Building Department

In General, all work, except for siding, requires Permits. Please call the Building Department with any questions before you start a project!

Effective July 1, 2024 OPEN ROOF INSPECTIONS REQUIRED

Effective March 12, 2024 NEW 2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

CLAY TOWNSHIP OFFICE HOURS 7:30 AM TO 5:30 PM, MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.
OFFICE CLOSES FOR LUNCH 12:00 PM TO 1:00 PM.
DROP BOX IS AVAILABLE FOR AFTER HOURS

ALL NEW BUSINESSES ARE REQUIRED TO SCHEDULE A WALK THRU INSPECTION FOR THE BUILDING OFFICIAL AND FIRE CHIEF Call 810-794-9320 or email: anelsen@claytwpmi.gov or osolomon@claytwpmi.gov

Please address all mail to: Clay Township Building Department

EGLE RESOURCES

EGLE Environmental Assistance Center (EAC):
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/contact/environmental-assistance-center

EGLE SEPTIC REPLACEMENT LOAN PROGRAM LINK:
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/drinking-water-and-environmental-health/onsite-wastewater-management/septic-replacement-loan-program

EGLE Public Services:
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/public/services

Army Corps of Engineers:
Detroit District

FEMA:
Home | FEMA.gov

Staff

Inspections

Building and Zoning Inspections are scheduled Monday thru Thursday during the day.
Electrical Inspections are scheduled Monday thru Thursday after 4:00 pm.
Mechanical and Plumbing Inspections are scheduled Mondays and Wednesdays, after 5:00 pm.
We require 24-hour notice by email anelsen@claytwpmi.gov or osolomon@claytwpmi.gov or phone 810-794-9320.

Please Note Procedure for Footing Inspections

STATE REQUIREMENTS
All inspectors in Clay Township hold appropriate licenses from the State of Michigan in their respective fields and are registered with the State of Michigan Consumers and Industry Service as inspectors. All inspectors are required to complete a set number of hours of continuing education programs approved by the State for their individual registration.

CODES
The Township of Clay has adopted the State of Michigan Building Codes and is the enforcing agency for the following codes:

2021 Michigan Building Code
2015 Michigan Residential Code

2023 Part 8 Rules

2015 Michigan Mechanical Code
2018 Michigan Plumbing Code
2023 National Electrical Code

PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission reviews and takes action on the following items:

Special Approval Land Use reviews and approvals
Rezoning requests
Planned Unit Development requests
Site Plan reviews and approvals

Site plan review and approval shall be required prior to the establishment of any New Use, Special Use, Change in Use, Addition to an Existing Use, the Erection of any Multi-family, Commercial or Industrial Building and all New Subdivisions. Contact the Building/Zoning Official for specific questions regarding the above items. Fee Schedules for submittal to the Planning Commission are available at the Township Offices.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

*PLEASE NOTE: A MEETING WITH THE BUILDING OFFICIAL REVIEWING ALL OTHER OPTIONS IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE OF THE ZBA APPLICATION.

Complete applications, $450.00 fee and required documents must be submitted to the Building Department by end of day on the third Monday each month to be considered. The date of the ZBA Hearing will be established after review of application and supporting documents. At this hearing, you must appear in person or be represented by an agent or attorney. Prior to the meeting, notices from the Zoning Board of Appeals will be sent first-class mail to all property owners within a radius of 300 feet of the property requesting the variance approval. There will also be a notice of the requested variance published in a qualified newspaper (The Downriver Voice) at least fifteen days prior to the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting date. If your variance is approved building permits will be issued through the building department.

Permits

Permits can be submitted in person, by mail, faxed, dropped off in drop box or by email.
Please note, Full Size Plans are required.
If submitted digitally, we must be able to print off Ledger Size for legibility.
Building permits fees, which include processing, staff review and all required inspections, are based on the cost of the project as determined by square footage. Trade permits fees are based on the actual work being performed. Homeowners are eligible to obtain permits by filing an affidavit affirming they are doing the work themselves. When a contractor obtains a permit, the person who holds the license must sign the application.
Permits are required for the following work: The provisions of the Code require any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. Examples include:
- Alterations / Structural repairs
- New Construction
- Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling installation
- Accessory structures
- Decks / Porches
- Tear Off, Re-Roof
- Occupancy and Land Use
- All Signage
- Any sheds or fences, require a Zoning Compliance Permit.

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