Building Department

The Building Department is dedicated to safeguarding health, property and the public welfare by regulating and enforcing the codes regarding the design, construction, quality, use and occupancy and location of all buildings and structures. The department accomplishes this through educating and assisting citizens through team work, expertise, and communication in an ethical and professional manner.

The Branch County Building Department is responsible for enforcing the following state construction codes:

• Building: 2006 Michigan Building Code (Commercial Projects)
• Residential Building: 2006 Michigan Residential Code
• Michigan Uniform Energy Code 2003
• Mechanical: 2006 Michigan Mechanical Code
• Plumbing: 2006 Michigan Plumbing Code
• Electrical: 2006 Michigan Electrical Code
• Electrical: 2008 National Electrical Code

Building Permits are required to assure that the minimum requirements of various federal, state and local codes are met through affordability, structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the building environment. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, 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 which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building department and obtain the required permits.