Michigan, Midland County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Midland County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Midland County, Michigan, most plumbing work on construction projects requires a permit, regardless of the size or scale of the project. This applies to new installations, replacements, additions, and alterations to existing plumbing systems, including supply, drainage, and venting configurations. Permits are essential for ensuring compliance with the Michigan Plumbing Code and the Michigan Uniform Energy Code.
County-Level Jurisdiction and Building Divisions
The City of Midland's Building Department handles building permits for properties within the city limits. For areas outside the city, the Township Code Authority of Midland County oversees building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits for various townships within the county.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties in unincorporated areas of Midland County, the Township Code Authority is the relevant jurisdiction for obtaining plumbing permits. They provide coverage for numerous townships, including Edenville, Geneva, Greendale, Homer, Hope, Jasper, Larkin, Lee, Warren, and Mills townships, as well as the cities of Auburn and Coleman, and the Village of Merrill.
Who Can Apply for Permits
- Licensed plumbing contractors.
- Homeowners installing their own plumbing, building sewer, or private sewer on their primary residence. In such cases, a homeowner's affidavit is required, certifying that the work will be done by the homeowner in their own home, and will be installed according to the Michigan Plumbing Code and subject to inspection.
When Permits Are Typically Required
- Adding a new plumbing fixture.
- Water heater replacement.
- Rerouting plumbing lines.
- New construction and remodels, including additions to existing buildings or renovations that modify connections to municipal water and sewer systems.
- Major plumbing repairs, replacements, or modifications to sewer and drain lines.
- Work affecting the drainage-waste-vent (DWV) system.
When Permits May Not Be Required
- Minor repairs, such as those involving only the working parts of a faucet or valve, or clearing stoppages, provided no existing piping or fixtures are altered.
- Routine maintenance tasks like clearing slow drains, cleaning drain traps, or insulating pipes.
- Replacing a plumbing fixture in the exact same location.
Required Documentation and Process
The specific items needed for a permit application can vary by project type. Generally, you will need to provide project details, contractor information (including license numbers), and potentially plans for commercial or complex residential projects. For homeowners performing their own work, a homeowner's affidavit is necessary.
It is advisable to contact the relevant building department or Township Code Authority to confirm specific requirements and obtain the correct application forms.
Resources to Learn More
- Midland County Building, Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical Information
- City of Midland Building Department
- Township Code Authority of Midland County
- State of Michigan Plumbing Permit Information
- Midland Township Plumbing Permit Application
- City of Midland Plumbing Permit Application
- Calculate a Water Heater Replacement Project in Midland County, Michigan
- Find Plumber Contractors in Midland County
- Find Plumber Contractors in Michigan