Permit Requirements for Tawas City, Michigan
For Plumbing projects in Tawas City, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Iosco County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
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If you have found a direct link to a permit portal or a specific local ordinance for Plumbing in this area, please submit an update.
Because Tawas City is located within Iosco County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Michigan, Iosco County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Iosco County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Iosco County, Michigan, plumbing permits are required for all new construction, including commercial and residential projects. Homeowners can obtain plumbing permits themselves only if they are performing the work themselves.
All plumbing installations must comply with either the Michigan Residential 1 & 2 Family Building Code or the Michigan State Plumbing Code.
Unincorporated Areas
While specific rules for unincorporated areas are not detailed separately, the general county-level requirements apply. It's important to note that Iosco Township, for example, requires permits for buildings over 200 square feet, regardless of agricultural use.
County-Level Jurisdiction
The Iosco County Building & Safety Department is responsible for enforcing building codes and issuing permits. They handle permits for new construction, additions, garages, and other structures.
Plumbing Permit Specifics
- Plumbing permit application forms are available upon request from the Building Department.
- For one and two-family dwellings under 3,500 sq. ft., plan review may not be required. However, for all other building types, plans prepared by or under the supervision of a registered architect or engineer are required before construction begins.
- All job locations must have a displayed address.
- If a property is not connected to a municipal sewer system, a septic permit from the Health Department is required.
- Soil erosion permits are necessary if construction is within 500 feet of a body of water or wetlands.
- Permit fees were revised effective January 1, 2020.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Michigan:
Michigan Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State Statutes and Adopted Plumbing Codes
The State of Michigan regulates plumbing installations through the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act (Public Act 230 of 1972). Under this authority, the state has adopted the 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, which is based on the 2021 edition of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with specific Michigan amendments. This code became effective on March 12, 2024. For detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories high, the plumbing requirements are governed by the Michigan Residential Code.
Primary State Board and Agencies
The primary agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of plumbing codes and licensing in Michigan is the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), specifically through the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC). Within the BCC, the Plumbing Section oversees inspections and code enforcement. Additionally, the State Plumbing Board, created by Public Act 733 of 2002, is responsible for making recommendations for plumbing code rules, licensing plumbers, and establishing regulations necessary for the enforcement of the act.
Resources to Learn More