As a homeowner, when do you need a roofing permit? If you intend to hire a handyman to fix your roof, does your city require a permit? If, instead, you plan to involve a licensed roofing contractor to replace your roof, will you need to pull a permit before starting the project?
Understanding when a permit is required can be confusing. Sometimes, the homeowner plans to perform roofing work as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. In other situations, the homeowner may involve a family handyman with no contractor’s license to help on a project.
Do You Need A Roofing Permit?
Whether or not you intend to involve a licensed roofing professional to assist with your next repair or replacement, you need to know if you need a roofing permit before beginning work. Otherwise, you could face stiff penalties and other punitive actions that might end your project.
Ideally, the roofing contractor you hire will understand the triggering mechanisms that require pulling a permit. If the roofer does not know these specifics, you should consider replacing them with a roofer who will follow the local municipal building code. Protect your interests at all times.
When Is A Roofing Permit Necessary?
Typically, a city, rather than a county or state, determines whether a roofing permit is required. The city where you reside adopts building code language that decides if a roofing permit must be pulled before beginning work. City governments typically issue roofing permits.
Homeowners must understand the building code used in their city to determine if a local municipality requires a roofing permit. Because few homeowners are familiar with building codes, involving a knowledgeable roofing professional helps immensely. They regularly work with local building codes and will likely know what work requires a roofing permit.
Michigan’s Building Code Explained
Ordinary Repairs Do Not Require A Roofing Permit
Generally, Michigan municipalities do not require a roofing permit for “ordinary” repairs. What constitutes an “ordinary” repair? As long as the project does not require the cutting away or rearranging of any wall, egress, partition, or the alteration or removal of a structural support, the repair shall not require a permit.
Of course, exceptions apply. For example, if the repair requires altering, replacing, or relocating a sewer, drainage, vent piping, electrical wiring, or other components affecting public health or general safety, it typically will mandate a permit. Knowing what constitutes a triggering event necessitating a permit requires the homeowner to prepare a transparent plan.
Pulling A Roofing Permit In Southeast Michigan
Assuming a roofing project requires a permit, the homeowner should never begin work before securing the permit. At the risk of incurring obstacles or penalties that would delay or deny forward progress on the roofing project, the homeowner should plan to submit a permit application in writing with the appropriate agency (i.e., the local city government).
If the homeowner intends to hire a roofing contractor to perform work necessitating a permit, Michigan law generally requires the contractor to possess the appropriate license as a Residential Builder with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Again, certain licensing exceptions apply. However, the homeowner must know if an exception exists.
Most local municipalities require the homeowner or their roofing contractor to submit construction documents detailing the roofing project’s plans and specifications. The State of Michigan provides all municipalities with a uniform Building Permit Application form. Submitting this form along with the necessary supporting documentation and fees will expedite the process.
Once received, the enforcing agency will examine the application for issuance of a roofing permit. The application must conform to the applicable building code. Most cities in Michigan uniformly adopt the Michigan Building Code and the Michigan Residential Code (as amended). If the application is denied, the homeowner cannot proceed with the roofing project.
A city can suspend, revoke, or cancel a roofing permit after issuance if the homeowner or the roofing contractor fails or neglects to comply with the applicable building code. Additionally, if it is later determined that the application contained false information, the city could revoke the roofing permit. Avoid this outcome by only hiring an established, reputable roofing contractor.
Hiring A Reputable Roofing Company
As a homeowner, you are responsible for knowing whether a roofing permit is required for your next project. Although you may hire a licensed contractor to perform the work, they may steer you in the wrong direction.
If the roofing contractor says a permit is unnecessary, you should still do your due diligence. Check with your local municipality’s building code enforcement representative to determine if a permit must be issued.
For homeowners in Southeast Detroit and surrounding areas, Tittle Brothers Construction offers straightforward guidance regarding whether a roofing permit must be pulled. We don’t play games with you or the city.
Contact us today to learn more about our residential roofing services. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we’re always ready to help. We also offer a free, no-obligation roofing estimate.