The Roofing Book

Permitting Authorities / City of South Haven - Building Services

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in South Haven, MI?

Adopted code

City of South Haven - Building Services

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in South Haven, MI, issued by City of South Haven - Building Services. In the City of South Haven a reroof is permit work on the city's own application: the Building and Zoning Permit Application (Rev. 01/2025) asks the applicant to check the type of improvement and lists "Roofing/Siding/Windows" beside new homes, additions, pools, fences, decks and signs, and the Building Services page says "In the City of South Haven, many construction-related activities require permits." The application asks for the "Total value of construction project (materials and labor)", and the city's building permit fee schedule, titled "City of South Haven-Building Permit Fees", is keyed to the value of the project and ends "Plan Review Fee: 65% of Building Permit Fee." The application also says "For all projects that require a building permit, zoning review is required." and "Zoning review fees are in addition to building permit fees."; the page says zoning compliance permits "are issued prior to and separately from Building Permits", and the city's Building Services fee schedule lists an administrative zoning review fee for residential construction, decks, fences and other items but names no roofing line, so ask whether a reroof needs a zoning review. Applications go to the Building Services Department by email, postal mail or in person, with "One pdf copy and one hard copy" required, and fees are paid by cash, check or credit card at the front desk at City Hall or through BS&A Online. Electrical permits are handled by Michigan Township Services, and mechanical and plumbing permits by the State of Michigan. The page says inspections are required for most building projects and tells applicants to call the Building Inspector at (269) 637-0762 "to schedule or for more information"; the Building Inspector's own line is (269) 277-8573. Building Services is at City Hall, 539 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090, and answers permit questions at 269-637-0789.

Roof code checklist: South Haven, MI

ItemAnswerCode citeSourceVerified
Permit to replace a roofYessouthhavenmi.gov2026-10-12
Repair permit thresholdPublishedsouthhavenmi.gov2026-10-12
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 codePublishedSec. 10-121ars.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
City of South Haven, Michigan
Jurisdiction type
city
Address
539 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090
Contact
  • url: https://www.southhavenmi.gov/building_services/building_inspections.php
  • phone: 269-637-0789
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: Section 10-26 of the South Haven City Code says "All contractors and builders are required to register with the city department of building and safety, and any state license must be verified before registration may be made, or work commenced within the city." Section 10-28 sets a registration fee of $5.00 for builders and for other types of contractors, "issued for the calendar year and must be renewed each year", and Section 10-29 says "Property owners doing their own work are not considered to be contractors and are exempt from the requirements of this article." The permit application adds "Upon completion and submittal of this application contractors will be registered with the City of South Haven."
Permit process note
In the City of South Haven a reroof is permit work on the city's own application: the Building and Zoning Permit Application (Rev. 01/2025) asks the applicant to check the type of improvement and lists "Roofing/Siding/Windows" beside new homes, additions, pools, fences, decks and signs, and the Building Services page says "In the City of South Haven, many construction-related activities require permits." The application asks for the "Total value of construction project (materials and labor)", and the city's building permit fee schedule, titled "City of South Haven-Building Permit Fees", is keyed to the value of the project and ends "Plan Review Fee: 65% of Building Permit Fee." The application also says "For all projects that require a building permit, zoning review is required." and "Zoning review fees are in addition to building permit fees."; the page says zoning compliance permits "are issued prior to and separately from Building Permits", and the city's Building Services fee schedule lists an administrative zoning review fee for residential construction, decks, fences and other items but names no roofing line, so ask whether a reroof needs a zoning review. Applications go to the Building Services Department by email, postal mail or in person, with "One pdf copy and one hard copy" required, and fees are paid by cash, check or credit card at the front desk at City Hall or through BS&A Online. Electrical permits are handled by Michigan Township Services, and mechanical and plumbing permits by the State of Michigan. The page says inspections are required for most building projects and tells applicants to call the Building Inspector at (269) 637-0762 "to schedule or for more information"; the Building Inspector's own line is (269) 277-8573. Building Services is at City Hall, 539 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090, and answers permit questions at 269-637-0789.
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 City of South Haven as its own building code enforcer. Locally, the city's Building Services page says "The City of South Haven is currently under the following code groups: 2021 Rehabilitation code (commercial), 2021 Michigan Building code, 2015 Michigan Residential Building code, 2021 Michigan Mechanical code, 2023 National Electrical code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing code, and 2021 International Fire code." That page is undated and was read on October 12, 2026; for houses it names the 2015 edition, the one this record states. Section 10-121 of the City Code adopts "The Michigan Residential Code" "as it may be amended from time to time" as the city's one- and two-family dwelling code, and Section 10-51 says "The City has assumed responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the Michigan Construction Code".
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 South Haven Code of Ordinances, the Building Services page and the 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 South Haven Code of Ordinances, the Building Services page and the 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 South Haven Code of Ordinances, the Building Services page and the permit application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on impact resistance.
Repair permit threshold
The City of South Haven's Building and Zoning Permit Application (Rev. 01/2025) lists "Roofing/Siding/Windows" as its own type of improvement, and the Building Services page calls that application the one "needed for most residential building-related projects". The application states no size, square or dollar point below which roof work needs no permit, so it leaves open whether a small roof repair needs one, and the city's building fee schedule is keyed to the value of the project with no roofing exemption. The page says "If you have questions about whether or not a permit is needed for your project, please contact the Building Services Department at 269-637-0789." The state part: Michigan's construction code act says "A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs of a building or structure" and does not define ordinary repairs. The city has published nothing applying that relief to roof work.
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, Chapter 10 of the South Haven Code of Ordinances (Buildings and Building Regulations, code updated May 29, 2025), the city's building ordinance, was read in full: it designates the building inspector as the enforcing agency, requires contractor registration, adopts the Michigan Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical codes by reference, sets plan review fees and regulates dangerous buildings; it has no reroofing provision and amends nothing in Section R908. Section 10-221 saves from repeal "Ordinance No. 570, enacted July 6, 1976, and entitled the Housing Ordinance", which is not posted and was not read, so no classification is declared here. The Building Services page, the permit application and the building fee schedule 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 South Haven Code of Ordinances, the Building Services page and the 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 on the South Haven Building Services page or in its fee schedules changes this.

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The City of South Haven's Building Services Department, at City Hall, 539 Phoenix Street, issues building and zoning permits for the city; Section 10-1 of the City Code designates "the building inspector of the city" as the enforcing agency under the state construction code act, and the State of Michigan's jurisdiction list names the City 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: South Haven, MI

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in South Haven, MI?

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in South Haven, MI. The City of South Haven's Building and Zoning Permit Application (Rev. 01/2025) lists "Roofing/Siding/Windows" as its own type of improvement, and the Building Services page calls that application the one "needed for most residential building-related projects". The application states no size, square or dollar point below which roof work needs no permit, so it leaves open whether a small roof repair needs one, and the city's building fee schedule is keyed to the value of the project with no roofing exemption. The page says "If you have questions about whether or not a permit is needed for your project, please contact the Building Services Department at 269-637-0789." The state part: Michigan's construction code act says "A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs of a building or structure" and does not define ordinary repairs. The city has published nothing applying that relief to roof work.

Is ice & water shield required in South Haven, 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 South Haven Code of Ordinances, the Building Services page and the permit application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on ice barrier.

Is drip edge required in South Haven, 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 South Haven Code of Ordinances, the Building Services page and the permit application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on drip edge.

Can you roof over an existing roof in South Haven, 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, Chapter 10 of the South Haven Code of Ordinances (Buildings and Building Regulations, code updated May 29, 2025), the city's building ordinance, was read in full: it designates the building inspector as the enforcing agency, requires contractor registration, adopts the Michigan Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical codes by reference, sets plan review fees and regulates dangerous buildings; it has no reroofing provision and amends nothing in Section R908. Section 10-221 saves from repeal "Ordinance No. 570, enacted July 6, 1976, and entitled the Housing Ordinance", which is not posted and was not read, so no classification is declared here. The Building Services page, the permit application and the building fee schedule state no layer rule.

Do roofing contractors need a license or registration in South Haven, MI?

Yes.

What building code does South Haven, 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 City of South Haven as its own building code enforcer. Locally, the city's Building Services page says "The City of South Haven is currently under the following code groups: 2021 Rehabilitation code (commercial), 2021 Michigan Building code, 2015 Michigan Residential Building code, 2021 Michigan Mechanical code, 2023 National Electrical code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing code, and 2021 International Fire code." That page is undated and was read on October 12, 2026; for houses it names the 2015 edition, the one this record states. Section 10-121 of the City Code adopts "The Michigan Residential Code" "as it may be amended from time to time" as the city's one- and two-family dwelling code, and Section 10-51 says "The City has assumed responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the Michigan Construction Code".