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1. What does the Inspection Department do?

The Building Inspection Division is responsible for enforcement of the State of Michigan Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing codes for new construction and building renovations.

The Inspection Office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 269-966-3382 with questions, or visit our office at:
City Hall
10 N Division Street
Room 117
Battle Creek, MI 49014

2. What is a building permit?

A building permit is a document which grants legal permission to start the construction or alteration of a building or other structure in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

3. Why do I need a building permit?

Permits ensure that construction within our municipality meets with standards set out in the Michigan Building Code. Your home/business renovation project must meet basic requirements for health, safety and structural soundness. Beyond this, the permit process makes sure that your plans are in line with zoning regulations and historic building designations.

4. What happens if I don't get a permit?

The property owner may be subject to legal action for failure to obtain a permit. If you carry out a renovation project that requires a permit without having one, City of Battle Creek Building Department representatives may issue a "Stop Work" and or a "Cease and Desist" order, which remains in effect until you obtain a permit. If the work doesn't meet the requirements of the Building Code, you may well have to redo the work at your own cost.

Work performed without a required building permit may hold up the sale of your property in the future and may also affect an insurance claim. Before any work begins on your home, check with your insurance representative, who can explain exactly what is needed to ensure continuous and adequate coverage, both during and after the renovation.

5. 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

6. What are the permit costs?

For information, please view the Fee, Bond and Insurance Schedule (PDF)

7. Do I need a contractor?

This depends on the scope of the project and your skill level. You, the homeowner of an owner occupied residence, can do the work yourself or hire a contractor.

8. Who should get the permit – homeowner or the contractor?

As the homeowner, you are legally responsible to ensure that a permit is obtained when required. Your contractor or designer may apply for the permit, but the homeowner should ensure that a permit has been issued prior to any work starting.

9. How do I choose a contractor?

Here are some things to consider when choosing a contractor:
- Check for the contractor's experience in the type of construction proposed.
- Interview the contractor and check his references.
- Check the reliability of your chosen contractor with the Better Business Bureau.
- Arrange a contract and ensure the contract covers all the work including your design professional drawings and who arranges for inspections.
- Before signing the contract, check the drawings to ensure they comply with what you want.
- Check specifications and materials proposed with your Design Professional and Contractor.
- Confirm the type of warranty that is being given, and, on a large contract, you may wish to obtain legal counsel before signing.
- Confirm whether the contractor is obtaining the building permit or if you are expected to handle the building permit. When the contractor is applying for the permit, make sure you see the permit before allowing work to start.

10. What paperwork do I need to get a permit?

The specific requirements depend on the type of work you are planning. For simple interior projects, a scale floor plan will often be adequate. For larger projects involving additions, decks or major structural renovations, a full set of working drawings and a site survey map may be required. The building department can tell you exactly what's needed.

11. How do I request an inspection?

For inspections on property within the city of Battle Creek, call the City's Inspection Department at 269-966-3382 at least a day ahead of time to request scheduling of an inspection. For confirmation of scheduled inspections, please contact the appropriate inspector on the date of your scheduled inspection between 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. by calling 269-966-3382.

12. Why is an inspection and permit necessary for replacement of water heaters and furnaces?

An inspection is performed to ensure that water heaters and furnaces are properly installed, and to help determine and avoid any potential safety hazards that could result from improper installation.

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?

The City of Battle Creek does not have jurisdiction over building issues outside of its city limits. If you live outside the city and have a building-related issue you should contact your local municipality.

14. Where can I order State of Michigan code books for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work?

The Michigan Building Code (Commercial Projects), Michigan Plumbing Code; Michigan Mechanical Code, Michigan Electric Code; and Michigan Residential Code (1 and 2 Family Dwellings), and other pertinent documentation related to building projects, can be purchased from the State of Michigan by contacting the following department:
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth
Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety
P.O. Box 30255
Lansing, MI 48909

Please call 517-241-9313 for more information.

15. I am working around my gas or electric meter what do I do?

Contact Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 to request a site check before beginning your project. Contact SEMCO Energy at 800-624-2019 to request a site check.