Antrim County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Countywide building permit administration, including unincorporated areas and the incorporated villages unless a local unit has separate authority for zoning or land-use approvals

Department

Antrim County Building Department

Address

P.O. Box 188, Bellaire, MI 49615

Phone

231-533-8373

Website

https://www.antrimcountymi.gov/

Application Process

1. Submit the building permit application to the county building department.
2. Include the project information, owner and contractor identification, and site information.
3. If plan review is required, submit plans with an application for plan examination and the proper fee before a permit can be issued.
4. Provide separate applications for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work permits when applicable.
5. Permit is issued after review and fee payment.

Source: Antrim County Building Department

General Requirements

County application cites the permit requirement under Michigan PA 230 and requires completion to obtain a permit

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Site address
• Jurisdiction
• Tax number
• Owner and contractor info
• Architect or engineer info if used
• Plans when plan review applies

Permit validity

Permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 6 months after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months; canceled permits cannot be refunded or reinstated

Building code

Michigan Residential Code 2015

Owner-builder

The application includes a homeowner option and exemption fields for contractor-related identifiers

Contractor requirements

Builder license number, expiration date, federal employer ID or exemption, workers compensation carrier or exemption, and MESC employer number or exemption are requested on the form

Fees

Plan check fee

Included when plan review is required, but no public formula found

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Antrim County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Work must progress and inspections must be requested and conducted to keep a permit valid

A permit is canceled when no inspections are requested and conducted within 6 months of issuance or within 6 months of the previous inspection

Additional Resources

• Building code: Michigan Residential Code 2015
• Building permit application
• Residential code handout
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Antrim County Building Permit FAQ

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

County application cites the permit requirement under Michigan PA 230 and requires completion to obtain a permit

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

1. Submit the building permit application to the county building department. 2. Include the project information, owner and contractor identification, and site information. 3. If plan review is required, submit plans with an application for plan examination and the proper fee before a permit can be issued. 4. Provide separate applications for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work permits when applicable. 5. Permit is issued after review and fee payment.