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Whether you need to replace your home’s existing siding because it’s become old or damaged by storms, or you’re just ready to give your house a bit of a makeover, it can be exciting to have new siding installed.
New siding will likely provide a number of benefits, ranging from reduced home maintenance requirements to improved energy efficiency. And perhaps most importantly, your home will look fantastic with new siding installed. This will help boost your home’s curb appeal and value when you decide to sell.
But siding replacement is a pretty big job. That leads many homeowners to wonder whether a permit is required in their city or township. We’ll try to help by explaining how permits for siding replacement are handled in different places across Michigan.
Does Michigan Require a Building Permit for Siding Replacement?
Interestingly, the state of Michigan does not enforce a single, statewide rule regarding permits for siding replacement projects.
Instead, the state has adopted the Michigan Residential Code (which itself is based on the International Residential Code). This states that a permit is required for most construction, alteration, or repair work. The only caveat to this is that work considered to be an “ordinary repair” does not require a permit.
Of course, that begs the question: What is considered an “ordinary repair.” Well, interpretation and enforcement of the phrase typically fall to local municipalities.
We’ll discuss how this works in a few key Michigan cities and townships in a moment. However, generally speaking, minor repairs — such as patching a small area of siding — are generally considered ordinary repairs by most local municipalities in Michigan. Accordingly, these kinds of projects usually don’t require a permit.
With that said, larger projects — such as a full replacement or the removal and replacement of a significant portion of siding — often require building code compliance under Section R703 of the Michigan Residential Code. When that happens, the work is no longer considered an ordinary repair, and a permit is typically required.
But again, because permits are issued and enforced at the local level, you must consider the regulations in your specific area.
Location-Specific Permit Requirements: Siding Permits for Michigan Cities and Towns
Different cities and towns in Michigan enforce different permitting requirements with respect to siding replacement.
Some municipalities — including Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, and Madison Heights — explicitly require permits for siding replacement. Meanwhile, Waterford Township, Hartford, and other towns treat siding replacement as maintenance and do not require a permit.
We’ll identify the regulations and permit requirements for a few of the most noteworthy cities and towns below.
Michigan Permitting Requirements for Siding Replacement: General Trends
By and large, most municipalities in Michigan do require that you (or, more commonly, your contractor) obtain a permit before replacing your siding. This is especially true of the large cities and suburbs in the Detroit area. By contrast, some of the very small cities and townships in Michigan do allow for siding replacement without the need for a permit.
It’s also important to note that the scope of the project matters; no matter what town or city you’re located in, you’re more likely to need a permit for extensive siding replacement than a minor job. If you’re having a handful of siding planks replaced, you may not need a permit, but if you’re having an entire wall’s worth of siding replaced, it is less likely to fit under the “ordinary repairs” umbrella.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Siding in Grand Rapids, MI?
Like most other large cities in Michigan, Grand Rapids requires homeowners (or their contractors) to obtain a building permit before having siding replaced. You can view the requirements for a permit and submit a request here.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Siding in East Grand Rapids, MI?
East Grand Rapids also requires that homeowners obtain a building permit before beginning a siding replacement project. You can find more information about the permit requirements here.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Siding in Madison Heights, MI?
You do need a building permit to legally have the siding replaced on your home in Madison Heights. In fact, the city’s website explicitly lists siding as a “typical project requiring permits.”
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Siding in Taylor, MI?
Taylor is another city in Michigan that requires a building permit for siding installation or replacement. In fact, the city’s website specifically lists siding as one of the types of work that requires a permit.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Siding in Waterford Township, MI?
Waterford Township is one of the few municipalities that offers homeowners a bit of wiggle room. A permit is generally required for siding replacement; however, this doesn’t apply to vinyl siding, according to the township’s website. Replacing the vinyl siding on your home is considered maintenance, so it is excluded.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Siding in Hartford, MI?
The City of Hartford is a bit unusual in that they do not require a permit to be obtained for siding replacement – and this holds true for all different types of siding. You can learn more about the city’s permitting requirements here.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Siding in Troy, MI?
Permits are required for siding replacement projects in Troy. However, you can apply for some permits (including siding permits) on the city website.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Siding in Novi, MI?
Novi requires permits to be obtained for most work, but they don’t specifically reference siding. Accordingly, it is likely that your need for a permit will vary based on the scope of the project.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Siding in Wixom, MI?
Wixom does require homeowners or contractors to obtain building permits for siding projects. In fact, they explicitly state as much on the city website.
The Importance of Obtaining Permits When Required in Michigan Cities
It can sometimes be tempting to consider carrying out work without jumping through the hoops necessary to obtain a building permit. But that is usually a big mistake that can have serious financial repercussions. A few of the most important reasons to obtain a permit whenever you think it is necessary include:
- Failure to obtain a permit may result in a Stop Work Order. This means that all work will have to stop on the siding replacement project until you’ve obtained the permit. This may drastically alter the timeline for your project and leave your home unprotected for an extended period of time.
- Failure to obtain a permit may result in fines. Fines are often associated with Stop Work Orders (sometimes double the cost of the initial fees you would have paid to simply obtain a permit in the first place), and they may even be imposed years later, if it is discovered that you had the siding replaced without one.
- Failure to obtain a permit may complicate the sale of your house. If a home inspector or city official discovers that you did not obtain a legally required permit, you may not only face fines, but it may also slow the sales process, potentially causing would-be buyers to look elsewhere.
There’s one other good reason to obtain a permit for your siding job (if necessary): Schoenherr Roofing will obtain the permit for you! You don’t even have to do anything aside from providing us with some basic information and paying the associated fees. We’ll handle the rest.
Trust Schoenherr Roofing for All Your Siding Replacement Needs
Whether you’re located in a town that requires a permit for siding replacement or not, it’s important that you select a siding contractor who can not only deliver the results you deserve but also provide the guidance you’ll need to navigate the permitting process.
As a locally owned and operated siding, roofing, gutter, and insulation contractor who has been serving homeowners across Michigan for more than 30 years, Schoenherr Roofing understands the local building codes and permit requirements enforced in our service area. We’ll be happy to explain how the permitting process works in your area and be with you every step of the way.
Contact us today and tell us about your siding replacement needs. We’d love to help provide the services you need!
