Permits, Codes, and Sheds: What You Need to Know Before Building in Michigan

Building a shed in Michigan is a great way to add storage or workspace to your property, but before you start, you need to understand the state’s permits and building codes. These rules ensure your shed is safe, legal, and doesn’t cause issues with your neighbors or local government. Getting it wrong can lead to fines, delays, or even tearing down your shed. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about permits, codes, and sheds in Michigan using simple, clear language. Let’s make sure your project goes smoothly!

Why Permits and Codes Matter for Sheds

Permits and building codes are rules set by local governments and the state to keep buildings safe and consistent with community standards. For sheds, they cover size, location, materials, and construction methods. Following these rules protects your investment, keeps your property safe, and avoids penalties. Working with the best shed construction company in Michigan can help you navigate these requirements, ensuring your shed meets all local standards.

Do You Need a Permit for a Shed in Michigan?

Whether you need a permit depends on your shed’s size, location, and local rules. Michigan’s state laws provide a baseline, but cities, townships, and counties often have their own requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

Statewide Guidelines

• Sheds Under 200 Square Feet: Most areas in Michigan don’t require a building permit for detached sheds smaller than 200 square feet (about 10×20 feet) if they’re one story and used for storage, like tools or garden equipment. However, you may still need a zoning permit to ensure the shed’s placement meets setback rules (distance from property lines or other structures).
• Sheds 200 Square Feet or Larger: A building permit is typically required for sheds 200 square feet or bigger. You’ll need to submit plans showing the shed’s size, location, and construction details to your local building department.
• Ordinary Repairs: Minor repairs, like replacing siding or roofing on an existing shed, don’t need a permit unless they involve structural changes, such as cutting walls or beams.

Local Variations

Local rules can be stricter than state guidelines. For example:

• Ann Arbor: Sheds over 200 square feet need a building permit. Smaller sheds require a zoning permit to check placement.
• Detroit: All sheds require a permit, with costs starting at $150 plus $20 for every $1,000 over $2,000 in shed value (e.g., a $4,000 shed permit costs $190).
• Mackinaw City: Sheds of all sizes need a permit due to strict zoning rules.
• Muskegon: Sheds 200 square feet or under need a development permit, and metal-sided sheds are banned in residential zones.
• Southfield: Sheds under 200 square feet don’t need a building permit but require a zoning permit to verify setbacks.

Action Step: Contact your local building or zoning department (city, township, or county) to confirm permit requirements. Check the Statewide Jurisdiction List on Michigan’s government website to find the right enforcing agency, as some areas are managed by the state, county, or local government.

Understanding Michigan Building Codes for Sheds

Michigan uses the 2015 Michigan Residential Code (MRC) for sheds attached to one- or two-family homes and the 2015 Michigan Building Code for other structures. These codes set standards for construction, safety, and placement. Here’s how they apply to sheds:

Key Code Requirements

• Foundation: Sheds over 50 square feet in residential zones must have a concrete slab at least 3½ inches thick, meeting MRC standards. Smaller sheds can use gravel or blocks if local rules allow.
• Height: Sheds are typically limited to one story and 15 feet in height in residential areas. Some cities, like Muskegon, cap height at 14 feet from the midpoint of the eaves to the peak.
• Setbacks: Sheds must be placed a certain distance from property lines and other structures. Common rules include:
  • At least 3 feet from side and rear property lines.
  • 6 feet from the house (measured from the roof’s drip edge, not the foundation).
  • No placement in front yards or within easements (areas reserved for utilities).
• Materials: Some areas ban certain materials. For example, Muskegon prohibits metal-sided sheds in residential zones, requiring painted or sided residential-style construction.
• Lot Coverage: Your shed, house, and other structures can’t cover more than a certain percentage of your lot, depending on your zoning district (e.g., 35% in some residential zones).
• Electrical or Plumbing: If your shed has wiring or plumbing, you’ll need separate electrical or plumbing permits, and work must be done by licensed professionals under Michigan’s electrical and plumbing codes.

Exceptions

• Sheds Under 120 Square Feet: The 2015 Michigan Building Code exempts one-story detached sheds under 120 square feet from building permits, but local zoning permits may still apply.
• Agricultural Sheds: Sheds used only for farming may be exempt from permits, but this doesn’t apply to residential properties.

Action Step: Review the 2015 Michigan Residential Code online or at your local building department. Ask for a handout on shed-specific requirements, as some cities provide guides.

How to Get a Shed Permit in Michigan

If your shed needs a permit, follow these steps to stay legal and avoid delays:

1. Check Local Rules: Call or visit your local building or zoning department to confirm permit requirements, setbacks, and fees. Websites for cities like Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, or Muskegon often have permit forms and guides.
2. Prepare Plans: Submit a site plan showing:
   • Shed location on your property.
   • Distances to property lines, your house, and other structures.
   • Shed dimensions, height, and materials.
   • For sheds over 3,500 square feet, plans must be sealed by a licensed architect or engineer.
3. Fill Out the Application: Get a permit application from your local building department or online. Include project details, owner information, and contractor info if applicable.
4. Pay Fees: Permit costs range from $50 to $150, depending on the shed’s size and value. In Detroit, expect higher fees based on construction cost. Fees cover inspections to ensure code compliance.
5. Wait for Approval: Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the time of year and office workload. Some areas, like Sterling Heights, require in-person applications, which may slow things down.
6. Schedule Inspections: After approval, build your shed and schedule inspections for the foundation, framing, and final structure, as required by your permit.

Tip: Hire a licensed residential builder for sheds requiring permits, as Michigan law mandates licensing for residential construction projects. Check contractor licenses through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Costs of Not Following Permits and Codes

Skipping permits or ignoring codes can lead to serious consequences:

• Fines: You may face citations or fines, starting at $50 and up, depending on the violation.
• Tear-Down Orders: Illegal sheds may need to be removed, costing you time and money. Inspectors can demand hidden work (like foundations) be exposed for review.
• Increased Taxes: In some areas, like Fenton, sheds add to your property taxes, and unpermitted sheds can trigger back taxes or penalties.
• Safety Risks: Non-compliant sheds may be unsafe, risking collapse or fire hazards, especially if electrical work isn’t permitted.
• Resale Issues: Unpermitted sheds can lower your home’s value or complicate sales, as buyers may demand removal or permits.

Action Step: Always check with your local government before building, even for small sheds, to avoid these headaches.

Special Considerations

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): If you plan to turn your shed into a living space, it may be classified as an ADU or tiny home, with stricter rules. For example, Grand Rapids requires single-family homes to be at least 750 square feet, which may rule out small sheds as homes.
• Homeowners Associations (HOAs): If you live in a subdivision or condo, your HOA may require approval for sheds, even if permits aren’t needed. Submit plans and get written approval.
• Zoning Restrictions: Some areas limit sheds to one per lot or ban them without a main house on the property. Check your zoning ordinance.

Tips for a Smooth Shed Project

• Start Early: Contact your local building department weeks before building to clarify rules and gather forms.
• Work with Pros: Hire the best shed construction company in Michigan to ensure compliance with codes and permits, saving you time and stress.
• Keep Records: Store