Mason, MI

WHEN DO I NEED A PERMIT? WHAT TYPE? WHY? HOW DO I GET ONE AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
If you don’t find your answer below, call us at 517-676-9155 or email info@mason.mi.us.  Be sure to include your name, project address, description of the project, and your questions.  We strive to respond within three (3) business days.

WHEN DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
A complete building permit application must be submitted and the permit approved before any work begins on a project. Failure to obtain a permit prior to starting work may result in a fine and/or citation.         

Please note: As the property owner, you are ultimately responsible to follow the law for obtaining the necessary permits and inspections for work done on your property, even if you hire a contractor. If the necessary permits are not obtained, the property owner, not the contractor, will be cited for the violation. Call our office if you have any questions about guidance you are receiving from a contractor that may conflict with the information provided here.

WHAT TYPE OF PERMIT DO I NEED?
Click here for a list of the most common project descriptions and information on the type of local permit(s) required.  Some projects may require more than one type of local permit.  You will also need to check with the County and State agencies regarding permit requirements for projects under their jurisdiction.  Call us with questions if you are unsure whether or not you need a permit.  The City of Mason requires a Building Permit Application prior to starting any of the following types of work:

• New construction, additions, remodeling, siding, roofing, fencing, demolition of an entire structure or portion of an existing structure (interior or exterior), moving of structures, decks, porches, sheds, garages and carports.
• Any type of swimming pool capable of holding 24 vertical inches of water, including inflatable pools.
• Permanent signs.
• Fencing over 7 feet in height.

 Exceptions to this requirement are as follows:

• Fences less than 7 feet in height. – fences located in any residential front yard shall not be taller than 3 feet. (Note: a corner lot has two front yards).
• One story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less (sheds, playhouse).  All detached structures are to be ten (10) feet away from other structures (zoning) and must observe set-back requirements.  Decks and porches are not automatically exempt.
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a structure. 
• Minor repairs – call for clarification. Example – Your roof is leaking and you hire a contractor to seal around a vent stack. No permit is required. If the repair involves removing the entire side of a roof and/or roofing over the existing shingles equivalent to more than 20% of the total roof area, a permit is required.

DOWNLOAD: Building permit applications and information can be downloaded by returning to the Building Permit Information page – scroll to the bottom and open the grey bar labeled Building Permit Applications and Information.

SUBMIT APPLICATION: Building Permit Applications may be submitted in the following ways:

• ONLINE* - NEW!
• Homeowners - Click here to apply if you are a Homeowner
• Contractors - Click here to appy if you are a Contractor
• BY MAIL: City of Mason, 201 W. Ash Street, Mason, MI  48854
• IN-PERSON: Place in the drop box in front of City Hall

Questions? Call Customer Service Desk Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 517-676-9155 or email info@mason.mi.us.

*We are currently testing the new online permitting system.  We appreciate your patience as we work through the implementation of this service to better serve you.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET A PERMIT?
Estimated review time is 3-10 days for complete applications on residential projects.  Applications for commercial projects may take up to 14 days to review.  Incomplete applications or applications requiring additional information to be provided may result in delays.  Please review the permit application checklist thoroughly to ensure your application is complete, and submit all required information well in advance of project start dates to avoid delays.

WHY DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Permits are an important step in protecting the health, safety and welfare of our community. Building Officials and Code Enforcement Officers serve as ‘pre-responders’ whose work is intended to prevent the loss of, injury or damage to life or property.  Permits provide a record that work was completed in accordance with the latest safety requirements, and can be helpful as support for an insurance claim or during a real estate transaction.

Municipalities are audited by Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS®) approximately every three years on the building codes in effect in a particular community and how the community enforces its building codes.  The audit score informs homeowner’s insurance rates for the area. You can view the 2019 National Building Code Assessment Report here.

Protect your investment!  When considering the purchase of a home, be sure to ask for a record of permits and inspection results for any improvements made – new roof or siding, kitchen or bathroom remodeling, finished basements or attics, decks and porches. All are examples of common projects completed with the intent to increase the value of the home for resale. Without permits and inspections, however, you can end up inheriting costly repairs due to hidden structural damage, mold, or other problems related to faulty work.

And lastly - because it’s the law.  Permits are not optional.  Failure to obtain a permit prior­ to starting your project could result in fines and may be classified a misdemeanor.  If you are not sure whether or not you need one, call us at 517-676-9155 or email info@mason.mi.us.