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• Check with building department for size of
structures exempt from permits.
• As “owner-builder” you are the responsible
party of record on such a permit. If your
work is being performed by a contractor, you
may protect yourself from possible liability if
the contractor applies for the proper permit
in his or her name.
• If you plan to do your own work, including all
of the trade work, then you may apply for the
permit.
• Frequent practices of unlicensed contractors
is to secure “owner-builder” building and
trades permits, erroneously implying that the
property owner is providing his or her own
labor and material personally.
• It would benefit you to hire a licensed con-
tractor to perform the trade work.
• Permits are valid for work to begin within six
months.
• Permits expire if no work is performed for
longer than 180 days.
• The purpose of this guide is to assist you in
the permitting process. This handout is
intended to cover information for a basic
plan submittal and typical project under the
building codes. It is not intended to cover all
circumstances. Depending on the scope
and complexity of your project, additional
information may be required. Discuss your
project with city staff to determine if it is
subject to additional requirements.
Why Do I need a Permit?
There are many important reasons to obtain building permits and to have inspec-
tions performed for your construction project.
Protects property values
Your home is typically your largest investment. If your construction project does not
comply with the building codes, your investment could lose value. If others in your
neighborhood make unsafe or substandard changes to their homes, it could lower
the resale values for the entire community.
Saves Money
Homeowners insurance policies may not pay for damages caused by work done
without permits and inspections.
Makes Selling Property Easier
Listing associations require owners to disclose any home improvements or repairs
and whether permits were obtained. Many financial institutions will not finance a
purchase without proof of a final inspection. If you decide to sell a home or building
that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the
addition, leave it unoccupied or do costly repairs.
Improves safety
Your permit allows the building department to inspect for potential hazards and un-
safe construction. By ensuring your project meets the minimum building code stand-
ards of safety, the building department can reduce the risk of fire, structural collapse
and other issues that might result in costly repairs, injuries and even death. Inspec-
tions complement the contractor’s experience and act as a system of checks and
balances that can result in a safer project.
It’s the Law
Permits are required by Ordinance. Work without a permit may be subject to remov-
al or other costly remedies.
What you need to
apply for a
building permit:
D ID Y OU
K N O W ?
□
Site Plan / Footing Detail Page 2
□
Floor Plan / Truss Details Page 3
□
Construction Details Pgs 4-5
□
Permit Application
Tips on hiring contractors
Hire only licensed contractors.
Get at least 3 bids.
Get 3 references, and ask to see a project.
Get it in writing, but before you sign the contract, make sure you completely
understand.
Do not make final payment until you have received a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
and until you are satisfied.
Have the contractor apply for the required permits.
2015 MRC
Pole
Barns
Building Guides for Homeowners
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A site plan is a detailed drawing of your property, also known as a survey of your land. These are usually drawn by
a land surveyor. The site plan will show the dimensions of your project and its relationship to existing setbacks,
easements, utilities, other structures on the property, and distance to your property lines. If your project will require
moving any utilities (gas, water, sewer/septic, electric, etc.), show where those utilities will be relocated.
What is REQUIRED for a Permit?
Provide copies of the SITE PLAN
Notes:
1. Structures shall not be permitted to be built over set-
back lines, easements, or property lines. Check with
your local zoning department for any location or size
restrictions.
2. A survey from a registered land surveyor will be re-
quired if your project is located in a protected area.
3. An as-built survey is required if the structure is pro-
posed within 12 inches of a required minimum setback.
4. If your property is on a slope, you may be required to
install silt fence to keep the dirt on your property.
5. If you are on a septic tank, you may be required to
have approval on the location from the county health
department prior to issuance of a permit.
6. If you do not know the location of your utilities, contact
MISS DIG. This service is free. Failure to call them
might cost you additional expenses.
What is a Site Plan?
Sample site plan
Not to Scale
25’
Existing
Driveway
20
25
PAGE 2
P O LE B A R N S
Clearly identify
the work to be
done
Pole Barn
A typical accessory structure project will require the
following inspections:
1. Footings Footing inspections shall be made after
trenches are excavated, forms erected, and PRIOR
to placing of concrete.
2. Frame/Rough Inspection: (Utility inspections if
installed) This inspection is made after the roof, all
framing, bracing and fasteners are in place.
3. Final Inspection made AFTER the structure is
completed.
The approved plans will indicate your projects’
required inspections when the permit is issued.
How do I schedule a required Inspection?
Please call the Township hall @ 810.659.0800 to
schedule inspections. Currently, inspections are sched-
uled on Wednesdays only.
Inspection Information
What will the building inspector look at?
15’
15’
Property Line →
32’
Pressure treated post
Well draining
soil
Minimum 12” Thick
Concrete Footing
All ground contact
lumber to be Pressure
Treated
** Depth of hole must be a minimum of 1/3 the height of
the wall but need not less than 42”. Diameter of hole
must be a minimum of 3 times size of post.
Footing Detail
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Length ____
PAGE 3
Floor Plan and Construction Details
Construction details and
specifications help the
building department find
problems before they
occur in the field.
This example shows the
types of detail our office
will be looking for in your
plan submittal.
In addition to
construction details
such as these, you
will need to submit
details on:
1. Foundation detail
2. Floor Plan
P O L E B A R N S
Truss Connection Option A
Detail C
REMINDER:
Permits are only is-
sued after plan review.
The time required to
conduct this review
will depend on the
completeness of the
information we receive
in the plans.
Truss Connection Option B
____” x ____” posts
Ex. 6” x 6” PT
Spaced ____ feet apart
____” x ____” posts
Ex. 6” x 6” PT
Spaced ____ feet apart
MARK ONE
____ Dirt Floor
____ Concrete Floor
** See note
Width ____
** Note: Floor must be a hard non-absorbent surface (Concrete, Asphalt) if the
structure is to be used for the parking of motor vehicles.
(4) 1/2” carriage bolts per splice
Truss fastener
Notch post for (1) beam
(3) 1/2”
carriage
bolts at
center
span
4 feet O. C. Truss
(2) 1/2”
carriage
bolts
Engineered Truss
Post is cut
off to angle
of roof
1 1/2” notch
Post
Engineered Truss
(2) 1/2”
carriage
bolts
(3) 2” x 6”
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Construction Details
P O L E B A R N S
PAGE 4
Pitch: _______
Ex. 3/12
Metal Ridge Cap Typical
2” x _____ girts lap joints as
shown on sides. Bottom girt
must be pressure-treated wood
Diagonal bracing at all
corners and every 25’
thereafter
Min (2) 1/2”
Carriage Bolts
each piece
Beam Size_________
Min. (2) 1/2” Carriage
Bolts ea. piece
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Steel Roof Panels Typical—
Extra loading on purlins and
trusses required for asphalt
shingles—please specify
Engineered trusses spaced
________ o.c. Trusses to be
designed for applicable loads as
outlined in the 2015 MRC
2” x ______ purlins
spaced _______ feet apart
unless trusses are spaced
max. 24” o.c. 2” x purlins
shall be installed in a
vertical plane and meet
the span tables of the
Michigan Residential
Code.
Steel wall panels
typical. Please
specify panel
material
_____________
Depth of pier shall be
a minimum of 1/3 the
height of the wall but
not less than 42”. In-
dicate depth in box
provided above.
Diagonal bracing at
all corners and every
25’ thereafter.
2” x ______ girts lap
joints as shown on side.
Bottom girt must be
pressure-treated wood.
Roof material—please circle one:
Steel / Asphalt
Construction Details
P O L E B A R N S
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