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: 2015 Michigan Building Code (Commercial Projects)
  • Residential Building: 2015 Michigan Residential Code
  • Michigan Uniform Energy Code 2015
  • Mechanical: 2015 Michigan Mechanical Code
  • Plumbing: 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code
  • Electrical: NEC 2017 Michigan 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 (which could include things such as solar panels), and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the building environment.
This could be done by the enforcement of including fire exit wall signs, necessary emergency exits, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers, etc. 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 an application to the building department and obtain the required permits.

Notice

Expired Permits

We will not perform any inspections on expired permits. Permits shall become invalid unless the work authorized is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work was commenced. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained.
Michigan Residential Code Section R105.5
All expired permits will be charged a $50.00 re-instatement fee required to re-open the permit for such work. Payment in full will be needed before any remaining inspections can be performed or a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

Thank You,
Branch County Building Department
POSTED: April 1, 2019

Contact

Building Department

Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00am to 5:00pm
*Doors Close Daily at 4:50pm*

Phone
517-279-4303

Fax
517-279-6494

Email
inspections@countyofbranch.com

Address
23 E Pearl Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
ANNEX BUILDING

Staff
Tiffany Watson
Data Coordinator

Tim Musser
Building Inspector

John Swartz
Building Inspector

Terry Thatcher
Plumbing \ Mechanical Inspector

Rick Hamilton
Electrical Inspector