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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Washtenaw County
Before construction or remodeling begins; county states plans must be submitted and approved before permits can be issued.
One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
Fences not more than 7 feet high
Retaining walls not more than 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Limited electrical, mechanical, and plumbing minor repair exemptions under Michigan code
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not more than 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not more than 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Limited electrical, mechanical, and plumbing minor repair exemptions under Michigan code
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements. Unincorporated county zoning is typically administered by the relevant township, not county building inspection; confirm local township zoning before filing.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Plans/specifications as applicable
- Payment information
- Permit-type-specific supporting documents
- Building code
- County enforces Michigan state construction codes.
- Permit validity
- Permit remains valid as long as work is progressing and inspections are requested; permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within six months after issuance or is suspended/abandoned for six months; cancelled permits cannot be refunded or reinstated.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may obtain permits for work at their residence subject to Michigan law.
- Contractor requirements
- Michigan trade and residential licensing rules apply; county permit forms include contractor license/registration fields.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No universal posted review time was located on the county pages reviewed.
- 01 Determine permit type and jurisdiction served by county Building Inspection.
- 02 Submit application, plans, and supporting documents through the Citizen Self Service Portal or county intake process.
- 03 For trade permits, use the applicable county permit form and include payment information.
- 04 County plan review occurs before permit issuance.
- 05 Pay assessed fees.
- 06 Permit is issued.
- 07 Request required inspections and obtain final approval.
Typical processing time: No universal posted review time was located on the county pages reviewed.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Washtenaw County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Example county plumbing permit form states permit costs start at $80 and include 2 inspections.
02
Plan check fee
Applied where required; county states plans must be submitted and approved before permit issuance.
03
Permit fee formula
Permit-type-specific schedules embedded in each county application form.
04
Reinspection fee
Additional inspection fee $50; failure to post permit or permit number visible from street results in $50 reinspection fee.
Credit card authorization form is available; if faxed, county notes same-day processing for reinspection fees only if received by 3:30 p.m., and new permit applications are processed in order received.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- County Building Inspection (provided on permit form and portal) (phone)
- Online permit portal for lookup and inspection results (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Reinspection fax cutoff noted as 3:30 p.m. for same-day processing of fees.
Typical sequence: Permit issuance, rough/trade inspections as applicable, final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Washtenaw County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI? ▸
Before construction or remodeling begins; county states plans must be submitted and approved before permits can be issued.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Example county plumbing permit form states permit costs start at $80 and include 2 inspections.. Fees are calculated as: Permit-type-specific schedules embedded in each county application form.. Plan check fee: Applied where required; county states plans must be submitted and approved before permit issuance..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI, follow these steps: 1. Determine permit type and jurisdiction served by county Building Inspection. 2. Submit application, plans, and supporting documents through the Citizen Self Service Portal or county intake process. 3. For trade permits, use the applicable county permit form and include payment information. 4. County plan review occurs before permit issuance. 5. Pay assessed fees. 6. Permit is issued. 7. Request required inspections and obtain final approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI typically run No universal posted review time was located on the county pages reviewed.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet; Fences not more than 7 feet high; Retaining walls not more than 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Limited electrical, mechanical, and plumbing minor repair exemptions under Michigan code. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements. Unincorporated county zoning is typically administered by the relevant township, not county building inspection; confirm local township zoning before filing. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washtenaw County, MI via: County Building Inspection (provided on permit form and portal), Online permit portal for lookup and inspection results. Reinspection fax cutoff noted as 3:30 p.m. for same-day processing of fees..
last verified April 2026
source Washtenaw County Building Inspection Department ↗
entry id permits/michigan/washtenaw/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Washtenaw County Building Inspection Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.