Residential Building 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

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