Dealing with building regulations and permits can be really frustrating and confusing. A lot of the information out there is either conflicting or just plain wrong. Plus, townships and counties are always updating or changing their rules, and Michigan’s shed permit regulations are no different.
We’re here to help clear things up. In this blog, we’ll tackle some of the most common questions about shed permits in Michigan and point you to resources for more information. Since regulations can vary depending on where you live, it’s important to know the specific laws in your area.
What is a Shed Permit?
A shed permit is the official go-ahead from your local township, city, or county to build or set up a shed on your property. Just like other buildings, bigger sheds usually need a permit to be constructed legally. Essentially, it’s a building permit specifically for sheds.
Do I Need A Permit to Build a Shed in Michigan?
If you’re shed is larger than 200 square feet, than you likely will need a permit for a shed in Michigan. This regulation can vary from county to county, so it’s important to check with your local government offices for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How Do I Get a Shed Permit in Michigan
Below is a list of the 15 most populated counties in Michigan with links to their respective government websites. Here, you can do your own research into the specific regulations for your area.
- Wayne County: https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/publicservices/engineering/construction-permit.aspx
- Oakland County: https://www.oakgov.com/government/water-resources-commissioner/services/permitting
- Macomb County: https://www.macombgov.org/departments/department-roads/departments-list/permits
- Kent County: https://www.accesskent.com/Health/WellSeptic/default.htm
- Genessee County: https://geneseetwpmi.gov/shed-permit/
- Washtenaw County: https://www.washtenaw.org/Faq.aspx?
- Ottawa County: https://www.miottawa.org/health/ochd/forms.htm
- Ingham County: https://bc.ingham.org/AppointedBoards/BuildingAuthority.aspx
- Kalamazoo County: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/Business-Development/Zoning-Code/Secondary-Building-Standards
- Livingston County: https://milivcounty.gov/building-department/permits/
- Saginaw County: https://www.saginawcounty.com/departments/public-works-drain-office/permits-forms/
- Muskegon County: https://www.muskegon-mi.gov/cresources/Sheds%20-%20for%20website.pdf
- St. Clair County: https://www.cityofstclair.com/departments/7662-2/
- Jackson County:https://www.co.jackson.mi.us/557/Permits
- Monroe County: https://www.monroemi.gov/c_i_t_y_h_a_l_l/departments/building/permits_and_forms
How Much Does a Shed Permit Cost in Michigan?
Shed permits in Michigan usually cost anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on the location. The cost of the permit will also vary based on the cost of the shed itself, with many areas adding additional permit costs as the price of the shed itself increases.
For instance, a building permit for a shed in Detroit costs a minimum of $150, but an additional $20 is added for every $1,000 dollars over $2,000 the price of the shed is. For example, a permit for a shed that is valued at $4,000 will cost $190.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Shed Permit in Michigan?
Expect the process of getting a permit to take 1-2 weeks. The time it takes can vary depending on time of year and how busy the permitting office is. To get the most accurate estimate, contact your local government offices.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Detroit, Michigan?
Yes, but only if your shed is larger than 200 square feet or more than 1 story. For more information and contact information, view the web page for permits in Detroit.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Yes. If your shed is 200 square feet or larger, then you will need to apply for an Accessory Structure permit. For more information, check out the website for permits in Grand Rapids.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Ann Arbor, Michigan?
Yes, if the shed is 200 square feet or larger, you will need a permit for your shed in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, check out this page for Ann Arbor permits.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Lansing, Michigan?
Yes, but only if the shed is larger than 200 square feet or more than one story. Anything larger than 200 square feet will require a permit.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Dearborn, Michigan?
Yes, to install a shed in Dearborn, you will need a permit. For more information, as well as a link to an application form, check out this webpage.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Sterling Heights, Michigan?
Yes, if a shed is larger than 200 square feet, a permit is required. However, permits need to be applied for in person and cannot be obtained online. For more information, visit the website for the city of Sterling Heights.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Traverse City, Michigan?
Yes, but only if your shed is 200 square feet or larger. Any shed smaller than this does not need a permit. Get more information from the website of Traverse City, Michigan.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Mackinaw City, Michigan?
Yes, in Mackinaw City, sheds of all sizes require a permit. For more information on this topic, check out this web page on zoning in Mackinaw City.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Kalamazoo, Michigan?
Like many other places in Michigan, Kalamazoo requires you to get a shed permit if the shed is 200 square feet or more. To do your own research on this topic, check out the website for the city of Kalamazoo.
Other FAQs
Can I Live in a Shed in Michigan?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is that in many areas, a shed turned into a living space would likely qualify as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or tiny house and be subject to any regulations for such structures.
Many areas have minimum square footage requirements for tiny homes. For instance, Grand Rapids has a minimum square footage requirement of 750 square feet for single-family dwellings. As always, the best way to find the most accurate information is to check with your local government offices.
Can I Convert a Shed into a Home Office in Michigan?
Yes, you can, but you may have to get a permit to run electricity to your shed. Since a home office isn’t a full-time living space, it may not be subject to restrictions on tiny homes, but it’s always best to check with your local government offices.
Conclusion
We hope this article gives you the clarity you need to move forward in your shed-buying journey. Shed permits can be confusing, so if you have any more questions, feel free to let us know, and we’ll do our best to answer!