The Roofing Book

Permitting Authorities / City of Springfield - Building Department

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

Adopted code

City of Springfield - Building Department

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Springfield, MI, issued by City of Springfield - Building Department. In the City of Springfield a reroof is named on the Building Department's Permit Applications page, which lists "Re-roof (if the old roofing is removed to bare wood)" among its "Examples of work requiring a permit:", and on the Building Permit Application, which prices "Residential Re-roof" at "$100" in a "Flat Building Fee Pricing Section". The page says permit fees "are based on the fees approved by the AMSA Board of Directors", that homeowners may file an affidavit that they are doing the work themselves, and "When a contractor obtains a permit, the person who holds the license must sign the permit application." The application is a single form for building permits, with separate applications for plumbing, mechanical and electrical work. A permit lapses if the work does not start within 180 days of issuance or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days, and the charge to reopen a closed permit is $75. On inspections the page says "To request an inspection for all construction activity call (269) 441-9273 a minimum of 24 hours in advance." and "Work must not be continued until the inspection has been completed." The Building Administrator takes calls at (269) 441-9273. No online permit portal is described on the Building Department pages.

Roof code checklist: Springfield, MI

ItemAnswerCode citeSourceVerified
Permit to replace a roofYesspringfieldmich.com2026-10-12
Repair permit thresholdPublishedspringfieldmich.com2026-10-12
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. 6-31ars.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 Springfield, Michigan
Jurisdiction type
city
Address
601 Avenue A, Springfield, MI 49037
Contact
  • url: https://www.springfieldmich.com/departments/public_services/building/index.php
  • phone: 269-441-9273
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 6-33 of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances provides "Any person who holds a state contractor's license of any kind and who desires to do business in the city shall register such license with the city and pay a registration fee to the city as established by resolution of the city council from time to time." The city's Contractor Registration Application, for anyone who wishes "to pull permits as a contractor in the City of Springfield", asks for a copy of a "Current Trade License", "Driver's License" and "General Liability Insurance" and lists "Building $25.00" among its registration fees. The Permit Applications page says "When a contractor obtains a permit, the person who holds the license must sign the permit application." This record does not decide whether a given roofer falls inside a state exemption.
Permit process note
In the City of Springfield a reroof is named on the Building Department's Permit Applications page, which lists "Re-roof (if the old roofing is removed to bare wood)" among its "Examples of work requiring a permit:", and on the Building Permit Application, which prices "Residential Re-roof" at "$100" in a "Flat Building Fee Pricing Section". The page says permit fees "are based on the fees approved by the AMSA Board of Directors", that homeowners may file an affidavit that they are doing the work themselves, and "When a contractor obtains a permit, the person who holds the license must sign the permit application." The application is a single form for building permits, with separate applications for plumbing, mechanical and electrical work. A permit lapses if the work does not start within 180 days of issuance or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days, and the charge to reopen a closed permit is $75. On inspections the page says "To request an inspection for all construction activity call (269) 441-9273 a minimum of 24 hours in advance." and "Work must not be continued until the inspection has been completed." The Building Administrator takes calls at (269) 441-9273. No online permit portal is described on the Building Department pages.
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 Springfield as its own building code enforcer. The Building Department page says "The City of Springfield has adopted the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 Michigan Building Code, 2015 Michigan Mechanical Code, National Electrical Code 2014, and the 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code." and names no residential code edition. Section 6-31 of the city's Code of Ordinances provides that the city "assumes responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the act and of the single state construction code throughout its corporate limits", Section 6-53 has the AMSA board of appeals "Administer and enforce the most current edition of the single state construction code", and Section 6-81 adopts the state housing law, 1917 PA 167, with "all amendments to sections 138 through 142 of 1917 PA 167" "as they stand on June 21, 1980"; the text of the housing law adopted by reference was not read, and this record states the 2015 Michigan Residential 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 6 of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances and the Building Department's 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 6 of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances and the Building Department's 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 6 of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances and the Building Department's pages and Building Permit Application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on impact resistance.
Repair permit threshold
No size or cost threshold is published. The City of Springfield's Building Department lists "Re-roof (if the old roofing is removed to bare wood)" among its "Examples of work requiring a permit:", and its Building Permit Application prices "Residential Re-roof" at "$100" in a "Flat Building Fee Pricing Section". The department's page does not say whether covering existing roofing without removing it needs a permit. The page also says the Code requires an owner or agent intending to "construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure" to "first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit". 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, Chapter 6 (Buildings and Building Regulations) of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances was read in full, all seven articles: it designates the enforcing agency, sets fees by resolution, requires registration of state contractor licences, establishes the AMSA board of appeals, designates flood hazard areas, adopts the state housing law and the International Property Maintenance Code, and covers demolition and moving of buildings and private swimming pools. It has no reroofing provision, and it amends nothing in Section R908. The text of the state housing law adopted by reference in Section 6-81 was not read. The Building Department page, permit applications page and Building 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 6 of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances and the Building Department's 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 on the City of Springfield Building Department's pages or Building Permit Application changes this.

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The City of Springfield's Building Department, at City Hall at 601 Avenue A, enforces the Michigan building codes and the city's construction ordinances, its Permit Applications page lists a re-roof among work requiring a permit, and its Building Permit Application prices "Residential Re-roof" as a flat fee. Section 6-31 of the city's Code of Ordinances designates the city's building department as the enforcing agency under the state construction code act, and the State of Michigan's jurisdiction list names the City of Springfield 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: Springfield, MI

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

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Springfield, MI. No size or cost threshold is published. The City of Springfield's Building Department lists "Re-roof (if the old roofing is removed to bare wood)" among its "Examples of work requiring a permit:", and its Building Permit Application prices "Residential Re-roof" at "$100" in a "Flat Building Fee Pricing Section". The department's page does not say whether covering existing roofing without removing it needs a permit. The page also says the Code requires an owner or agent intending to "construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure" to "first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit". 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 Springfield, 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 6 of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances and the Building Department's pages and Building Permit Application were read for a local rule and state nothing further on ice barrier.

Is drip edge required in Springfield, 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 6 of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances and the Building Department's 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 Springfield, 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 6 (Buildings and Building Regulations) of the City of Springfield Code of Ordinances was read in full, all seven articles: it designates the enforcing agency, sets fees by resolution, requires registration of state contractor licences, establishes the AMSA board of appeals, designates flood hazard areas, adopts the state housing law and the International Property Maintenance Code, and covers demolition and moving of buildings and private swimming pools. It has no reroofing provision, and it amends nothing in Section R908. The text of the state housing law adopted by reference in Section 6-81 was not read. The Building Department page, permit applications page and Building Permit Application state no layer rule.

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

Yes.

What building code does Springfield, 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 Springfield as its own building code enforcer. The Building Department page says "The City of Springfield has adopted the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 Michigan Building Code, 2015 Michigan Mechanical Code, National Electrical Code 2014, and the 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code." and names no residential code edition. Section 6-31 of the city's Code of Ordinances provides that the city "assumes responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the act and of the single state construction code throughout its corporate limits", Section 6-53 has the AMSA board of appeals "Administer and enforce the most current edition of the single state construction code", and Section 6-81 adopts the state housing law, 1917 PA 167, with "all amendments to sections 138 through 142 of 1917 PA 167" "as they stand on June 21, 1980"; the text of the housing law adopted by reference was not read, and this record states the 2015 Michigan Residential Code.