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Permitting Authorities / Charter Township of Pennfield - Inspections and Permits

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Charter Township of Pennfield, MI?

Adopted code

Charter Township of Pennfield - Inspections and Permits

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Charter Township of Pennfield, MI, issued by Charter Township of Pennfield - Inspections and Permits. The Charter Township of Pennfield's Inspection Department has published nothing specific to reroofs. Its Inspections & Permits page says "Applications for building permits, change-in-land-use permits, fire sprinkler permits, and fire alarm permits are issued through the Township Office", and the state's general rule is the one that applies: before construction of a building or structure, an application is submitted to the enforcing agency for a building permit, and "A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs of a building or structure," without a definition of ordinary repairs (MCL 125.1510). The department says nothing else about roof permits, so a roofer should ask it. The township's fee schedule page carries only the heading "BUILDING PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE" and no figures, and Section 10-51 leaves permit fees to the township board, so ask for the current fee. The township's residential checklist says "Contractors must submit a copy of their Builder's License, Liability Insurance, and Workers Compensation to register with Pennfield Township." and "A $5.00 fee for the year will also be paid by the contractor." The application says "A PERMIT SHALL BECOME INVALID IF THE AUTHORIZED WORK IS NOT COMMENCED WITHIN 180 DAYS AFTER ISSUANCE OF THE PERMIT", and a homeowner doing the work in a single-family dwelling they live in signs the application's homeowner affidavit. The township office is at 20260 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269-968-8549) and its home page lists hours of "Mon-Thu: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.".

Roof code checklist: Charter Township of Pennfield, MI

ItemAnswerCode citeSourceVerified
Permit to replace a roofYespennfieldmi.gov2026-10-11
Repair permit thresholdPublishedpennfieldmi.gov2026-10-11
Layer limit / roof-overPublishedR908.3.1.1codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-11
Deck & sheathingPublishedR905.2.1codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-11
Drip edgeYesR905.2.8.5codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-11
Ice & water shieldYesR905.1.2ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us2026-10-11
Mid-roof inspectionNot published
Impact-resistant (Class 4) roofingNoars.apps.lara.state.mi.us2026-10-11
Wind design criteriaNot published
Adopted codePublishedSec. 10-51ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us2026-10-11
Contractor license / registrationYeslegislature.mi.gov2026-10-11
Sales & use taxPublishedlegislature.mi.gov2026-10-11

Each row comes from the sourced record on this page; full wording is in the table below. "Not published" means no official source for that item was found when the record was last verified.

Jurisdiction
Charter Township of Pennfield, Michigan
Jurisdiction type
city
Address
20260 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017
Contact
  • url: https://pennfieldmi.gov/departments/inspections___permits/index.php
  • phone: 269-968-8549
Roofing permit required
Required
Contractor registration required
Required
Registration details
  • state_level: Michigan licenses residential maintenance and alteration contractors under the Occupational Code, and that licence "includes the following crafts and trades" among which it names roofing (MCL 339.2404(3)); "A person shall not engage in or attempt to engage in the practice of an occupation regulated under this act" without the licence (MCL 339.601(1)). MCL 339.2403 lists who may work without one, including a project whose "aggregate contract price for the labor, material, and any other items for the undertaking or project is less than $600.00". This record does not decide whether a given roofer falls inside an exemption.
  • city_level: The township's residential checklist says "Contractors must submit a copy of their Builder's License, Liability Insurance, and Workers Compensation to register with Pennfield Township. A $5.00 fee for the year will also be paid by the contractor." The township's building permit application asks the contractor for a builder's license number and expiration date, and carries the statement that Section 23a of the State Construction Code Act "PROHIBITS A PERSON FROM CONSPIRING TO CIRCUMVENT THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS OF THIS STATE".
Permit process note
The Charter Township of Pennfield's Inspection Department has published nothing specific to reroofs. Its Inspections & Permits page says "Applications for building permits, change-in-land-use permits, fire sprinkler permits, and fire alarm permits are issued through the Township Office", and the state's general rule is the one that applies: before construction of a building or structure, an application is submitted to the enforcing agency for a building permit, and "A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs of a building or structure," without a definition of ordinary repairs (MCL 125.1510). The department says nothing else about roof permits, so a roofer should ask it. The township's fee schedule page carries only the heading "BUILDING PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE" and no figures, and Section 10-51 leaves permit fees to the township board, so ask for the current fee. The township's residential checklist says "Contractors must submit a copy of their Builder's License, Liability Insurance, and Workers Compensation to register with Pennfield Township." and "A $5.00 fee for the year will also be paid by the contractor." The application says "A PERMIT SHALL BECOME INVALID IF THE AUTHORIZED WORK IS NOT COMMENCED WITHIN 180 DAYS AFTER ISSUANCE OF THE PERMIT", and a homeowner doing the work in a single-family dwelling they live in signs the application's homeowner affidavit. The township office is at 20260 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269-968-8549) and its home page lists hours of "Mon-Thu: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m."
Adopted code
2015 Michigan Residential Code. This is state law and it is the same in every Michigan city, village, township and county: the state construction code act says "This act and the code apply throughout the state," and the Michigan Residential Code rule adopts "the international residential code, 2015 edition" with the state amendments in R 408.30500 to R 408.30547g. A 2021 edition was filed with the secretary of state in 2025 but has not taken effect. On July 7, 2025 the Michigan Court of Claims entered a stipulated order in Home Builders Assoc et al. v LARA et al., and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) says that while that order remains in place "the 2015 versions of the IRC and residential provisions of the IECC standards currently adopted, in part, by each rule set will remain valid and in effect." LARA's Statewide Jurisdiction List names the Charter Township of Pennfield as its own building code enforcer. Section 10-51 of the township's Code of Ordinances provides that the township "hereby elects to administer and enforce the 1972 PA 230 and the State Construction Code within the township" and names no edition. The township's building permit application (revised 7/1/2025) carries a homeowner affidavit that refers to "PUBLIC ACT 230 OF 1972, AS AMENDED, THE MICHIGAN RESIDENTIAL CODE" and names no edition.
Drip edge
Required — Required on asphalt shingle roofs by state law. Michigan makes no amendment to the drip edge rule of the 2015 International Residential Code, Section R905.2.8.5, which applies as published: "A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and rake edges of shingle roofs." Segments overlap by at least 2 inches, the drip edge extends at least 1/4 inch below the roof sheathing and at least 2 inches back onto the deck, it is fastened at no more than 12 inches on center, and underlayment goes over it at the eaves and under it at the rakes. A reroof is held to the same rule, because "Materials and methods of application used for re-covering or replacing an existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 9" (R908.1). Chapter 10 of the Pennfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances and the Inspections & Permits pages and building permit application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on drip edge. About drip edge
Ice & water shield
Required — Required everywhere in Michigan by state law. Michigan fills in the climatic design table of the 2015 code once for the whole state (Rule 516, Table R301.2(1)), and its ice barrier underlayment column reads Yes. The state footnote calls for Yes "for areas where the average daily temperature in January is 25 degrees Fahrenheit" or less, or where ice damming has caused damage. The base code then requires an ice barrier "for asphalt shingles, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, wood shingles and wood shakes," running "from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 24 inches (610 mm) inside the exterior wall line of the building" (R905.1.2). Detached accessory structures without conditioned floor area are exempt. On a tear-off, an existing ice barrier that is adhered to the deck may stay and be covered with an additional layer (R908.3, Exception). Chapter 10 of the Pennfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances and the Inspections & Permits pages and building permit application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on ice barrier. About ice & water barrier
Impact-resistant roofing
Not required — No impact-resistance requirement under state law. The 2015 Michigan Residential Code was searched in full and has no hail or impact rating rule for roof coverings: the words hail, impact and UL 2218 do not appear in it, and none of them appears in the roof assemblies chapter of the base 2015 International Residential Code either. Michigan applies one code statewide ("This act and the code apply throughout the state."), and the act gives the power to amend it to the state director, who adopts the model codes "with amendments, additions, or deletions as the director determines appropriate." Chapter 10 of the Pennfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances and the Inspections & Permits pages and building permit application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on impact resistance.
Repair permit threshold
The Charter Township of Pennfield publishes no size or cost threshold for roof work. Its Inspections & Permits page, residential permit checklist, building permit application and plan-submittal checklist name no reroofing, and its fee schedule page lists no fees. Its application asks the applicant to mark the type of improvement as new building, "ALTERATION", "REPAIR" or another kind, and Section 10-51(b) of the township's Code of Ordinances says "Before receiving a building permit, the owner or his agent shall pay such fees as are established from time to time by the township board for the issuance of such permits." Under state law, "A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs of a building or structure." (MCL 125.1510), without a definition of ordinary repairs. For a roof, call the Building Inspector at 269-968-8549 before starting.
Roof layer limit / recover
Two layers at most, under state law. Michigan builds one- and two-family homes to the 2015 Michigan Residential Code, which adopts the 2015 International Residential Code and makes no amendment to its reroofing section, Section R908; the Michigan rule set was searched in full and R908 does not appear in it. The base section therefore applies as the International Code Council publishes it. Section R908.3.1.1 lists the conditions under which a new roof may not be laid over an existing one, and the third is "Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering." One existing layer may be covered once; a roof that already carries two layers is torn off to the deck. The same section also bars covering a roof that is water soaked or too deteriorated to serve as a base, and covering "slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile." Locally, the township's own building ordinance, Chapter 10 of the Pennfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances (Buildings and Building Regulations), was read in full (Articles I through X and the vacant property article, Sections 10-1 to 10-393): it elects state construction code enforcement, sets permit fees by township board, regulates building numbers and access lanes, dangerous buildings and flood damage prevention, and adopts the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, and it has no reroofing provision and amends nothing in Section R908. The Inspections & Permits pages and permit application state no layer rule.
Deck & sheathing requirements
State law, from the base code. Michigan makes no amendment to the roof sheathing section of the 2015 International Residential Code, Section R803, which does not appear in the Michigan rule set, so it applies as published. Lumber roof sheathing follows Table R803.1: over rafters or beams 24 inches apart it must be at least 5/8 inch net thick. Wood structural panels must be identified "for grade, bond classification and performance category by a grade mark or certificate of inspection issued by an approved agency," and their spans may not exceed "the values set forth in Table R503.2.1.1(1), or APA E30." For a shingle roof the base code adds that "Asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solidly sheathed decks" (R905.2.1), and on any reroof "The structural roof components shall be capable of supporting the roof covering system" (R908.2). Chapter 10 of the Pennfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances and the Inspections & Permits pages and building permit application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on roof sheathing.
Sales & use tax
6%, statewide, with no local add-on. This is state law: the General Sales Tax Act sets the tax "equal to 6% of the gross proceeds of the business," the Use Tax Act sets "a total combined rate equal to 6%," and the Michigan Department of Treasury says "Michigan does not allow city or local units to impose sales tax." On a roofing job the roofer is the taxpayer on materials, because the Use Tax Act counts as a consumer "A person acquiring tangible personal property if engaged in the business of constructing, altering, repairing, or improving the real estate of others." Nothing in Chapter 10 of the Pennfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances and the Inspections & Permits pages and building permit application changes this.

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The Charter Township of Pennfield's Inspection Department, at the township office at 20260 Capital Avenue N.E. in Battle Creek, reviews building plans and issues building permits through the Township Office, and the State of Michigan's jurisdiction list names the Township as its own building code enforcer. Michigan's single state construction code applies, and for houses that is the 2015 Michigan Residential Code.

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Sources

Roofing questions: Charter Township of Pennfield, MI

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Charter Township of Pennfield, MI?

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Charter Township of Pennfield, MI. The Charter Township of Pennfield publishes no size or cost threshold for roof work. Its Inspections & Permits page, residential permit checklist, building permit application and plan-submittal checklist name no reroofing, and its fee schedule page lists no fees. Its application asks the applicant to mark the type of improvement as new building, "ALTERATION", "REPAIR" or another kind, and Section 10-51(b) of the township's Code of Ordinances says "Before receiving a building permit, the owner or his agent shall pay such fees as are established from time to time by the township board for the issuance of such permits." Under state law, "A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs of a building or structure." (MCL 125.1510), without a definition of ordinary repairs. For a roof, call the Building Inspector at 269-968-8549 before starting.

Is ice & water shield required in Charter Township of Pennfield, MI?

Yes. Required everywhere in Michigan by state law. Michigan fills in the climatic design table of the 2015 code once for the whole state (Rule 516, Table R301.2(1)), and its ice barrier underlayment column reads Yes. The state footnote calls for Yes "for areas where the average daily temperature in January is 25 degrees Fahrenheit" or less, or where ice damming has caused damage. The base code then requires an ice barrier "for asphalt shingles, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, wood shingles and wood shakes," running "from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 24 inches (610 mm) inside the exterior wall line of the building" (R905.1.2). Detached accessory structures without conditioned floor area are exempt. On a tear-off, an existing ice barrier that is adhered to the deck may stay and be covered with an additional layer (R908.3, Exception). Chapter 10 of the Pennfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances and the Inspections & Permits pages and building permit application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on ice barrier.

Is drip edge required in Charter Township of Pennfield, MI?

Yes. Required on asphalt shingle roofs by state law. Michigan makes no amendment to the drip edge rule of the 2015 International Residential Code, Section R905.2.8.5, which applies as published: "A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and rake edges of shingle roofs." Segments overlap by at least 2 inches, the drip edge extends at least 1/4 inch below the roof sheathing and at least 2 inches back onto the deck, it is fastened at no more than 12 inches on center, and underlayment goes over it at the eaves and under it at the rakes. A reroof is held to the same rule, because "Materials and methods of application used for re-covering or replacing an existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 9" (R908.1). Chapter 10 of the Pennfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances and the Inspections & Permits pages and building permit application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on drip edge.

Can you roof over an existing roof in Charter Township of Pennfield, MI?

Two layers at most, under state law. Michigan builds one- and two-family homes to the 2015 Michigan Residential Code, which adopts the 2015 International Residential Code and makes no amendment to its reroofing section, Section R908; the Michigan rule set was searched in full and R908 does not appear in it. The base section therefore applies as the International Code Council publishes it. Section R908.3.1.1 lists the conditions under which a new roof may not be laid over an existing one, and the third is "Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering." One existing layer may be covered once; a roof that already carries two layers is torn off to the deck. The same section also bars covering a roof that is water soaked or too deteriorated to serve as a base, and covering "slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile." Locally, the township's own building ordinance, Chapter 10 of the Pennfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances (Buildings and Building Regulations), was read in full (Articles I through X and the vacant property article, Sections 10-1 to 10-393): it elects state construction code enforcement, sets permit fees by township board, regulates building numbers and access lanes, dangerous buildings and flood damage prevention, and adopts the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, and it has no reroofing provision and amends nothing in Section R908. The Inspections & Permits pages and permit application state no layer rule.

Do roofing contractors need a license or registration in Charter Township of Pennfield, MI?

Yes.

What building code does Charter Township of Pennfield, MI use?

2015 Michigan Residential Code. This is state law and it is the same in every Michigan city, village, township and county: the state construction code act says "This act and the code apply throughout the state," and the Michigan Residential Code rule adopts "the international residential code, 2015 edition" with the state amendments in R 408.30500 to R 408.30547g. A 2021 edition was filed with the secretary of state in 2025 but has not taken effect. On July 7, 2025 the Michigan Court of Claims entered a stipulated order in Home Builders Assoc et al. v LARA et al., and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) says that while that order remains in place "the 2015 versions of the IRC and residential provisions of the IECC standards currently adopted, in part, by each rule set will remain valid and in effect." LARA's Statewide Jurisdiction List names the Charter Township of Pennfield as its own building code enforcer. Section 10-51 of the township's Code of Ordinances provides that the township "hereby elects to administer and enforce the 1972 PA 230 and the State Construction Code within the township" and names no edition. The township's building permit application (revised 7/1/2025) carries a homeowner affidavit that refers to "PUBLIC ACT 230 OF 1972, AS AMENDED, THE MICHIGAN RESIDENTIAL CODE" and names no edition.