Michigan Administrative Code
Department - Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Construction Codes
Construction Code Commission General Rules
Construction Code
Part 5 - RESIDENTIAL CODE
Section R. 408.30505 - Work exempt from permit

(i) One-story detached accessory structures, if the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2).

(ii) A fence that is not more than 7 feet (2 134 mm) high.

(iii) A retaining wall that is not more than 4 feet (1 219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge 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 and driveway not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and 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, and not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L), and is installed entirely above ground.

(viii) Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached 1- or 2-family dwellings.

(ix) Window awnings in group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1 372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support, as applicable in Section 101.2 and group U occupancies.

(x) Decks, porches, patios, landings, or similar structures not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point as prescribed by Section R312.1.1, are not attached to a dwelling or its accessory structures, are not within 36 inches (914 mm) of a dwelling or its accessory structures, and do not serve any ingress or egress door of the dwelling or its accessory structures.

(i) Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

(ii) Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of the code do not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for power supply and to the installation of towers and antennas.

(iii) Temporary testing systems: A permit is not required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.

(i) A portable heating or gas appliance that has inputs of less than 30,000 BTU's per hour .

(ii) Portable ventilation appliances and equipment.

(iii) A portable cooling unit.

(iv) Steam, hot water, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment or appliances regulated by this code.

(v) Replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of equipment or an appliance or make such equipment or appliance unsafe.

(vi) A portable evaporative cooler.

(vii) Self-contained refrigeration systems that contain 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or less of refrigerant, or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75kW) or less.

(viii) Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

(ix) An oil burner that does not require connection to a flue, such as an oil stove and a heater equipped with a wick.

(x) A portable gas burner that has inputs of less than 30,000 BTU's per hour.

(xi) When changing or relocating a gas meter or regulator, a permit is not required when installing gas piping which shall be limited to 10 feet (3 005 mm) in length and not more than 6 fittings.

(xii) When installing geothermal vertical closed loops under the supervision of a mechanical contractor licensed in HVAC as long as the company meets both 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.