Projects that do not need Permits


Michigan Residential Building Code 2015
 
R105.2
 
Work exempt from permit. Exemption from the per­mit requirements of the code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in viola­tion of the provisions of the code or any other laws or ordi­nances of this jurisdiction. Permits are not required for any of the following:
 
 Building permits shall not be required for any of the fol­lowing:
 
(i) One-story detached accessory structures, if the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2).
 
(ii) A fence that is under 10 feet in length, not more then 3 ft high.
 
(iii) A retaining wall that is not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless sup­porting a surcharge.
 
(iv) A water tank supported directly upon grade if the capacity is not more than 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2 to 1.
 
(v) A sidewalk or driveway that is not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and is not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
 
(vi) Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.
 
(vii) A prefabricated swimming pool that is less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
 
(viii) Swings and other playground equipment acces­sory to a 1- or 2-family dwelling.
 
(ix) Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
 
 Electrical permits shall not be required for the following;
 
Repairs and maintenance: A permit is not required for minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equip­ment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
 
 Mechanical permits shall not be required for any of the following:
 
(i) A portable gas heating appliance that has inputs of less than 30,000 Btu pre hour
 
(ii) Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equip­ment unsafe.
 
(iii) A portable ventilation appliance.
 
(iv) A portable cooling unit.
 
(v) Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the code.
 
(vi) Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equip­ment unsafe.
 
(vii) A portable evaporative cooler.
 
(viii) Self-contained refrigeration systems that contain 10 pounds (4.5kg) or less of refrigerant, or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) or less.
 
(ix) Portable fuel cell appliances that are not con­nected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
 
 
 Plumbing permits shall not be required for any of the following:
 
(i) The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; if any concealed trap, drain­pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, then the work is considered as new work and a per­mit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in the code.
 
(ii) The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, if the repairs do not involve or require the replace­ment or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fix­tures.
 
 
105.2.1 Emergency repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the building official.
 
105.2.2 Repairs. Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures, replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.