Alger County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County building code enforcement for Alger County; county zoning administration also lists township zoning administrators and county building inspectors for the county jurisdictions

Department

Alger County Building Codes / Building Inspector

Address

101 Court Street, Munising, MI 49862

Phone

(906) 387-2727

Email

buildingcodes@algercounty.gov

Website

https://algercounty.gov/

Application Process

1. Start by contacting the county building office at the county building in Munising
2. Confirm whether the project also needs a township, village, or city zoning compliance review before the county building permit is issued
3. Submit the building permit application, plans, contractor information, and any required supporting documents
4. Obtain separate trade permits as needed for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
5. Permit is issued after review by the county enforcing agency

Source: Alger County Building Codes / Building Inspector

General Requirements

Before construction of a building or structure and when use or occupancy changes; ordinary repairs are exempt under state law

Required Documents

• Construction documents
• Code-compliant plans may need architect or engineer seal depending on project size and scope

Building code

Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code as the statewide baseline

Owner-builder

Michigan allows an owner or the owner's agent to apply, but residential builder licensing rules still apply when the work is being performed by a person acting as a builder

Contractor requirements

Residential builder licensing is required for residential structure construction unless a statutory exception applies

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs under Michigan law
• Repairs that do not cut structural members, alter required egress, or affect regulated plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems
• Minor work determined by the enforcing agency to fall within the ordinary repair exception

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact the county building office directly (phone)

Additional Resources

• Building code: Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code as the statewide baseline
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• State building permit information
• State permit forms
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Alger County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Alger County, MI?

Before construction of a building or structure and when use or occupancy changes; ordinary repairs are exempt under state law

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Alger County, MI?

1. Start by contacting the county building office at the county building in Munising 2. Confirm whether the project also needs a township, village, or city zoning compliance review before the county building permit is issued 3. Submit the building permit application, plans, contractor information, and any required supporting documents 4. Obtain separate trade permits as needed for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work 5. Permit is issued after review by the county enforcing agency

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Alger County, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs under Michigan law; Repairs that do not cut structural members, alter required egress, or affect regulated plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems; Minor work determined by the enforcing agency to fall within the ordinary repair exception.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Alger County, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact the county building office directly.