 square feet or less for non-residential use
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge
- Exempt Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated residential pools designed to hold less than 24 inches of water
- Exempt 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.
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
- Building code
- Michigan construction code framework; current checklists cite 2015 MRC and 2015 MBC.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 Download the residential or commercial Mason building permit packet and review the checklist.
- 02 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.
- 03 Submit online through BS&A or return the completed package to the Customer Service desk at City Hall.
- 04 Staff begins review once all required documents and payments are submitted.
- 05 Staff contacts the applicant when the permit is approved; fees are due at application.
- 06 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Mason building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Fees are based on estimated value of work and ICC Building Valuation Table cost-per-square-foot guidelines.
Permit fees are due at the time of application; staff will call once the building permit has been approved.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Permit issue, progress inspections during construction, as-built submittals where required, and final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Mason permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Mason, MI? ▸
Building permit fees in Mason, MI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees are based on estimated value of work and ICC Building Valuation Table cost-per-square-foot guidelines..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Mason, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Mason, MI, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Mason, MI? ▸
Building permit processing times in Mason, MI typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Mason, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Mason, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Mason, MI via: BS&A Online status updates and inspection results, 517-676-9155.
last verified April 2026
source City of Mason Community Development ↗
entry id permits/michigan/ingham/mason
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Mason Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.