Michigan

Michigan Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

A Michigan carport permit may come from your city or township, from the county, or from the state, all under one code set by the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act (Public Act 230 of 1972). Local governments cannot write their own building code, but they do enforce the state one. Sheds up to 200 square feet are exempt from a building permit, and buildings used for agriculture fall outside the act.

Building code in effect

Homes and their accessory buildings in Michigan follow the 2021 Michigan Residential Code, based on the 2021 International Residential Code with Michigan changes. The rules were filed May 1, 2025 and took effect August 29, 2025, replacing the 2015 Michigan Residential Code. Commercial and other buildings follow the 2021 Michigan Building Code, effective April 9, 2025. These codes are written and adopted by the Bureau of Construction Codes, part of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Who issues permits

Under MCL 125.1508b, a city, village or township can take over enforcement of the state code by ordinance. If it does not, a county that enforces the code covers that community. If neither the local unit nor the county has taken it on, the state Bureau of Construction Codes enforces the code and issues the permit. So call your township or city office first and ask who handles building permits for your address. Zoning, setbacks and how many accessory buildings you can have are set by local zoning ordinance, and that is a separate approval.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

Small sheds: Under the Michigan Residential Code, a one-story detached accessory structure with a floor area of 200 square feet or less does not need a building permit. Local zoning rules on setbacks still apply.
Carports and garages: Anything over 200 square feet needs a building permit from your local enforcing agency, whether that is the township, city, county or the state Bureau of Construction Codes.
Electrical: Running power to a garage or shop is separate work. Ask your enforcing agency about an electrical permit, even if the building itself is small.
Zoning: Your township or city zoning ordinance decides where an accessory building can go, how big it can be and how close it can sit to the lot line. Check this before you order.

Farm buildings

Michigan's construction code act leaves most farm buildings out entirely. Under MCL 125.1502a, the definition of "building" does not include a building, temporary or permanent, that is incidental to the use of the land for agricultural purposes, as long as it is not used in the business of retail trade. Agricultural purposes include farming, dairying, pasturage, horticulture and animal and poultry husbandry. A barn or equipment shed on a working farm can qualify, but a farm stand selling to the public or a garage for personal use would not. Ask your local office whether it wants paperwork showing the agricultural use, and whether zoning or electrical approval still applies.

Wind and snow

Michigan is lake-effect snow country. The snow belts along Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and in the Upper Peninsula see much heavier snow loads than southeast Michigan, and the lakeshore can get strong wind. Frost depth also changes from south to north. Ask your local building department for the design wind speed and ground snow load for your site before you order. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Ask your township or city who issues building permits for your address. It may be the township, the county or the state.
Check your local zoning ordinance for accessory building size limits and setbacks.
If you live in a Lake Superior or Lake Michigan snow belt or the Upper Peninsula, ask for the ground snow load before picking a building rating.
If you are claiming the farm exemption, be ready to show the building is used for agriculture and not for retail sales.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Michigan?
If the carport is over 200 square feet, yes. Most carports are. You get the permit from your local enforcing agency, which could be your township, city, county or the state Bureau of Construction Codes.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Michigan?
Yes. A garage is far over the 200 square foot exemption in the Michigan Residential Code, so it needs a building permit, plus local zoning approval. Electrical work needs its own permit.

Are farm buildings exempt?
Buildings incidental to the agricultural use of the land are not "buildings" under MCL 125.1502a, so the state construction code does not apply to them, unless they are used for retail trade. Check local zoning, and ask about electrical.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.

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