Clinton Township Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Official Contact

Applications and plan review

1. Download the correct township form.
2. Complete every applicable section.
3. Prepare the required drawing and plot-plan copies.
4. Include payment when the form requires it.
5. Include current state and township licensing documents.
6. Submit to the Building Department.
7. Wait for approval and formal permit issuance.

After permit issuance

1. Keep the permit and approved plans at the site.
2. Do not conceal work before inspection.
3. Request each inspection online.
4. Correct failed items before reinspection.
5. Keep the permit active with required progress inspections.
6. Pass every building and trade final.

Minor residential project

• Completed application
• Two drawing sets
• Wall section
• Two plot plans or surveys
• All existing structures shown
• Proposed project location

Residential plan review

• Two complete plan sets
• Site or plot plan
• Foundation information
• Floor and framing plans
• Elevations and sections
• Engineering where required

Commercial or industrial

• Five complete plan sets
• Proposed-use description
• Zoning verification
• Original seals and signatures
• Fire-suppression documents
• Separate trade applications

Shed or detached garage

• Submit two copies of the mortgage survey, wall section, elevation and floor plan.
• Show openings and header sizes.
• Include the applicant’s driver’s and builder’s licenses.
• Do not locate the structure in an easement.
• Accessory structures are generally limited to the rear yard.
• The guide lists a maximum of one story or 14 feet.

Accessory-building setbacks

• Attached garages follow the main dwelling’s setbacks.
• A detached structure less than three feet from the dwelling needs fire-rated construction.
• A detached structure over 200 square feet needs five feet from the side line or qualifying fire rating.
• The guide lists six feet from the rear line and three feet from a side line.
• Confirm the parcel-specific zoning before relying on a summary.

Residential pool, spa or hot tub

• Rules apply to pools holding 24 inches or more of water.
• Building, plumbing and electrical permits are required.
• A mechanical permit is required when applicable.
• Do not place the pool in an easement.
• Current guide: 25 feet from front lot line, four feet from another building and six feet from side/rear lines to the water’s edge.

In-ground pool grading

• Submit a sealed grading plan to Public Services.
• Show grades, elevations, drainage slopes, utilities and structures.
• Obtain grading approval before building-permit issuance.
• Submit two installation plan sets and the proposed plot plan.
• Provide a Final Grade Certificate before the final building inspection.

Fence

• Submit two plot plans or scaled drawings.
• Show gates, adjoining roads, structures and easements.
• Current review fee: $60 due at submission.
• Current form lists six feet maximum for obscured fencing and 54 inches for non-obscured fencing.
• No fence is permitted in the front yard.
• The smooth side faces neighboring property or the right-of-way.

Reroof

• Submit the complete application, payment, driver’s license and builder’s license.
• Identify underlayment and intake/exhaust ventilation.
• Commercial flat roofs need product and energy specifications.
• Recovering a commercial roof can require sealed load calculations.
• Verify the permit requirement before adding a second shingle layer because the current reroof form contains a specific second-layer exception.

Sidewalk or approach

• The current permit fee is $75.
• Sidewalk and approach concrete within the approach area must be six inches thick.
• Request inspection before concrete is poured.
• Patterned concrete and pavers are not allowed in the sidewalk area.
• Approaches on roads without curb and gutter may require Macomb County Department of Roads permitting.

Tree removal

• The township FAQ says Planning review is required when removing more than four trees over four inches in diameter.
• Lot-line trees require special care.
• Do not remove the neighboring portion of an overhanging tree.
• Call Planning before clearing a construction site.

Projects that may trigger controls

• New construction
• Site grading
• Excavation
• Work affecting drainage or runoff
• Land disturbance near waterways or drainage areas
• Pool, driveway and large accessory-building work

Applicant responsibilities

• Install required erosion controls before active work.
• Maintain barriers during construction.
• Repair damaged controls promptly.
• Keep sediment off streets and neighboring property.
• Follow the approved grading plan.
• Complete directed drainage corrections.

Contractor checklist

• Michigan license is active
• License classification matches work
• Township registration is current
• Expiration date checked
• Insurance information available
• Applicant is authorized to sign

Homeowner permit warning

• A homeowner may apply for qualifying work on the homeowner’s own property.
• Homeowner trade affidavits require the homeowner to arrange inspections.
• Work may not be concealed or placed into operation before approval.
• The township warns against using a homeowner permit to avoid contractor licensing.
• A contractor should normally pull the permit when performing the work.

Payment methods

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit card where accepted
• One-time authorization form for eligible remote payments

Before paying

1. Confirm the current application version.
2. Calculate every trade item.
3. Add required inspection fees.
4. Add bonds where the form lists them.
5. Ask the department to verify uncertain totals.

In-person payment

1. Confirm the correct total with the form or department.
2. Bring the application and project address.
3. Use cash, check, money order or an accepted card.
4. Keep the receipt with the permit file.

One-time card authorization

1. Download the current authorization form.
2. Enter the exact amount and payment date.
3. Identify the permit and project address.
4. Sign the form.
5. Follow the Building Department’s submission instructions.
6. Account for the 2.8% processing fee.

Required request method

Use the township’s online Building Inspection Request form rather than the former telephone scheduling system.

Information required

Address, requested date, “P” permit number, inspection type, onsite contact, phone number and email.

Timing

Request the desired date early enough for township processingh3>Timing . The online form does not promise same-day service.

Before submitting the request

• Permit is active
• Correct permit number used
• Correct inspection type chosen
• Work complete for that stage
• Work remains exposed
• Onsite contact is available

Job-site readiness

• Approved plans onsite
• Permit available
• Safe access provided
• Address visible
• Gates and structures accessible
• Utilities on for applicable finals

General inactivity rule

Township permit materials use a 180-day framework:

• Work must begin within 180 days after issuance.
• Work cannot remain suspended or abandoned for 180 days.
• Required inspections should be requested as work progresses.
• Contact the department before the deadline when delay is unavoidable.

Building versus trade permit treatment

• The general building fee schedule allows a written renewal request in some cases.
• It lists a possible 180-day renewal at 50% of the original permit fee.
• The Building Official can require justifiable cause.
• Current electrical and mechanical forms state that cancelled trade permits cannot be refunded or reinstated.

Departments listed on the certification

• Building
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Mechanical
• Fire
• Public Services

Prepare the building

• Keep the property open for inspector access between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
• Turn all utilities on before inspection.
• Describe the proposed and previous use accurately.
• Resolve unpermitted alterations first.
• Use the email where the Certificate of Occupancy should be sent.