The Roofing Book

Permitting Authorities / Salem Township - Building Department

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

Adopted code

Salem Township - Building Department

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Township of Salem, MI, issued by Salem Township - Building Department. Salem Township's Building Department page, read October 12, 2026, says "Permit applications can be found on our document server accessed by the link above" and to mail them with payment to the Salem Township Building Department, P.O. Box 75002, Salem, MI 48175. The township's document server could not be opened for this record, so the application form and any fee schedule were not read; ask the department for the current fee. The page says inspections are set by calling the Building Department before 4pm the day prior, that building inspections are done Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4pm, and that electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections are done Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 4pm. The township hall, at 9600 Six Mile Road, is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and the township's main number is 248-349-1690. The page links Washtenaw County forms that might be required for a project: a well and septic application, a soil erosion permit application and a residential right-of-way permit application. Neither the Building Department page nor the Projects that do not need Permits page names roofing or reroofing, so call the department before starting a reroof.

Roof code checklist: Township of Salem, MI

ItemAnswerCode citeSourceVerified
Permit to replace a roofYessalem-mi.org2026-10-12
Repair permit thresholdPublishedR105.2salem-mi.org2026-10-12
Layer limit / roof-overPublishedR908.3.1.1codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-12
Deck & sheathingPublishedR905.2.1codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-12
Drip edgeYesR905.2.8.5codes.iccsafe.org2026-10-12
Ice & water shieldYesR905.1.2ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us2026-10-12
Mid-roof inspectionNot published
Impact-resistant (Class 4) roofingNoars.apps.lara.state.mi.us2026-10-12
Wind design criteriaNot published
Adopted codePublishedars.apps.lara.state.mi.us2026-10-12
Contractor license / registrationYeslegislature.mi.gov2026-10-12
Sales & use taxPublishedlegislature.mi.gov2026-10-12

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
Township of Salem, Washtenaw County, Michigan
Jurisdiction type
city
Address
9600 Six Mile Road, Salem, MI 48175
Contact
  • url: https://www.salem-mi.org/departments/building/index.php
  • phone: 248-912-6720
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: Salem Township's Building Department page, its Projects that do not need Permits page and its zoning ordinance name no township contractor registration. The township's permit application on its document server was not read, so this record does not say what it asks of a contractor. This record does not decide whether a given roofer falls inside a state exemption.
Permit process note
Salem Township's Building Department page, read October 12, 2026, says "Permit applications can be found on our document server accessed by the link above" and to mail them with payment to the Salem Township Building Department, P.O. Box 75002, Salem, MI 48175. The township's document server could not be opened for this record, so the application form and any fee schedule were not read; ask the department for the current fee. The page says inspections are set by calling the Building Department before 4pm the day prior, that building inspections are done Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4pm, and that electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections are done Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 4pm. The township hall, at 9600 Six Mile Road, is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and the township's main number is 248-349-1690. The page links Washtenaw County forms that might be required for a project: a well and septic application, a soil erosion permit application and a residential right-of-way permit application. Neither the Building Department page nor the Projects that do not need Permits page names roofing or reroofing, so call the department before starting a reroof.
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 Township of Salem in Washtenaw County as its own building code enforcer. The township's Building Department page says its role is "to follow the current Michigan Building codes and the ordinances of Salem Township", and its Projects that do not need Permits page is headed "Michigan Residential Building Code 2015". The township's zoning ordinance, updated through June 14, 2026, refers to "the State Construction Code" and names no edition, and the township posts no building code ordinance. This record states the 2015 Michigan Residential Code for the reasons above.
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). Salem Township's Building Department page, its Projects that do not need Permits page and its zoning ordinance were read for a local rule on drip edge and state nothing further on it. 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). Salem Township's Building Department page, its Projects that do not need Permits page and its zoning ordinance were read for a local rule on ice barrier and state nothing further on it. 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." Salem Township's Building Department page, its Projects that do not need Permits page and its zoning ordinance were read for a local rule on impact resistance and state nothing further on it.
Repair permit threshold
No size or cost threshold is published. Salem Township's Building Department page says "The role of the Building Department is to follow the current Michigan Building codes and the ordinances of Salem Township." Its Projects that do not need Permits page, headed "Michigan Residential Building Code 2015", quotes R105.2, "Permits are not required for any of the following:", and lists one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, a short low fence, a low retaining wall, a water tank, a low sidewalk or driveway, "Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.", a shallow prefabricated pool, playground equipment and window awnings; roofing is not on the list. It also quotes R105.2.2, "Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures", and adds that such repairs "shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support". The township has published nothing applying either to a reroof. 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.
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 website posts no building code ordinance. Its zoning ordinance, updated through June 14, 2026, was searched and has no reroofing or layer rule; where it mentions roofs, it concerns the finish of cargo containers and dwellings. The township's Building Department page states no layer rule, and the township's other ordinances were not read, so this record states the state rule and does not classify the township's own text.
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). Salem Township's Building Department page, its Projects that do not need Permits page and its zoning ordinance were read for a local rule on roof sheathing and state nothing further on it.
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 on the Salem Township Building Department page changes this.

Local roofing hub

Roofing in Salem Township (Washtenaw County), MichiganCity hub

More roof permit pages in Michigan

Township of Schoolcraft, MIRoof permit Township of Solon - Building DepartmentRoof permit Township of Southfield, MIRoof permit Township of Sparta, MIRoof permit Township of Spring Arbor, MIRoof permit Roofing in MichiganState hub

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Salem Township's Building Department, at the township hall at 9600 Six Mile Road in Salem, says its role is to follow the current Michigan building codes and the township's ordinances, and it posts permit applications on the township's document server. Building inspections are scheduled by calling the department the day before. The State of Michigan's Statewide Jurisdiction List names the Township of Salem in Washtenaw County as its own building code enforcer. Michigan's single state construction code applies, and for houses that is the 2015 Michigan Residential Code.

Working an insurance claim in Township of Salem, MI? Everything on this page (drip edge, ice & water shield, inspections, Class 4 rules) formatted as a claim-ready evidence pack: verbatim ordinance quotes, code section cites, verification dates, and official source links, ready to attach to a supplement. See a real sample pack (PDF, 4 pages, free).

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Sources

Roofing questions: Township of Salem, MI

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

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Township of Salem, MI. No size or cost threshold is published. Salem Township's Building Department page says "The role of the Building Department is to follow the current Michigan Building codes and the ordinances of Salem Township." Its Projects that do not need Permits page, headed "Michigan Residential Building Code 2015", quotes R105.2, "Permits are not required for any of the following:", and lists one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, a short low fence, a low retaining wall, a water tank, a low sidewalk or driveway, "Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.", a shallow prefabricated pool, playground equipment and window awnings; roofing is not on the list. It also quotes R105.2.2, "Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures", and adds that such repairs "shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support". The township has published nothing applying either to a reroof. 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.

Is ice & water shield required in Township of Salem, 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). Salem Township's Building Department page, its Projects that do not need Permits page and its zoning ordinance were read for a local rule on ice barrier and state nothing further on it.

Is drip edge required in Township of Salem, 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). Salem Township's Building Department page, its Projects that do not need Permits page and its zoning ordinance were read for a local rule on drip edge and state nothing further on it.

Can you roof over an existing roof in Township of Salem, 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 website posts no building code ordinance. Its zoning ordinance, updated through June 14, 2026, was searched and has no reroofing or layer rule; where it mentions roofs, it concerns the finish of cargo containers and dwellings. The township's Building Department page states no layer rule, and the township's other ordinances were not read, so this record states the state rule and does not classify the township's own text.

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

Yes.

What building code does Township of Salem, 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 Township of Salem in Washtenaw County as its own building code enforcer. The township's Building Department page says its role is "to follow the current Michigan Building codes and the ordinances of Salem Township", and its Projects that do not need Permits page is headed "Michigan Residential Building Code 2015". The township's zoning ordinance, updated through June 14, 2026, refers to "the State Construction Code" and names no edition, and the township posts no building code ordinance. This record states the 2015 Michigan Residential Code for the reasons above.