The Building Division of the Planning Department performs residential and commercial building inspections and interprets, administers and enforces the provisions of the adopted Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code. The Building Division also oversees the issuance of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits.
The following are a listing of the applicable code versions:
- Building Code: 2015 Michigan Building Code
- Mechanical Code: 2015 Michigan Mechanical Code
- Plumbing Code: 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code
- Electrical Code: 2014 NEC, 2015 MRC
- Energy Code: 2015 Michigan Energy Code - 2015 MI Res Code Ch. 11
- Accessibility: 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1 - 2012 MI Bldg Code Ch. 11
- Rehabilitation Code: 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code
- Residential Code: 2015 Michigan Residential Code
- Property Maintenance Code: 2006 International Property Maintenance Code
Building inspections are mandated by Michigan Building and Residential Codes. They include, but are not limited to:
- Footings
- Foundation/tile
- Framing and masonry
- Fire-resistant penetrations
- Final inspections for occupancy
Residential Inspections
- To schedule an inspection, please call the Building Division at 517.853.4500.Inspections should be requested at least 24 hours in advance.
- Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing are separate permits. Inspections must be completed before a rough or final inspection is scheduled with the Building Division.
- For Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing inspections, please call the Building Division 517.853.4500 at least 24 hours in advance.
Submittal Documents for New Home Construction
- (2) sets of house plans.
- A site survey completed by a licensed surveyor or engineer, with elevations.
- A water/sewer permit issued by Meridian Township's Engineering Department 517.853.4440 or a well/septic permit issued by the Ingham County Health Department 517.887.4312, whichever applies.
- A soil erosion permit issued by Meridian Township.
- A driveway permit issued by the Ingham County Road Department 517.676.9722. Applications available online at the Ingham County Road Department.
- Proof of Michigan Uniform Energy Code Compliance.
- Roof Loading Data Sheet Submittal Documents for Decks, Additions & Accessory Structures.
- (2) sets of building plans including footing, wall, roof, stair and railing details.
- A site plan drawn to and engineer's scale showing the structure and setbacks. A survey completed by a licensed surveyor may be required. Please contact the Building Division to verify if a survey is needed.
- Copies of permits issued by other agencies, if applicable.
Residential Building Permit Requirements
- A building permit application must be submitted and the permit approved before any work begins on the project.
- The permit fee must accompany all applications at the time of submittal.
- Copies of all permits issued by other agencies must be submitted with the building permit application.
- No work is authorized until the application has been approved and a permit has been issued by a building inspector.
Submittal Documents for Residential Basement Finish
- (2) sets of plans showing the layout of the entire basement.
- All egress windows must be shown on the plan including the size, location and height above the basement floor.
- A detailed plan of the egress window well, unless the basement is a walkout.
- All finished rooms must be clearly labeled with exits shown.
- Ceiling heights must be indicated on the submitted plans.
Items That May Not Require a Building Permit
- One story detached accessory structures with 200 square feet or less of floor area, with the exception of decks and porches (both enclosed and unenclosed) which do require a permit.
- Fences 6 feet or less in height.
- Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height (measured from the bottom of the footing).
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one or two family dwelling.
- While a building permit may not be required, other setbacks or restrictions may apply.