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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Alcona County
Before construction of a building or structure; also when use or occupancy changes; ordinary repairs only are exempt under state law
Ordinary repairs under Michigan law
Repairs that do not involve structural members, egress, or regulated plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems
Any state-law ordinary repair exception not affecting public health or safety
- Exempt Ordinary repairs under Michigan law
- Exempt Repairs that do not involve structural members, egress, or regulated plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems
- Exempt Any state-law ordinary repair exception not affecting public health or safety
Required documents
- Construction documents
- For many jobs, plans signed and sealed by an architect or professional engineer unless a code exception applies
- Contractor license information
- Related permit numbers
- Building code
- Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code
- Permit validity
- Permits remain valid while work is progressing and inspections are requested and conducted; permit becomes invalid if work does not start within 6 months or is suspended/abandoned for 6 months; no inspections within 6 months can cancel the permit
- Owner-builder
- County form includes a homeowner affidavit and warns about MCL 125.1523a; owner who signs and hires others can be exposed to liability if the worker is not licensed and insured
- Contractor requirements
- The form states Alcona County requires a copy of a current contractor license for residential permit applications
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Start by completing the online building permit form or a paper-equivalent application
- 02 Provide jobsite location, township, parcel number if needed, project description, dimensions, square footage, owner and contractor information, and permit numbers for related zoning, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits
- 03 Attach plans or construction documents when required
- 04 Solar projects require both building and electrical permits plus detailed drawings and manufacturer specifications
- 05 Permit is reviewed by the building department; work must not begin until the permit is issued
- 06 Inspections are scheduled through the building department once work is ready
§ 04
Fee schedule
Alcona County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Solar plan review minimum shown on the form is $300 residential and $500 commercial
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call the Building Department (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 to 48 hours notice is requested on the form
- Inspection hours
- Inspections may occur during 8 am to 6 pm or when construction is in progress, by consent under MCL 125.1512
Typical sequence: Footing, foundation, rough, insulation, final, and special inspections as applicable
No concealed work until inspected and approved
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Alcona County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Alcona County, MI? ▸
Before construction of a building or structure; also when use or occupancy changes; ordinary repairs only are exempt under state law
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Alcona County, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Alcona County, MI, follow these steps: 1. Start by completing the online building permit form or a paper-equivalent application 2. Provide jobsite location, township, parcel number if needed, project description, dimensions, square footage, owner and contractor information, and permit numbers for related zoning, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits 3. Attach plans or construction documents when required 4. Solar projects require both building and electrical permits plus detailed drawings and manufacturer specifications 5. Permit is reviewed by the building department; work must not begin until the permit is issued 6. Inspections are scheduled through the building department once work is ready
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Alcona County, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Alcona County, MI. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs under Michigan law; Repairs that do not involve structural members, egress, or regulated plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems; Any state-law ordinary repair exception not affecting public health or safety. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Alcona County, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Alcona County, MI via: Call the Building Department. 24 to 48 hours notice is requested on the form.
last verified April 2026
source Alcona County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/michigan/alcona/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Alcona County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.