Residential Building Permits
Residential Permit Sequence
Follow These Steps In Order:
1. Obtain a Driveway Permit
Apply for a driveway permit through the Livingston County Road Commission.
Building Forms & Permits
2. Obtain Land Use From the Township
- View Building Requirements by Local Unit →
- Approved site plan
- Plans stamped by township – (if applicable)
- Tax code number
- Lot number, section number
- Must provide our Office with a receipt of approval from the township for paid water and sewer taps
3. Acquire an Address From the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Office
- Visit the GIS page →
- Please note that some addresses in Livingston County are not issued by the GIS Office. See Map for addressing sources.
The Following Steps May Be Taken In Any Order:
I. Complete Building Permit Application(s) Including:
- Location – Site address, lot number, section number, sub-division name, etc.
- Vacant lots must have an address to apply for a permit
- Proof of ownership of property
- Owner, builder, architect, or engineer information
- Water supply and sewage disposal type
- Type of work: new work, addition, repair, alteration, foundation, demo, etc.
- The use of the building: residential, commercial, or accessory
- Description of work to be done in complete detail
- Directions to work site
- Signed & dated application by the person(s) applying for the permit
II. Provide Two Sets of Plans* Containing Each of the Following:
*All plans need to be 24” x 36” minimum and drawn to scale
- Floor plan details
- 1st, 2nd, foundation, walkout, bonus/attic areas, etc.
- Front, sides, and rear elevation
- Framing details
- Insulation values, including window and door U values
- Signed and sealed drawings
- Residential work greater than 3500 sq. ft.
- Log homes
- Any other alternative types of construction not address by the code
- Sign and sealed drawings by a licensed State of Michigan Architect or Engineer
III. Soil Erosion Control Permit(s) or Waivers
Obtained from the Livingston County Drain Commissioner
IV. Septic & Well Permit(s) or Waivers
Obtained from the Livingston County Environmental Health Department
V. Identification Required
- Copy of Drivers License
- Builders License
Plan Review
Required Information for Building Permits
- Two Sets of Project Drawings
- Foundation plans
- Walkout/daylight areas shown on plans
- 1st floor plans
- 2nd floor plans
- Provide all square footages of levels: 1st floor, 2nd floor, garage, bonus rooms, decks and porches
- Garage
- Bonus rooms
- Elevations
- Front
- Side(s)
- Back/read
- Framing detail
- Michigan Uniform Energy Code (M.U.E.C) Insulation Values (including windows and doors U factors)
- Prescriptive methods or RES check
- Signed and sealed drawing required for:
- Residential work greater than 3500 sq. ft.
- Log homes
- Wood foundations
- Any other alternative types of construction not addressed by the code