Permits are primarily handled at the municipal level for incorporated cities and townships, while the county provides oversight for unincorporated areas and specific environmental reviews. The Ingham County Drain Commissioner maintains jurisdiction over storm water and drainage permits for developments across the county regardless of municipal boundaries.
The Ingham County Drain Commissioner requires a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) permit for any earth change activity that disturbs one or more acres or is within 500 feet of a lake or stream.
How this fits with the state
The state authority here is Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The county file does not replace that — it adds the permit office, local overlays, and the actual filing path.
Source · City-by-city; Lansing, East Lansing, and other municipalities operate their own building departments and permit portals.Last verified · 05 / 2026