When do I need a permit?
A building permit is required for any new building, any addition to an existing building, and any alterations to an existing building which effects: the structural design of the building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, and changes of the use of buildings or parts thereof. Below you will find a list of typical residential projects that require a building permit:
- Additions, interior structural alterations, finishing a basement or a portion thereof
- All decks, porches and three season rooms
- All pools that can hold 24 inches or more of water and hot tubs
- Attached or detached garages, sheds
- Automatic fire alarms
- Extensions to the plumbing, heating and electrical systems
- Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, chimneys and gas inserts
- Generators
- Installation of sanitary, water service and irrigation systems
- Replacing or re-roofing or new siding
- Structural alterations to windows or doors

Show All Answers

1. What does the Inspection Department do?
2. What is a building permit?
3. Why do I need a building permit?
4. What happens if I don't get a permit?
5. When do I need a permit?
6. What are the permit costs?
7. Do I need a contractor?
8. Who should get the permit – homeowner or the contractor?
9. How do I choose a contractor?
10. What paperwork do I need to get a permit?
11. How do I request an inspection?
12. Why is an inspection and permit necessary for replacement of water heaters and furnaces?
13. I live outside the City of Battle Creek limits and have a building-related problem/question, can the City of Battle Creek help me with this?
14. Where can I order State of Michigan code books for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work?
15. I am working around my gas or electric meter what do I do?