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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Saginaw Township
Permits and plans may be required whether the owner is doing work on a single-family dwelling or using a licensed building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical contractor.
Note: Plans are not required for one- and two-family dwellings when total heating and cooling input is 375,000 BTU or less. Plans are not required for alterations and repairs determined to be minor. Plans are not required for certain limited business, mercantile, and storage buildings with HVAC only and one fire area not more than 3,500 square feet. Confirm any claimed exemption with the township.
- Applicable permit application
- Three sets of building plans when required, with one signed and sealed by a Michigan licensed design professional
- Owner/contractor information
- License details and job information
- Building code
- Michigan Mechanical Code and State Construction Code Act
- Permit validity
- Permits remain valid while work is progressing and inspections are requested and conducted, but become invalid if work does not start within six months, is suspended or abandoned for six months, or no inspections are requested within six months of issuance or the last inspection.
- Owner-builder
- Mechanical permit form includes a homeowner affidavit for work installed by the owner in their own home that they occupy or will occupy.
- Contractor requirements
- Township functions as local enforcing agency for all four trades; permit applications request contractor license number and expiration date and reference Michigan licensing requirements.
Application process
Typical processing: Township directs applicants to call to discuss review and issuance.
- 01 Call the Building Department at 989-791-9865 to verify whether permits and plans are required and to discuss review and issuance.
- 02 Download the applicable permit form from the Community Development Documents page.
- 03 Submit plans when required. The Building page says to submit three sets for building plans, with one set signed and sealed by a Michigan licensed design professional.
- 04 File the permit application and pay the required fee or deposit.
- 05 Wait for township review and approval.
- 06 After permit issuance, request inspections as work progresses and before work is concealed.
Typical processing time: Township directs applicants to call to discuss review and issuance.
Fee schedule
Saginaw Township building permit fees
Public pages do not clearly describe card processing or online payment options.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 989-791-9865 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- As much advance notice as possible
Typical sequence: Permit holder applies, work proceeds, and inspections are requested before concealment.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Saginaw Township permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Saginaw Township, MI? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Saginaw Township, MI? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Saginaw Township, MI? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Saginaw Township, MI? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Saginaw Township, MI? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department, Building before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.