Macomb County, Michigan Building Permit Guide

Macomb County is made up of 27 local units of government, and the State’s jurisdiction list shows each running its own building program. By the Census Bureau’s 2025 estimates the largest are Warren (137138), Sterling Heights (133931), Clinton Charter Township (101374) and Macomb Township (95099).

This guide covers the four largest communities’ building offices and the county offices for road, soil erosion, well and septic permits.

What requires a building permit in Macomb County?

The Michigan construction code applies statewide; what differs inside Macomb County is which office enforces it for the parcel and what it adds locally.

Michigan enforces one statewide construction code under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act (1972 PA 230); local units cannot amend it, and enforcement sits with the city, village or township, a county program or the state Bureau of Construction Codes, sometimes split by trade. Michigan rules

Who handles permitting in Macomb County?

The State’s Statewide Jurisdiction List (Bureau of Construction Codes) marks Macomb County as NO COUNTY PROGRAM: the county has no building department, and each city, village or township listed as LOCAL runs its own program.

Macomb County offices and local rules

Warren

Permits and inspections are handled online through BS&A, with separate contractor links. Its Residential Fee Schedule (REV 3/26/14) sets fees by construction value; for $10,001-11,000 it lists plan review 140, building permit 240 and zoning fee 100.

Sterling Heights

The Office of Building enforces the building, electric, plumbing and mechanical codes and supports the Board of Code Appeals; inspection fees are included in the permit fee. Planning fees in effect July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 include site plan review at $1,380+ for the first acre or less and $530 for a regular Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.

Clinton Township

A $100 non-refundable plan examination fee is due at submission for all new homes and commercial or industrial projects, and trade applications must come with payment. Minor residential permits need an application, two sets of drawings with a wall section, and two copies of a plot plan or mortgage survey.

Macomb Township

Licensed plumbing, mechanical and electrical contractors need a BS&A Online account and PIN. A Certificate of Zoning compliance is required before any structure is occupied, created or converted, and site plans cost $2,100.00, including a $300.00 Fire review fee (schedule updated September 2026).

County road permits

Work in the county road right-of-way needs a permit from the Department of Roads Permits Department, 117 South Groesbeck Highway, Mount Clemens (586-463-8671), open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Commercial, residential and utility applications are not accepted electronically and need four sets of plans; give 48-hour notice before starting work.

Soil erosion

The Macomb County Department of Public Works runs soil erosion permits under the county ordinance (21777 Dunham Road, Clinton Township, 586-469-5327). St. Clair Shores and Sterling Heights run their own.

Septic and wells

The county Health Department’s Environmental Health Services Division evaluates sites, does perc tests and issues septic permits (586-469-5236); well permit requests go through its EH Portal with the fee and a digital site plan.

Macomb County permit costs and fees

Building fees are set by each community; the examples above from Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township and Macomb Township show how much they differ.

Fees are set by the enforcing agency — the local unit, a county program or the state — and may only fund that agency's work. Michigan rules

How to get a building permit in Macomb County

A Michigan permit lapses if work does not start within 180 days or stops for 180 days; confirm the expiry with the local building office on phased or delayed work. Michigan rules

Inspections in Macomb County

Sterling Heights needs requests by 4pm the day before; inspections run from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and on the day you can call between 8:30am and 9:15 am for a narrower window. Clinton Township takes routine requests through its online form instead of by phone. Warren schedules inspections through BS&A.

Official Macomb County permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Michigan Statewide Jurisdiction List
• Warren Building Division
• Sterling Heights Office of Building
• Clinton Township Building Department
• Macomb Township Building Department
• Macomb County Department of Roads permits
• Macomb County soil erosion

Frequently asked questions

Does Macomb County issue building permits?

No. The State lists Macomb as NO COUNTY PROGRAM; each of its 27 local units runs its own.

What is the Sterling Heights inspection cut-off?

Requests must be received by 4pm the day before; inspections run 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Can I apply for a county road permit online?

No. Commercial, residential and utility road permit applications are not accepted electronically and need four sets of plans.

Simplify Macomb County permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Confirm from the State Jurisdiction List which local or county program has the parcel
• Line up road commission, soil erosion and health department permits before the building permit
• File in the right BS&A or portal account and schedule inspections against each office’s cut-off

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Michigan. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Macomb County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.