The primary function of the Building Department is the administration and enforcement of the State of Michigan Building Codes. These standards serve to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public. The Building Official/Building Inspector issues building permits and inspection services as required under the Michigan Building Codes.

Building Permit Required

The City of Mason requires a building permit prior to starting any of the following types of work:  

·         New construction, additions, remodeling, window replacements involving structural modifications, siding, roofing, fencing, demolition, moving of structures, decks, sheds, garages and carports.

·        Any type of swimming pool capable of holding 24 vertical inches of water, including inflatable pools.

·         Permanent signs.

·         Fencing over 6 feet in height.  

Exceptions to this requirement are as follows:  

·         Fences 6 feet or less in height. – fences located in any residential front yard shall not be taller than 3 feet.  (Note:  a corner lot has two front yards)  See the diagram defining a front yard by clicking HERE.

·         One story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less.

·         Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.

·         Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

·        Prefabricated swimming pools that are designed to hold less than 24 vertical inches of water.

While a building permit may not be required, other setbacks or restrictions may apply. Please contact the Building Department at (517) 676-9155 for more information.

Building Permit Requirements

·         A building permit application must be submitted and the permit approved before any work begins on the project.

·        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, fee received, and a permit has been issued by a building inspector.

Permit applications may be obtained in person at the reception desk at Mason City Hall, 201 W. Ash Street between 8a.m. and 5p.m., Monday through Friday. Permit applications are also available online by clicking HERE. Completed applications may be mailed or returned in person to the reception desk at City Hall. The minimum normal turn-around time for processing a building permit is two days.

Electric, Plumbing and Mechanical Permits

Permits for electrical, plumbing and mechanical (heating and cooling) projects are issued and administered through the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Bureau of Construction Codes.  The following State of Michigan Permitting Divisions may be reached at the following numbers, or online at www.michigan.org/bcc:
 

      Electrical Division                (517) 241-9334

      Mechanical Division             (517) 241-9325

      Plumbing Division               (517) 241-9330

      Boiler Division                     (517) 241-9334  

Construction Codes in Effect for Mason

*2009 Michigan Building Code – Effective March 9, 2011

*2009 Michigan Residential Code – Effective March 9, 2011

*2009 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings – Effective March 9, 2011

*2009 Michigan Uniform Energy Code – Effective March 9, 2011

2009 Michigan Plumbing Code – Effective March 9, 2011

2009 Michigan Mechanical Code – Effective March 9, 2011

2008 National Electric Code + Part 8

*Available for viewing at the City Hall offices upon request.

Additional copies of the State of Michigan code books are available online at www.michigan.gov/bcc.