Permits & Applications

Zoning Permits

All Zoning Permits require a site plan to be submitted with the application. View an example site plan and instructions on what must be included.

• Residential Zoning Permit Application: Use for: New residences, additions, decks, porches, pole barns, etc. Permit fee: $65
• Agricultural Zoning Permit Application: Use For: Agricultural structures that meet the requirements of the Michigan Construction Code Act [MCL 125.1501 et. seq] ONLY. Permit fee: $65
• Commercial/Industrial Zoning Permit Application: Use for: Commercial or industrial minor additions, parking area updates, and other minor changes which affect the site plan approval or special land use permit, etc. Permit fee: $115

Questions about how to apply and what other documentation may be required?

• How to Apply for a Zoning Permit: New houses and additions.
• How to Apply for a Zoning Permit: Decks, porches, pole barns, etc.
• Sample Authorization Letter

What if I don't have construction plans for my pole barn or deck? Complete and submit this form with your application:

• Residential Pole Barn Spec Sheet
• Residential Deck Spec Sheet

Building and Trade Permits

Construction and demolition hours of operation: 7 am - 9 pm on weekdays, 8 am - 9 pm on weekends. No operations permitted on select holidays, see Sec. 28-7.11 of the Watertown Township Zoning Ordinance for more information. Violators are subject to $100 fine for the first offense, $500 fine for the second offense.

Questions about your project?

• General construction information
• Projects That Do Not Require Building Permits
• Demolition Permit Guidelines

Permit Applications

• Building Permit
• Electrical Permit
• Mechanical Permit
• Plumbing Permit

Fees: Building permit fees are based on the value of construction and will be calculated after submittal. You will be notified of the fee when the permit is ready to be issued.

Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit fees are listed on the applications. All applications have a base fee of $65, which includes one inspection.

Inspections: To request an inspection, call the building department at 517-622-8822. This is an answering service; please leave the type of inspection requested, date and time, permit number, and/or address of the inspection on the voicemail. You may not receive a confirmation call if your request can be accommodated.

Refunds: Cancelled or expired permits cannot be refunded. The base permit fees are non-refundable; amounts may vary. Refunds must be requested in writing. Contact the office with any questions.

Other County Permits

• Driveway Permit (Clinton County Road Commission)
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Permit (Clinton County Building Department)
• Well and Septic Permits (Mid-Michigan District Health Department)
• For Sewer and Water Permits, see the Township Manager

Other Permits and Applications

• Home Occupation Permit Application - $50
• Sign Permit Application - $35 - $65
• Outdoor Assembly License - $100
• Final Site Plan Review - $900
• Special Land Use Permit Application - $900
• Rezoning Application - $750 + $25 per acre, maximum $1,000
• Zoning Board of Appeals Application - $500
• Planned Unit Development Application
• Text Amendment Application - $750
• Transfer of Special Use Permit - $200
• Preliminary Plat Application - $900 + $20 every lot over 10
• Final Plat Application
• Division of Platted Lot Application - $200

For Final Site Plan Review and Special Land Use Permit applications, the $900 fee applies to a joint application.

For Final Plat fees, review the fee schedule or speak to a staff member.

Additional Site Plan Review Information

• Environmental Permit Checklist Contacts and Details
• Clinton County Central Dispatch Business and Keyholder Form
• FAA Form 7460